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Michael Dean has also taught on the faculties of the State University of New York at Fredonia and the New England Conservatory. "Mr. Dean has an amazing way of explaining every aspect of singing to both the new and experienced singers…his knowledge of the mechanics of the voice has been extremely helpful. There is not one question that I have asked him about the voice that he has not answered with complete confidence; I have never left a lesson without a new piece of knowledge. Mr. Dean is still performing throughout the world, which is extremely beneficial to an emerging artist. His experience is an invaluable tool to all of his students, as he can answer almost any inquiry regarding the life of a performer. He is also very approachable and extremely friendly, taking each conversation he has with his students to heart. There have been several occasions where Mr. Dean will come into a lesson with an article, book, or poem that had to do with a discussion from lessons past. He is constantly thinking of his students and it shows through his everyday actions." -- Nicholas Zammit, countertenor "When I first began studying with him, Mr. Dean was quickly able to diagnose several major technical issues in my singing. Like any young singer, I obsess a bit about high notes. Mr. Dean has helped me gain the ability to let the higher notes of my range come as a natural outgrowth of the rest of the voice, thereby allowing for a free physicality and greater ability to interpret the text and music. Mr. Dean's approach centers on keeping singing simple. He teaches that the essentials of singing – constant breath control under an open instrument – should always be returned to when one's technique becomes strained or pushed. He has the ability to zero-in on a problem or issue and truly refocus my concentration on the basics, without allowing those things that are not critical to interfere. He is always enthusiastic, supportive, firm, and knowledgeable. Many of the problem areas in my technique have improved a great deal, and I have grown immensely as a singer." -- Charles Gibbs, bass-baritone "As a masters student of Professor Dean (NEC '03), I worked a great deal on the middle and lower range of my voice, at first an unfamiliar area for a developing coloratura soprano. Professor Dean's goal was to give me a solid grasp of my full range. By the reaction of listeners and the comfort I now feel every time I sing, I know that my instrument has made tremendous leaps. I now realize the beauty throughout my sound, and no longer consider my flageolet tones my only asset. The atmosphere in Professor Dean's studio lessons was always professional and comfortable. Lessons were a time to work, explore, and create art. With studio time at the center of a musical education, the studio teacher is the defining influence on a young singer. In my opinion, no one's time and energy were better spent than mine. Professor Dean took great personal care in my musical and vocal development, and I am grateful to him for the experience." -- Jendi Sunderman, coloratura soprano "Mr. Dean teaches artistic singing. I aspire to be an artistic singer. The approach we took to vocal music was achieving quality, not quantity. The sound and resonance of one note; then the flow of two notes connecting together; the rise and fall of a phrase, a line; the pacing of a song. If Mr. Dean has one technical emphasis in his teaching, it is strengthening and maintaining breath support. This I was slow in understanding, but as my views changed and as I focused on this principle, my singing world changed. I sang differently than I had before. My colleagues noticed and commented. My other instructors and coaches complimented my on the strides I had taken. Mr. Dean showed me how to sing with heart and meaning, as an artist." -- Chad Morrison, baritone |
