Dani Ashjian

Introduction: My background includes an academic career starting with the University of Southern California, where I graduated with a B.M Cum Laude in Popular Music Performance. I was trained by and worked with world renowned vocal instructor Jeffrey Allen, grammy-nominated musician and educator Patrice Rushen and performance professor Richard Smith. During this time I developed my skills as a musician and artist, as well as discovered my desire to teach the art of music performance. With the encouragement and mentorship of my professors, I started my own studio and began taking on private students, where I aided students in identifying and expressing their own musical vision through exceptional technique and engaging performances. I have worked with a large number of different types of students, and I have a broad and versatile knowledge of vocal and band performance techniques, both of which are key in being able to tailor lessons to students’ needs and requirements. I also have a keen ability for suggesting repertoire for further development, encouraging students to push their abilities based on their current skill sets and desired goals. I use both a theoretical and practical approach to vocal teaching, spanning a wide variety of styles and genres. I have over 6 years experience as a vocal instructor, both to private students and for institutions across the globe. I have spent the past year in London, UK, where I simultaneously obtained a Master’s degree with distinction in Popular Music Performance, and developed my skills as a music professor. In the London Pop Intensive at Morley College, I led workshops, guided rehearsals and used my skills and professional experience to assist students with their own creative projects. I guided bands and artists in music direction, aesthetic building, crowd interaction, content development, and professional interactions. I achieved this by designing innovative lesson plans that would engage students and encourage them to work outside of their comfort zones, whilst introducing them to new areas of the industry and art form. As a well-rounded musician, I also bring to the table strong proficiencies in the following software applications: Logic, ProTools, Ableton, Sibelius, Mainstage, and Microsoft Office. As an arranger, songwriter, and producer, I am also proficient in performing and notating drums, guitar, piano, bass, synthesizer, and percussion. I also have background in arranging for string and horn sections. Overall, I am confident that I can offer exceptional student engagement and development. I am equipped with the following teaching and performing experience: Instructor (London Pop Intensive) Summers 2016 ­ Present ❏ Taught vocal technique, performance in a pop band setting, arranging, music directing, and creative branding to a group of adult musicians at Morley College in London, UK. ❏ Worked closely with popular music education pioneer Richard Smith on lesson plans and collaborative teaching Vocal Instructor (Self ­Employed) 2013 ­ Present ❏ Taught private voice lessons following the practical and pedagogical mentorship of renowned vocal instructor Jeffrey Allen, utilizing his own tried and true method ❏ Prepared music and theatre students for important auditions Teacher (Clarissa Falls Camp) Summers 2010 ­ Present ❏ Worked as head of the music division at a children’s summer camp in San Ignacio, Belize ❏ Developed repertoire, taught music theory, and directed choir Performing Musician (Various Projects) 2008 ­ Present ❏ Performed as a music artist, vocalist, and instrumentalist ❏ Sang with Glenn Frey of the Eagles, and Pepe Aguilar ❏ Wrote, arranged, directed, and produced my own live and recorded music under artist name Dolly Spectra ❏ Wrote and recorded songs with Fyfe Dangerfield of the band Guillemots ❏ Worked as a businessperson, promoter, music director, art director, and events manager for my own performances I have always found great fulfillment in helping students to identify and express their own musical vision through exceptional technique and engaging performances. Some people say that when you teach what you know, you learn a second time. This certainly has always been the case for me. Throughout my professional and academic careers it has been a joy to highlight students’ strengths and give them confidence, whilst simultaneously addressing challenges in a positive way, suggesting material that will develop them in their desired direction. I very much enjoy giving students a versatile understanding of their unique voices as well as how to contribute to various musical settings. I am confident that I can offer exceptional student engagement and development.