tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48854167471578738662024-02-20T13:22:24.246-08:00Robin Rene Idestrom Voice Coach & TeacherIn de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-31138925801642054702023-09-14T17:02:00.001-07:002023-09-14T17:02:35.881-07:00I am doing Voice Coaching now - What is coaching anyway?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFV6AlHTuax6kx2xez9NEFRKdcEvBoHuRpvjprO00AYKMIiPSlTK_SW1_hfmqjhN56IGtRYZdgVCBwm4PFKzlAj8lSWZWhFhok3k8VFEVKyLQdeNpTuhS0pxXFRJhoZxcBH2nxtcKCrDbdtClYiYCwwNP7XXYd5o0QliV4tI7HoWBm4nWWIjcm62XViE/s2048/IMG_3618.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFV6AlHTuax6kx2xez9NEFRKdcEvBoHuRpvjprO00AYKMIiPSlTK_SW1_hfmqjhN56IGtRYZdgVCBwm4PFKzlAj8lSWZWhFhok3k8VFEVKyLQdeNpTuhS0pxXFRJhoZxcBH2nxtcKCrDbdtClYiYCwwNP7XXYd5o0QliV4tI7HoWBm4nWWIjcm62XViE/s400/IMG_3618.jpeg"/></a></div>
I am excited to let you know that I have transitioned from Voice Teaching to Voice Coaching. It was originally supposed to be a sabbatical from teaching, but I'm having so much fun
coaching, I may not go back.
<br>
Many people ask me, what is the difference?<br>
<br>
Both Voice Lessons and Voice Coaching; <br>
-I accompany your lessons on piano, if needed.<br>
-Access to my huge music library<br>
-Variety of styles<br>
<br>
Voice Lessons: <br>
-More teacher led <br>
-heavier technical focus <br>
-teaching you how to sing (half the lesson is warming up, and a little breath work) <br>
-a variety of songs are chosen for you
(though you can participate in that) <br>
<br>
Voice Coachings: <br>
-More student led <br>
-more of a performance focus (come warmed up, and we will jump right into the music) (not to say that I won’t give you technique and exercises here and then when needed or requested)<br>
-You choose and provide the music that you want to work on (this doesn’t mean
that I won’t make suggestions when you need it) <br>
<br>
In addition, there will be performance opportunities possible through Masterclasses
and Vocal Workshops. <br>
<br>
In the Voice coaching, there is even more time to explore the creative aspect, the
artistic interpretation, the performance. I find that the older I get, the less I
want to listen to myself, and the more I want to abandon myself to the music.
This has been very meaningful and important for me, and I want to give
others the tools to move in this direction. <br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1RCbrZq_DceLIEJmY4zGw0NUS6QHOVprf38Om_F6bcKbaRwVvstoo9VmQEV8Rwt8sNmOxnRSnAypSwCLHCg6Dr1ng_b7cSgdBHcUoYFVzSdn3atexiWVO9NB_E59pBQL8GvZ881clPJkfYLatehwNoC19tNBKCfGLPq-xE_9MzBqeMuzKmoQT3YKDX4/s2731/IMG_0438.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="600" data-original-height="2731" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1RCbrZq_DceLIEJmY4zGw0NUS6QHOVprf38Om_F6bcKbaRwVvstoo9VmQEV8Rwt8sNmOxnRSnAypSwCLHCg6Dr1ng_b7cSgdBHcUoYFVzSdn3atexiWVO9NB_E59pBQL8GvZ881clPJkfYLatehwNoC19tNBKCfGLPq-xE_9MzBqeMuzKmoQT3YKDX4/s600/IMG_0438.jpeg"/></a></div>
<i>When you gain skills, you gain confidence. <br>
When you gain confidence, you can be creative. <br>
When you are creative, you make art. <br>
When you make art, you touch the heart. <br>
-Robin Idestrom
<br>
(I just came up with that off the cuff!) </i>
<br>
Send me a message at robin.idestrom@gmail.com if you want to set up an appointment, or have question about rates. I sell single sessions, or packages of 5 and 10 sessions.<br>
I am based
in Calgary, but online sessions are possible.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5rhZlntcxCYqQ7l4Tv5a6-8ADfD6acInR_VkIiRGpdGpAkYsULIsXGGUG90sy4pjmMFyy8ZwopFpMy4X869YOBL_2vQmfo8NS1ahe_0FYwcouY1eDnu35pO0A-8ic3EOR-XQ7MKMgUcIaAzAROAF32GE3u059fMOG3PkC7yr4iOP4JBJiF0Cx7AStxo/s2731/IMG_1950.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2731" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5rhZlntcxCYqQ7l4Tv5a6-8ADfD6acInR_VkIiRGpdGpAkYsULIsXGGUG90sy4pjmMFyy8ZwopFpMy4X869YOBL_2vQmfo8NS1ahe_0FYwcouY1eDnu35pO0A-8ic3EOR-XQ7MKMgUcIaAzAROAF32GE3u059fMOG3PkC7yr4iOP4JBJiF0Cx7AStxo/s400/IMG_1950.jpeg"/></a></div>
In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-23823601360326216432019-12-30T12:19:00.001-08:002019-12-30T12:19:37.824-08:00Retuning to Calgary and Accepting New Students for January 2020!Hello people!<br />
