Diana B.

Diana is a talented pianist, vocalist, and educator whose musical journey began at the age of eight when she developed an ear for piano by listening to her grandmother play. Not much later, she started singing as well, as her mother had an interest in singing. Diana quickly got invoved in her local music community when it was discovered that she was naturally inclined as a singer, and she was able to hit notes so high during community choir warm ups that the adult sopranos would cover their ears. Around this time, Diana also started getting involved in show choirs and she picked up the trombone in school band as well.

Upon entering high school, Diana advanced her skills as a member of her school's marching band. Diana won many medals with the band at regional and state competitions, and she also participated in solo events and won medals individually on Trombone. She acted and performed vocally in plays and musicals as well during this time, and she also won many first place medals for voice. Diana then fine tuned her voice and piano skills and grew in the music community during her studies at one of the most prestigious arts schools in the United States, Interlochen Arts Academy. She progressed further when she attended Texas Woman's University and grauated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Music degree.

The seed of opportunity to start teaching was planted for Diana in the late 2000's through the prompting from friends who wanted their children to learn from her. Before long, she started adding more and more students to her roster through word of mouth, but also through her involvement in Carrollton Music Teachers Association. Diana quickly found that she liked working with children and seeing them grow musically. Her approach is very student-centered and she has worked with students across the entire spectrum of development. Having years of experience behind her, she has a talent for analyzing what approach will work best with each student. While every student's individual interests and goals are unique, Diana has extensive experience with incorporating music theory as well as performance and test preparation into curriculum. Diana believes that the only way to preserve a gift is to share it, so she loves seeing one of her students come into their own ability to teach and share the gift with others.

Her success as a teacher can be attributed to the example and inspiration of her teachers. Diana's past vocal instructors include Jeffrey Norris, of Interlochen and Elaine Rugila, a graduate of The Oberlin Conservatory. Her past choral instructors include Director David M. Ward, of the Seaway Chorale, and former Director Matthew Hazelwood, of Interlochen. Her past instrumental instructors include Dr. Michael Coonrod, of Interlochen, Mrs. Emilie La Roux of St. Mary's Catholic Central, Olga Tcherniak, of St. Clair County, and the Director Robert McMillan, of Woodhaven High and Brownstown Middle Schools. Diana says the success of her students is owed to their involvement in group ensembles as well as solo recitals, locally sponsored music teacher association festivals, supportive parents, and the practical feedback of their teacher.

While teaching is a significant part of Diana's musical career, she is accomplished in many other areas as well, and she stays involved in her music community in a number of ways. Diana has experience with acting in theatrical and musical productions, as well as commercial voice-over work. Diana is an active MTNA and TMTA member, and she currently also sings in the Texas Woman's University Concert Choir and Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Joni Jensen. Her most recent endeavors include solo performances sponsored by Voces Intimae and a Choir Performance at the Lincoln Center. Diana also continues to study and is growing musically under the direction of Texas Woman's University Professor Debbie Campanaro, M.A. in Piano Pedagogy, and under Texas Woman's University Professor Beverly Hoch, M.M. in Vocal Performance.

Although she has many interests and skills, Diana humbly considers herself a regular gal who is devoted to her pets, yoga, domestic duties, and spending time with family.