Hi, my name is Ariana and I am a mezzo-soprano from Long Island who recently relocated to Fishtown! I feel equally at home with teaching and performing. I hold a dual Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Ithaca College and a Master of Music in Opera Performance/Musical Theatre from Arizona State University.

I have most recently performed with The Glimmerglass Festival, Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Ithaca, Light Opera of New Jersey and Opera Night Long Island. I have also trained with Canto Vocal Programs, Opera Viva! and The Wesley Balk Opera/Music-Theater Institute. In 2018, I earned an Encouragement Award in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and was also a recipient of the Opera Club of Syracuse Award through the Civic Morning Musicals Competition.

I come from a family of music educators and have been teaching since 2016. I have taught a wide variety of students including voice, violin and piano lessons as well as K-12 chorus, orchestra and band across New York. In 2017, I taught beginner music classes at Gymboree Play & Music to children from birth through five years old. I am delighted to be joining Philly Music Lessons and I hope to make music with you soon!

When did you begin singing, and why?

I have been singing for most of my life. Both of my parents are professional musicians, so I fell in love with music from an early age. Music quickly became my favorite form of self-expression and a way to communicate and bond with people.

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?

I started playing violin when I was four years old. My parents took me to a violin recital at a local college and I instantly began begging my parents for lessons! I also play piano. I wasn’t as lucky to start piano lessons as young as my violin lessons but I started loving piano in high school and have continued playing and learning!

What are your personal goals as a musician?

I truly love teaching AND performing equally. Both bring me so much joy. To share my music with others and to then help young and aspiring musicians achieve their musical goals is a great honor. I learn just as much from my students and they learn from me. I am constantly learning and aspire to be the best musician, person and teacher I can be.

What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

PLAY! As someone who tends to hyperfocus on certain things and is a major perfectionist, this was the best advice a teacher once gave me. Trust that all of the work you have done in the practice room and in lessons is enough! When it comes time for the performance, it should feel fun! PLAY with your piece of music and stop knit-picking every little detail. Music is living, breathing, and always evolving. Remind yourself why you are here and why you love making music!

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument?

When I was in college first studying to become a music teacher, I had to learn how to play the flute. I thought, “no big deal,” not knowing I had met my match. It felt nearly impossible to get a sound out of the instrument. I spent weeks practicing and receiving extra help from professors and colleagues with no luck. I had to play “Twinkle Twinkle” for my flute final and I still could barely make a sound! I went to my professor’s office feeling defeated and helpless. However, that day something finally clicked and I was able to hold a singular note on the flute. I showed him that I knew all of the fingerings for the music notes but still couldn’t play the final song. My professor had seen how hard I worked just to accomplish that small task. Well, I passed my flute class, clearly not because I could play “Twinkle Twinkle” but because I worked hard and wasn’t afraid to ask for help.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

Many years ago, I injured my vocal chords. I had to take an entire year off of singing to recover. It was an extremely challenging year full of surgery, doctors appointments and voice therapy. Twelve months later, I was finally approved to start auditioning and singing professionally again. Soon after, I competed in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and WON an award. This was huge for two reasons: one because I received recognition from the biggest opera company in the country and two because just one year prior I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to be able to sing again and not only did I sing but I won an award from The Metropolitan Opera for my voice!

Favorite thing about teaching?

I will never stop learning! Each and every student I work with gives me opportunities to discover and deepen my knowledge in that instrument and in their learning styles. Every person learns differently and at their own pace. I love finding what works for each student and adapting to play to their strengths.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

It is ALWAYS worth it! I know there will be many hours of dedicated practicing, frustration, challenges, etc. But I promise, it will always be worth it. Music can improve your mood, ease anxiety and pain, reduce stress…and just think about how many people you can inspire by sharing your music with them!