Student
Vocalists Sweep NATS Competition. Congratulations: Esther Rayo, Jenny Thuman, Christopher Trujillo and Katie Barnes: They placed either 1st or 2nd in the 2012 National Association of Teachers of Singing (N.A.T.S.) competition scholarship!
Newman hitting all the right notes
“Every time a school showed interest,” Newman said, “I went to their website. I wanted to see what they offered in their music programs. Most of the schools put little emphasis on jazz. Mostly classical and symphony. Nothing wrong with that. I love all music. But jazz was my thing.” (Read Full Story on Press Democrat)
Faculty
Dan Levitan has joined the SSU studio music faculty as Instructor of Harp.
Levitan is the principal harpist with the Marin Symphony (since 1984), Santa Rosa Symphony, Symphony Silicon Valley and San Jose Ballet orchestra. In addition to having performed with San Jose Symphony as principal harpist from 1978 until its closure in 2002, Dan has performed with the San Francisco Symphony, Opera, and Ballet orchestras, and is sought after as a soloist with orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles throughout Northern California.
Born and educated in Philadelphia, Mr. Levitan received bachelor degrees in Music Performance and in Music Education from Temple University, both magna cum laude, and was named "Most Promising Musician" on graduation. He has studied with Margarita Montanaro, Co-Principal Harpist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, internationally acclaimed harpists Susann McDonald and Susanna Mildonian, and well-known San Francisco Bay Area harpists Anne Adams, Marcella DeCray, and the late Phyllis Schlomovitz.
Alumni
Music Alumni, Jazz Vibraphonist Tyler Blanton has taken New York by storm! Check out Tyler's new website for photos, music samples, and more.