<br />
Can you believe it, after 12 years, we are returning to Calgary!<br />
In the dead of winter, no less!<br />
However, my studio (in my home in the NW) is full of warm welcome and I am taking new students in January. <br />
<br />
There are many years of experience teaching all kinds of voices and ability levels under my belt.<br />
I teach adults of all ages, college and youth. Depending on the child, I can also teach children. (I do have a blog posting about this - <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4885416747157873866#editor/target=post;postID=8871237824045861412;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=6;src=postname">My thoughts on teaching kids</a>) It is my joy to help each person find their individual voice by first building healthy vocal technique, and then exploring various styles and helping you to find your unique expression.<br />
<br />
I also do coaching, accompanying you and giving you tips for solos, auditions, recordings, whatever it is that you need. I am available to work with groups and choirs.<br />
Once my voice studio is up and running, I plan on holding studio voice classes and recitals.<br />
<br />
Please check out this page if you are wondering what others have said about me. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4885416747157873866#editor/target=post;postID=1923588429881178407;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=11;src=postname" target="">What others have said about Robin</a><br />
I look forward to hearing you and getting to you know!<br />
<br />
Please email me : robin.idestrom@gmail.com for further information.<br />
<br />
<br />
Thank you so much!In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-90808535211827288512015-08-17T12:20:00.001-07:002015-08-17T12:20:39.546-07:00Accepting New Voice Students for the Fall!<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My studio is open and ready to accept new students! Whether you are looking for a Voice teacher for your son or daughter or you are looking for yourself, I accept all levels, from beginners, to professional singers. Wherever you are at, I am ready to work with you to achieve your musical goals, whether it be preparing for auditions, performances, learning how to read music, make a stronger vocal contribution to the choir you sing with, or simply sing for the joy of it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Check here to see what others have said about their experience with me:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">http://robin-idestrom.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-others-have-said-about-robin.html </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I have over 20 years experience of teaching voice, and am ready to take you to a new level in your musicianship, vocal quality, communication, to name a few things. It is about joy, not perfection! Becoming a better singer, or learning to sing at all is a commitment and takes work! But it's important that it be fun and bring out the best in you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I would be happy to set up a preview lesson, where you can ask questions, and I can work with your voice. I am available for regular weekly lessons - 30 minutes, 45 minutes </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">or 60 minutes, or I can even do a la carte coaching sessions, where I will coach you on specific music that you are working through.
I accompany my students on my piano </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(unless you want to accompany yourself on piano or guitar). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I am also available to do some piano coaching. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Maybe voice lessons are something you have thought about for years, but have never pursued. Why not start now? Singing is an absolute joy, and when you gain the knowledge and tools to have freedom and confidence in your voice, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">your joy will increase!
