Debra Sostrin Piano and Singing Lessons

About me

How I can help you or your child

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I offer singing lessons and piano lessons in Northwest Portland and Beaverton areas. I teach all levels of voice and take piano students up to an early advanced level.  I am happy to teach all ages, from first graders to retired seniors.  I have a special ability to impart good reading skills, to motivate, and to get students of any age to play expressively. 

I adore teaching beginners and find it so gratifying to be able to give them a proper start, building a solid foundation of reading and technical skills and getting them listening to their sound from the very beginning. 

I am passionate about my teaching and never give up trying to find creative solutions to problems and blocks; I feel it is my job to find a way to get every student to understand and succeed.  It is not only the most talented student that interests me; I get a special thrill from helping those with problems to break through and progress.
 
My teaching duties have involved helping to prepare students for auditions (for honor choirs, music camps, applications to university music departments....).  A number of my former students have gone on to successful careers in music.  All of my school-age students have an opportunity to perform in recitals that I organize.

Bio

Education
  • Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice, Cleveland Institute of Music/Case Western Reserve University
  • Master of Music in Voice, Indiana University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Voice with minors in Piano and French, Northeastern Illinois University

Teaching
30 years of teaching experience, privately and at the American School of Paris

Performance
I have performed throughout France as a singer (recitals, oratorio, soloist with orchestra, staged works, film recordings) and was the soprano soloist and choir section leader at the American Church in Paris for 25 years.
Professional Affiliations
Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA)
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National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
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Debra Sostrin, DMA
Voice & Piano Studio
Serving Northwest Portland & Beaverton, OR 97229
E-mail: [email protected]