As a voice teacher, my goals are to develop my students’ abilities to communicate in the healthiest, most efficient means possible. My approach to teaching voice focuses on developing students’ understanding of their instrument, both artistically and scientifically, through inquiry, guided study, practice, and self-assessment. Furthermore, I create a studio environment in which students can develop critical thinking skills through observation and analysis of performances, interpretation of assigned works, evaluation and reflection of lessons and performances, and problem-solving skills in the practice room.

My pedagogy is grounded in the work of generations of historical vocal pedagogues (Manuel Garcia II, Marchesi, Lehmann, etc.) integrated with the work of contemporary voice researchers (Titze, Miller, etc.) It is willfully negligent for an educator to dismiss the work of their predecessors only to adopt the newest fad-teaching paradigm and conversely, it is negligent for an educator to dismiss new research in voice science and rely solely on the “aged wisdom” of their predecessors. I constantly seek out research that examines the work of our pedagogical predecessors and verifies, objectively, their subjective teachings.

The discussion and study of multiple genres (classical, musical theatre, folk, country, and pop) is common within my vocal studio. The human voice is capable of limitless sounds and styles when used in a healthy, efficient manner with appropriate guidance based on the stylistic expectations within a genre. Fundamentally, I believe that various styles of music teach us to utilize different “palettes” of vocal colors and my responsibility is to equip my students with the skills to appropriately select the best vocal “colors” for their song. My students have placed in state and regional competitions for classical and musical theatre performances; they have gained admittance to well-respected undergraduate and graduate vocal performance programs; and one has begun a career as a performing artist in folk music. 

Ultimately, I strive to provide my students with the tools needed to be life-long musicians and to communicate, in whatever genre or style, in a healthy manner. Not all students will sing on the preeminent stages of the world, but my students will have the confidence, technique, and ability to communicate and share the diverse human experience through song.

TESTIMONIALS

“In the short amount of time I have worked with Dillon Beede, I have learned about what really makes music, music. He is a pleasure and a joy to work with. He’s taught me the importance of productive practice, song research, and interpretation. He gives students tools and skills to help them evolve and develop as musicians. He has helped me blossom as not only a singer, but a performer. I’m amazed and grateful for the amount time and effort he puts into his craft, teaching, and his students. He goes above and beyond and it shows.”

-Morgan O’Neill, student

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“I have worked with Dillon Beede in an educational setting as well as performance setting and have found him to be a superb colleague, both personally and professionally. 

On a personal and professional level, Dillon has always been willing to support, encourage, and assist where needed. In my first year of collegiate teaching he went out of his way to check in with me. He was a great ear for ideas and support. He has consistently shown his strength as a great collaborator and leader within the music department at Hastings College. 

We have co-taught several courses applying to vocal technique and production in which Dillon was an integral part of the preparation and execution. In observing his applied teaching studio, I found his ability to effectively communicate and utilize uplifting verbiage in lessons as an invaluable trait. His ability to discuss differing vocal techniques in an open, engaging way is one of his most valuable attributes. This knowledgeable and agreeable kind of communication is sorely needed in our career field and makes Dillon the ideal colleague. 

He is an enthusiastic and energetic teammate and adds great value to any project or performance that he is involved in.” 

-Dr. Kelli Van Meter, soprano