Diane Abrahamian

Style: World; Pop; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Classical; Musical Theatre

Title: Voice Instructor/Choral Conductor

Bio:

Diane Abrahamian is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where she received her BM and MM in Music Education with a focus on Voice, Piano and Choral Conducting. Diane is a five-time GRAMMY Music Educator Award nominee and was selected as a Quarter-finalist each year, and a Semi-Finalist in 2016 (top 25 music educators in the USA). The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra recognized Diane with the “Outstanding Music Educator Award.” Diane is a Sr. Associate Voice Instructor at the Eastman Community Music School where she specializes in jazz and contemporary music. Diane was a visiting Professor in the Musical Theatre Department at Nazareth College from 2016-2018. Diane is a frequent guest conductor for All-State, Area All-State and All-County Choirs (traditional and jazz) and presents workshops on vocal technique, choral rehearsal techniques, sight singing, vocal jazz, improvisation, and musical theatre. Diane was a Vocal Music Teacher at Penfield High School for thirty-five years where she directed the PHS Chorale, Concert Choir, Jazz Choir, Jazz Factory and Uptown Express (men’s choir), taught four levels of Voice Classes and was the Vocal Music Director of the musical productions. Diane was also the Vocal/Classroom Music Coordinator for the Penfield Central School District. Diane’s choirs have been invited to perform at local, state and national music conferences. Several of Diane’s former students and Jazz Choir received Downbeat magazine’s prestigious Downbeat Award for outstanding performances. Diane and her students have performed with some of the world’s leading jazz artists including Jon Hendricks, Regina Carter, Eddie Daniels, Darmon Meader, Tia Fuller, Sean Jones, Terell Stafford, Russell Malone, Kevin Mahogany, Jeff Tyzik, Jake Shimabukuro, Stefon Harris, Claudia Acuna, James Carter, Tamir Handelman, Clark Terry, and Wycliffe Gordon. Many of Diane’s former students are performing professionally in the field of musical theatre, jazz, opera and contemporary pop music. One of her former voice students performs regularly with Bette Midler as a backup singer. Many others have performed in shows on Broadway and in Broadway touring companies including Kinky Boots, Rent, The Color Purple, The Wedding Singer, Legally Blonde, Jekyll and Hyde, White Christmas, Xanadu, 42nd Street, Dogfight, Million Dollar Quartet, Civil War, Ragtime, Grease, Company, How to Succeed In Business, Stand By Your Man, The Wild Party, Flashdance, The Sound Of Music, Hairspray Live and Once On This Island, Come From Away.

Diane is the Vocal Jazz Review Editor for The New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) publication, The School Music News.

"I am passionate about giving students the tools to become knowledgeable musicians, confident, creative, versatile singers and expressive human beings. I use a sequential approach to developing the voice that includes releasing physical tension and aligning the body; developing an understanding and awareness of naturally released inhalation, breath energy and management; and creating warmth, clarity, freedom and evenness throughout a wide vocal range using a variety of physical and vocal exercises. I believe that anyone can sing. However, it takes dedicated, detailed instruction, along with ongoing, mindful practicing to develop beauty, maturity, evenness and freedom in the voice. Whether it is vocal jazz, musical theatre or 'classical' music, it is a joy for me to share my passion for healthy, expressive singing." ~Diane Abrahamian

Diane can be contacted for voice instruction through the Eastman Community Music School: dabrahamian@esm.rochester.edu, 585-274-1400 https://www.esm.rochester.edu/community/faculty/diane-abrahamian/

Voice Type: Mezzo-soprano

Music Styles Taught: World; Pop; Jazz; Folk; Gospel; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter

Contact Information