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">robin.idestrom@gmail.com</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">646 894-0954</span></div>
In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-12065518168770727952013-03-20T16:19:00.002-07:002019-12-30T12:49:09.850-08:00To contact merobin.idestrom@gmail.com In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-31379515261229022742011-02-08T19:02:00.000-08:002019-12-30T12:50:12.565-08:00Bio<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Soprano Robin Idestrom has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, in a variety of genres from contemporary, spirituals and gospel, to Broadway, concert repertoire and modern opera, as well as being featured on a number of recordings. Robin began teaching voice and piano privately in California in 1993 after receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Azusa Pacific University. She has performed with the Calgary Philharmonic, the Calgary Civic Symphony, the Johnny Summer’s Jazz Orchestra, the Calgary Opera Chorus, The SymphoNYChorus and Connecticut Lyric Opera. She had the privilege of portraying Ruth Baldwin in the New York premier of the opera, Later the Same Evening, as well as the Second Housewife in Griffilken by Lukas Foss. Robin has studied and performed with Centro Studi Lirica in Italy and graduated with her Masters in Classical Voice from the renowned Manhattan School of Music in 2009, studying under Joan Patenaude-Yarnell. The recipient of the Birgit Nilsson Scholarship in Voice, Robin is passionate about creating life and beauty through music that will touch the soul, as well as inspiring others to reach their unique potential as artists and communicators.</span></div>
In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-88712378240458614122011-02-08T09:16:00.000-08:002012-02-07T07:35:54.153-08:00My thoughts on teaching kidsI am hearing this more and more lately: "My daughter just LOVES to sing, what do you think of teaching kids?" <br /><br />"How old is your child?" I ask.<br /><br />"Well, they actually aren't born yet...."<br /><br />O.k, so no one has come to me inquiring about their fetus yet, though I'm hearing about a few 7 year olds these days and even a 5 year old. (5 is a bit young!)<br /><br />Readiness for voice lessons really depends on the child themselves! What is the ideal age for starting voice lessons? In the past, I would have said adolescence. Ages 11-13 are GREAT ages to start lessons and I still think those are good ages to start. However, starting younger can be a very good thing, depending on the student.<br /><br />I have taught voice to 7 - 65 year olds. Right now I have a 7, 9 and two 10 year olds. The age of the student is not the main issue. The <span style="font-style:italic;">passion</span> of the student is the main issue. A passionate and talented 10 year old student can see vocal improvement more quickly than a 25 year old student! A committed 50 year old student will quickly outshine (and outgrow) a talented, but non-committed 18 year old student. <br /><br />I find that voice, for children in particular, takes a bit more personal motivation than for other instruments. It can't be the parent's desire for the child - it must be the child's desire for themselves! After all, their body is the instrument! Singing involves the body of course, as well as the heart, soul and mind. Good singing engages all of these things. I used to find that teaching older kids was better, but if you show me a child who has talent, an exceptional desire to sing and is willing to practice, I know that it can work.<br /><br />When it comes to kids and singing, I find they often already do so much right! They tend to be freer, less inhibited, and more joyful when they sing. It is once we get older, hear criticism and learn to fear that we, sadly, hinder ourselves when we sing. When I teach a child, my job is to discover all they are doing right, encourage that and keep them from getting in their own way. Sure, they all have some unhealthy habits that need fixing. Those are addressed in a persistent but non-threatening manner.<br /><br />My young students are delighting me! Some of the wonderful things that they are doing could be an example to my older students. For example, my youngest student today was dancing freely, with joy as she sang her new piece, and as a result, her voice rang out beautifully. Ah, if everyone would free up and sing as unhindered as she was. <br /><br />Most of all, kids want to have fun and sing their hearts out. I am there to help them do it.In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-25022029776786885862011-01-27T19:56:00.000-08:002011-01-27T21:41:03.966-08:00A little bit about me & the lessons...Many people ask, what is your teaching style? What is a lesson like? The second questions is easier to answer than the first. The best way to find out how you fit with a voice teacher is to meet with them in person and ask them questions, or try a sample lesson. You can also observe a lesson that I teach someone else. But it takes time for a student and teacher to get to know and understand one another! <br /><br />A little bit about my personality: I am passionate, creative, and full of energy. I am a people person, relational, flexible, and with a good sense of humor. At the same time, however, I push you to your potential and I will not accept mediocrity.