Reviews

Reviews
What students, parents and music professionals say. . .

'Fine musician, natural pedagogue'

Debra is everything anyone – child or adult – could want in a piano or singing teacher. She is that rare combination of fine musician and natural pedagogue. She brings intelligence, psychology, caring and fun to her teaching. Julia, my shy, low-confidence, hard to motivate teenage daughter, ADORED Debra and her hour lesson every week – and she learned to play beautifully and very musically.
Susan Cartwright, Paris

'High standards'

My nine-year-old daughter, Mercedes, has taken private piano lessons with Debra for the past two years. As a parent, it is simply a joy to see Mercedes motivated to go to each lesson, to practice with enthusiasm and to see her steady progress. Debra’s encouragement, high standards and experiences have undoubtedly unleashed Mercedes’ passion, confidence and competence to play this instrument. I highly recommend Debra as Piano teacher for your child.
Luella Goethals, Paris

'Infectious enthusiasm'

Debra's infectious enthusiasm for music and teaching music is highly motivational. Her teaching combines theory, technique and interpretation in just the right doses. Debra often chose piano pieces for lessons based on my daughter's taste in music, motivating her to practice more and progress.
Cynthia Kaiser, Paris

'Fun and inventive'

Studying voice with Debra Sostrin opened up my understanding of how my body and voice worked, introduced me to songs and repertoire I would never have found on my own, and gave me the skills to expand my vocal range and vocal quality. Debra was always warm and supportive, fun and inventive. I feel very lucky to have worked with her!
Mary Clark, North Hampton, MA

'The most patient musical coach'

For those in or approaching retirement, and would like to do something special to fill those happy days, whether you are a débutante or professional, I strongly recommend Debra Sostrin as the most patient and supportive 'Musical Coach'. I have studied with her for years and her genuine vocal and piano encouragements have improved my musical satisfaction tremendously!
Ed Creighton, Paris

'Full of musicality'

Both of my sons began music lessons with Debra while still in primary school. Her piano lessons gave them a strong foundation in music. Her teaching is methodical, clear and full of musicality. They loved studying with Debra because her approach to teaching is full of understanding and enthusiasm. This experience gave them both a very positive beginning in music which they will remember always.
Lucia Coppola, Paris

'A fabulous teacher and coach'

I was over 40 when I finally decided to take my music seriously, and I had so many doubts. Debra was a fabulous teacher and coach-- with her guidance, I literally reached new heights. My music improved almost immediately, but even more, the skills of relaxation, intention, and concentration that I learned from Debra have helped me in countless ways in other areas of my life. She is the best.
Laura Richardson, Lander, Wyoming

'Meticulous yet entertaining'

Having studied as a child, I went back to piano when I retired. Debra's teaching method, meticulous yet entertaining, provided a choice of pieces that suited me, and allowed me, in just a few months, to progress to a point that astonished my family and myself, and that charmed my husband (that's him talking). Thank you, Debra.
Jacqueline Tchopourian, Paris

'Makes the student shine'

We were so lucky to have Debra as our daughter's first piano teacher. Debra adapted the pace of learning and the music styles to match the progress made at home each week. Debra makes a real effort to seek out the best in every student and make him or her shine !
Diane Rosset, Paris

'Helps overcome a vocal problem'

Debra has the ability to identify a vocal problem and describe how to overcome it in simple, yet understandable terms for singers of all levels.
D. Takakjian, Paris

'Lessons are never a drag'

After 4 years with Debra, I can say with extreme certainty that my level in piano has improved drastically. She taught me to actually listen to myself when I’m playing instead of just being happy if the notes are right, as well as broadening my musical culture. Most importantly, even after so many years, it was never a drag to go to my next piano lesson.
Sonya Kaiser, Paris

'Amazing'

My experiences with Mrs. Sostrin have been amazing. I emailed her halfway into the year asking if she'd help me learn to read. Within a week I was sitting with her expressing what I was capable of, within two weeks I had a binder full of new material to enhance my skills, and within a month my reading skills had doubled. I am very grateful for her service and I do recommend her as a teacher.
Justin Frank, Paris

'Gave my daughter confidence'

Debra has been a wonderful piano teacher for our daughter Claire for the last three years. She has managed to motivate her and give her confidence, letting her choose the type of music pieces she wanted to play, while making sure to see constant improvements. Claire will miss Debra a lot.
Marie-Laure Balay, Paris

'A flawless instructor'

Debra Sostrin is a meticulous musician, flawless instructor, and inspiring artist. She would be an invaluable asset to beginning, intermediate or advanced students.
Kimberly Hawkins, DMA, Paris

'Explains everything simply'

Debra has the most wonderful method of explaining everything simply and making the art of learning music very fun.
Susan Stolarow, Paris

'Perfect example of professionalism'

It has been my privilege and distinct honor to work with Debra Sostrin over the past 25 years in Paris. As the paid soprano section leader all during that time in the American Church Choir, she was a superb leader and perfect example of professionalism to the other singers. On hundreds of occasions she sang solos for worship, always impeccably prepared, and also sang many times on the Atelier Concert Series at the American Church.

