HI!! Welcome to WHO I AM!!!
First off, let me introduce myself. I'm Courtney
I am currently an adjunct instructor of music at Olivet College and Lansing Community College in Michigan. I teach Voice, Vocal Pedagogy, Diction for Singers and Aural Skills
Before moving to MI, My husband Victor and I lived in New York City for a few years after we were married. He practiced Law and I performed with a few small companies around the Metro NY area. We moved to MI for a better life and a more stress free row to hoe.
I did my Masters Degree at Boston University in voice performance. The city of Boston wasreally a great place to be. Lots of art and culture to take in. It's not as intimidating as NYC, even though my heart is there, but there is so much to do!!! (And we have the RIVAH (Charles, of course) too).
My undergraduate studies were also in voice performance at SUNY Potsdam , a New York State school situated in the beautiful Adirondack mountains. It's all the way up near the Canadian Border. Nice place, but SECLUDED!
While I was there, I pledged Sigma Alpha Iota . SAI is an International Music Fraternity for Women. I loved being a sister and will cherish the memories I have of it for the rest of my life. The sisterhood has tought me so much about who I am and who I wish myself to become. It has also tought me the art of sharing love with others (be it the sharing of music or onesself). "Pedging" could not have been more fun than it was with my fearless sisters Colleen, Lucy and Leigh. Hmm...With those "L" names, you would think that we would have been able to find that pesky Pledge "L" the Phi Mu Alpha brothers stole from us so long ago!!! "...My sisters speak only words that bless, give comfort and some happiness. Never failing in our service. Never failing in our practice of that wonderful magic we call MUSIC..."
I was a busy little beaver when I was an undergrad. I held two minors: French and Acting. I worked through these minors to become a more well rounded singer. Not only did I accomplish this, I learned so much about the inner processes of both the French language and the art of acting.
In my French Studies, I became enamored of literature. I took courses in literature that ranged from Renaissance to 20th century and also one in Francophone feminist literature (my fave). Everything from Voltaire to Colette simply makes me weep. In the spring of 1997, I was inducted into Pi Delta Phi, the national French Honor Society. This was an achievement that I am so proud of, and *love* to brag about! *laugh*.
Acting brought me out of myself. I was fortunate to work with talented student directors in two of the evenings of scenes, and great teachers who encouraged me to strive towards realism and truth. I hope to still continue some acting in the future in tandem with opera.
Eeyore is one of my favorite things in life...I identify with him in so many ways!!! He is depressed a lot of the time, but he knows that people love him...and sometimes he is "...so happy he simply has to stand on his head." He is
always loyal and true and forever blue!