<br /><br />I am passionate about helping each student to find their true voice and develop it to be as beautiful, honest and healthy as possible. When we first meet, I find out where you are at - your hopes for lessons, your musical goals/dreams. I want each student to be really happy with what they are receiving from me and so from time to time, we review how the lessons are going and if there are new goals that you hope to accomplish. I hope for lessons to be a time to work, but also a time to experience joy.<br /><br />As I get to know your voice, I make goals for each lesson -something I hope we can work on/accomplish. The lessons are broken into 2 sections; the 1st half is technique, including breathing and vocal exercises that I choose for each individual student to help grow her vocally and to overcome problem/weak areas. The 2nd half of the lesson is singing; learning and preparing a variety of repertoire for performance. (I accompany on piano) This gives you the opportunity to put what you are learning into practice. I encourage learning a variety of styles of music, but teach a very solid technique that will help you to become a more powerful and effective performer. Besides the whole technical and musical aspect, I help students learn how to really spend time with the text and express themselves in an authentic way, vocally and expressively. That is so important! This is what will impact ourselves and others as they hear us.<br /><br />I offer chances for my students to perform in recitals throughout the year. This is not meant to be an intimidating experience, but rather an opportunity to share what is in you with others. There are student recitals - where you perform for one another, in a mutually supportive and low-key environment, as well as recitals where you can invite friends and family to come and hear you. There is nothing like having a performance date on the calendar to push you to a whole new level!<br /><br />I have a Master's (and Bachelor's) Degree in Classical Vocal performance and I relish singing this type of music, however, I am unique in that I have had a great deal of experience performing contemporary, pop, gospel and even some Broadway music. I use my solid technique and strong communication skills, but can easily adjust my style of singing to suit the piece and I know how to teach others to do the same. It is a joy to pass on the wealth I have learned to others, to see the excitement and confidence that accompanies growth, and to see people find their true voice.In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-69904684652860668352011-01-27T18:41:00.002-08:002021-03-11T19:11:18.142-08:00Resume'<span style="font-weight: bold;">EDUCATION</span><br />
Manhattan School of Music, New York - Masters of Music, Classical Voice 2009 <br />
Centro Studi Lirica, Novafeltria, Italy, Summer 2008 <br />
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California - Bachelor of Arts, Music 1993<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">TEACHING</span><br />
Private Voice Instructor, Connecticut, California, New York, Canada, 1993 – Present<br />
Artist in Residence/Voice Teacher, HC Crittendon Middle School, Armonk, New York, 2017-2019 <br />
Voice Instructor, Enchanted Garden Conservatory of the Arts, CT, 2010 - 2013<br />
Voice/Piano Instructor, Sharps and Flats Studio, CT, 2010 - 2012<br />
Adjunct Voice Instructor, Rocky Mountain College, Calgary, Alberta, 2004 – 2007<br />
Voice Teacher, Word of Life Music School, Red Deer, Alberta, 2002 – 2003<br />
Adjunct Voice Teacher, Canadian Nazarene College, 1995-1998<br />
Piano Teacher, California & Canada, 1993 - 1999<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">MASTERCLASSES/WORKSHOPS</span><br />
Voice Workshops, Contemporary Worship Conferences, 2013 - 2016<br />
Voice Workshop -Discovering the Artist Within, Woodland, California, 2009<br />
Masterclass -Contemporary Singing, Rocky Mountain College, 2006<br />
Voice Workshop -Westside Kings Church, Calgary, 2000<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">CHORAL YOUTH DIRECTING</span><br />
Musical Director, Music&Drama Camp (9-12 Gr), Redwood Glen Camp, California, 2010-2012<br />
Junior High Life Group Leader, Centre Street Church, Calgary, 1998-2001<br />
Music Director, Youth Musical, Waiters, Centre Street Church, Calgary, Alberta, 1998<br />
Music Director, Youth Musical, The Extra Mile, Centre Street Church, Calgary, 1997<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">PERFORMANCE </span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Opera /Broadway</span> <br />
The True Story of Cinderalla, Cinderella, Fountain Music Series, February 2012, 2015<br />