Debra's knowledge of vocal technic is top notch. I personally studied voice with her privately for three years and can attest first hand to her amazing gift in this area. In addition to her understanding of vocal production, she has a talent for communicating clearly and in a way that puts one at ease.

As a piano teacher, Debra developed a large private studio here in Paris. My own son was able to benefit from her expert teaching. She often held end-of-the-year student recitals at the American Church and I have always been impressed by the results her students achieve.

I could not recommend ANYONE more highly as a music teacher, and that is a statement I do not make lightly. I would encourage anyone to benefit from Debra's teaching!
Fred Gramann, Director of
Music, The American Church in Paris

'A superb performer and teacher'

Debra Sostrin is one of the finest musicians I have ever known. I have known her for 26 years, in which time, as a professional pianist, I have accompanied her in solo recitals, have accompanied her students, and have been the pianist for her conducting of choral groups. She is a superb performer and teacher. As an example of the latter, I would mention that my son still remembers all the theory that he learned from her as a pre-teen piano student, some 20 years ago. Debra is a consummate professional in any musical realm. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Laurana Mitchelmore, Le Vésinet, France

'Demonstrates the magic touch'

It has been a privilege to have known and worked with Debra Sostrin since 1999 at the American School of Paris. As choral, guitar, keyboard and musical theatre teacher at ASP, I have had many opportunities to observe Debra work with students and witness the long‐term results of her work with private students. Debra is an extremely professional, committed, dedicated and nurturing person and music educator. Not only is she highly qualified in her field, she consistently demonstrates the magic touch, patience, compassion and communication skills so necessary to be a successful teacher. Debra epitomizes the holistic teacher. Debra’s approach to teaching vocal singing has proven exceedingly successful as shown by the number of students who have achieved the highest level of vocal performance. She has successfully prepared student for musicals, auditions for international choral festivals, colleges and universities. I highly recommend without hesitation, Debra Sostrin as the correct choice for either a vocal or piano teacher.
Harald T. Halvorsen, Music Direction
American School of Paris

'Consummate professionalism'

I have had numerous associations with Debra Sostrin over my last twenty years in Paris; she has been my voice teacher, my daughter's piano teacher and more recently, my colleague at the American School of Paris, where she has been the voice teacher for several of my guitar students. In all of these situations, Debra's work has always shown consummate professionalism coupled with an exceptional gift of human sensitivity and a kind and caring spirit. She will always be a huge asset to any musical community. James Wilson, Composer & Teacher
American School of Paris

'Patient, funny and kind'

Our son studied piano with Debra while he waited to reach 4th grade, when our school allowed kids to begin trumpet lessons. He was just biding his time, but he still plays for fun, and says things like "Every musician should be familiar with the piano." As I had never studied piano, I took a few lessons with Debra as well, to better accompany Alex. She was an excellent teacher -- patient, funny, and kind. The highly structured yet relaxed and fluid lessons gave me the impression that we were building something together. With her, a student can see where he's been and where he's going. This was important for me as I had been a less-than-stellar music student as a child.
Mary N., Paris

'Respects the desires of each student'

My daughter Lucie has been studying piano with Debra for four years; during this time, Debra has succeeded in teaching her music, reading and rhythm skills without ever losing the pleasure of playing. Then, discovering that Lucie has a pretty voice, Debra encouraged Lucie to sing and incorporated singing into the lessons. All the learning has been accomplished in an atmosphere of conviviality and shared pleasure. I very much appreciated Debra's method and style of teaching, respecting and taking into consideration the desires of each student while always maintaining the highest standards of achievement.
Claire Mauze, Paris

'Makes us love the work we do'

Debra Sostrin is a perfectionist when it comes to rhythm and pitch. She works her students hard and makes us love the work we do with her.
Patti Lafage, choir member, American Church in Paris

'Gave us the pleasure of music'

My two children were always happy to go to their lessons with Debra. She was always able to structure the lessons to provide the maximum benefits, all while
taking into account their individual needs and ambitions. She respected their desires and was willing to adapt to their changing needs: when my son wanted to begin guitar lessons after having studied piano for several years, she encouraged him; this was a good thing because he has stayed with music. When my daughter asked for extra help preparing for a school theory exam, Debra helped her to succeed. And it is especially thanks to Debra that my daughter loves music so much. We, her parents, did not have the musical training that would have allowed us to help our children; we relied on Debra, who knew how to offer our children the pleasure of music along with a solid foundation.
Nathalie Trotin, Paris

Debra Sostrin, DMA
Voice & Piano Studio
Serving Northwest Portland and Beaverton, OR 97229
E-mail: [email protected]

ReviewsWhat students, parents and music professionals say. . .