Die Zauberflote, Pamina (Cover), Connecticut Lyric Opera, 2010<br />
SymphoNYChorus Broadway Concerts, West Side Story (Maria), New York, 2010<br />
MSM*, Later the Same Evening, (Musto), Ruth Baldwin, New York Premiere, 2008<br />
Centro Studi Lirica, La Boheme, Mimi, Marriage of Figaro, Countess, Italy, 2008<br />
Manhattan School of Music, Griffilken, 2nd Housewife, New York, 2007<br />
MSM Discover Opera (School Outreach) Program, Incanted, Evil Queen, New York, 2008<br />
Calgary Opera, Carmen, Cigarette Girl, Gypsy, 2007<br />
Calgary Opera, Frobisher World Premiere, Edgy Party Girl, 2007<br />
Man of La Mancha, Aldonza, Concord, California<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Concert/Recital</span><br />
Recital with Chun-Wei Kang, Ridgefield, Connecticut, November 2019<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
Soloist, Midwinter Concert, Centre Street Orchestra, Calgary, Canada, Feb 2019 <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />
Recital with Chun-Wei Kang, April 2018, Ridgefield, Connecticut<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>
Chamber Recital with Lucia Negro, April 2012, Ridgefield, Connecticut<br />
Manhattan School of Music, Masters Voice Recital, New York, 2009<br />
Arrata Opera Centre, Solo Recital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2007, <br />
Centre Street Church, Solo Recital, Calgary, 2004<br />
VoiceScapes, Sing Along Messiah, Soprano Soloist, Calgary, 2006<br />
Baroque & Buskin Chamber Orchestra, Soprano, Stabat Mater, Pergolesi, Calgary, 2005<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Choral/Solo</span> <br />
The SymphoNYChorus, New York, 2008-2013<br />
Various Venues, Soloist with orchestra and bands, Alberta, Canada and California<br />
Calgary Civic Symphony, Christmas Concerts, Soprano<br />
Calgary Philharmonic Chorus, Soprano, Calgary<br />
Continental Orchestra Tour, Assistant Director (vocal), Soprano, U.S and Bermuda<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">SOLO RECORDINGS:</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Pop/Gospel/Jazz/spirituals/classical</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Classics TSC* Live Concert Recording, "Praise Ye the Lord, 2011</span><br />
Alleluia, TSC, "Your Grace Still Amazes Me", 2010<br />
Jubilance Singers and Orchestra, “The Lord’s Prayer,” 2010<br />
Walter Afanasieff, Producer, “There Will Be a Time,” Demo for Barbara Streisand, 2006<br />
Summertime Music Corp, “Oh Lord, Set Me Free,” Walk Through the Park. 2005 <br />
Red Leaf Recording & Publishing Ltd.,“He Never Changes”,Calling, Jachin Mullen, 2003<br />
In His House Productions, “The First Noel,” Christmas Artists Collection II, 2002<br />
In His House Productions, “Give Me Jesus,” Artists Collection I, 1999<br />
In His House Productions, “Joy is on the Way,” Rejoice, 1996<br />
Azusa Pacific University, “Joy is on the Way,” Celebration, 1994<br />
Jubilance Singers and Orchestra, “Sing unto the Lord a New Song,” Almighty, 1993<br />
Azusa Pacific University, “When I Speak His Name”, University Choir & Orchestra, 1993<br />
*The SymphoNYChorus<br />
<br />
<b>COMPETITION:</b><br />
Vocal Concerto Competition, Scena di Berenice, Haydn, Manhattan School of Music, 1st Alt 2009<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">VOCAL STUDIES</span><br />
Katherine Ardo - Calgary, Joan Patenaude-Yarnell -New York, Ernie Atkinson, Elizabeth Hicks -Calgary<br />Wayne Eikenberry -California<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">CONDUCTORS/STAGE DIRECTORS/COACHES</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Conductors:</span> Elmer Riegel, Michael Barrett, Stephen Osgood, Daniel Beckwith, Jean-Marie Zeitouni, Hans Graff, Erich Kunzel, Dr. Gary Bonner, Henric Idestrom<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"> Stage Directors:</span> Michael Philip Davis, Leon Major, Gordon Ostrowsky, Linda Brovsky, David Gately, Kelly Robinson<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Coaches:</span> Catherine Malfitano, Mignon Dunn, Kathryn LaBouff (English Diction), Glenn Morton (Italian diction), Ubaldo Fabbri (Italian diction, style), Gordon Ostrowski (dramatic), Marianne Barrett (German diction), Christina Stanescu, Chun-Wei Kang, Chris Cano, Douglas Sumi, Nick Fox, William Tracy Elizabeth Rodgers, <br />
June Marano-Murray<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">SCHOLARSHIPS</span><br />
Manhattan School of Music - Birgit Nilsson Scholarship in Voice<br />
University of Michigan School of Music - Full Merit Scholarship, (offered)<br />
Azusa Pacific University -Voice ScholarshipIn de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-73808651259409383922011-01-27T14:29:00.000-08:002012-02-15T11:46:14.007-08:00Voice ContractVoice Studio Contract of Robin Idestrom<br /><br />Ridgefield, CT <br /><br /><br />Please read carefully and retain a copy for reference.<br /><br />Your lesson Day ___________ Time: _________<br /><br />What you can expect from me:<br /><br />An ongoing enthusiastic commitment to helping you to become the best singer and performer you can be. <br /><br />Each lesson tailor-made for you, your needs, you ability, to help you reach your goals<br /><br />To give you the tools to be able to sing with vocal health, joy and freedom<br /><br />To help you to find a variety of good repertoire<br /><br />To accompany you on piano throughout the lesson<br /><br />What I expect from you:<br /><br />At the first lesson, I want to hear what you hope to receive from your voice studies, and your musical hopes and goals. <br /><br />Arrive at each lesson on time and prepared so that we can make the most of the time we have each week.<br /><br />Consistent practice throughout the week; You must set aside time to practice, to vocalize and work on your music if you expect the lessons to make any difference. (Don’t wait and try to cram it all in the day before your lesson). You will become a better singer with consistent practice.<br /><br />Come with a willingness to learn, and sometimes step out of your comfort zone.<br /><br />Come prepared with a recording device, music, notebook and pen.<br /><br />Open and honesty communication - Let me know how things are going, I want you to be happy with what you are receiving as a student.<br /><br />Other things:<br /><br />Lessons are recorded so that you may practice along with your tape (or sound file) during the week. As you listen to my instruction, it can be very helpful to take further notes of things you may not have caught during the lesson. You should record each lesson on a fresh track each time. Recording over lessons is discouraged. Provide a separate tape or track for recording the accompaniment for the songs. Please label each recording with the date of lesson.<br /><br />For payment information, please contact me by email or phone.In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4885416747157873866.post-50694445097277672082011-01-24T19:51:00.000-08:002015-12-07T15:27:52.680-08:00The language that bridges the chasmStrangers - or are they?<br />
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It was the third time in a row I had been ignored by a stranger I greeted on my walk. She looked away before my smile had the chance to reach her eyes. Unfortunately, our lives are filled with fewer friends than strangers, whom it can be all too easy to pass by without acknowledging. Countless hours are spent investing ourselves in our companions, those for whom we reserve all of our love for. Yet how many hours are spent in the presence of those people we do not know, or care to know, in a lifetime? Time spent on the bus, in line at the teller, at the checkout, stumbling past pedestrians day after day, year after year, while we hang on so tightly to our supply of smiles!<br />
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I am not insisting that it is possible to be cheerful at all times. We all have times when we have surpassed our tolerance for people and there is nothing left to give. And then, there are those times in life where we are broken, empty or angry. I am a social person, but when I was enveloped in the grief of losing my father, I could not bear the thought of being around people. Yet right in my darkest time of isolation, I was still able communicate to many through singing. Those songs bridged the gap that my pain had formed between humankind and myself. Sometimes we cannot even love ourselves, much less others. Yet in those spaces in our journey when we feel even a little sympathy, is it not possible to be the one to reach out or at the very least, begin to receive kindness from the others brave enough to give it?<br />
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Why must we bind up our hearts so tightly? Why is it that unless we know and like a person, we do not give even the tiniest piece of the vast store of love that lies within us? Each of us wants to be known. But is knowing a prerequisite for loving? I am discovering how sacred even ten seconds with a stranger can be. I ponder what would change if we determined in our hearts that we will love each human being we encounter, from our server to our mail carrier? What if there was a true, open, embracing of each person, no matter how good looking, influential, respectable or kind? A pure fondness that begins in our hearts, seeps through our eyes and is sometimes revealed by words. Music has enabled me to love thousands upon thousands of strangers. I have been able to share my deepest pain, my greatest joys, and the reason for my hope. There has been no greater privilege. I have learned that many people feel like they know me because of the communication that has miraculously occurred through the medium of music. It has the power to bring strangers together and feel like they have known one another for a lifetime. <br />
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-Written November 2006In de Stromshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12638790662347926960noreply@blogger.com0