Tampa Bay Music Academy is pleased to welcome Shannon French as our newest voice teacher! Shannon has a Bachelor of Music from Southwest Texas State University, and graduated with her Master’s in vocal performance from Louisiana State University. She began teaching in 2001 and most recently served as an adjunct faculty member in the voice department at University of North Carolina Pembroke. Her performance experience includes the following roles: Turnspit in Rusalka, North Carolina Opera Company, 2014; Mrs. Nolan in The Medium, Triangle Opera Studios, 2013; Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Temple Theatre, 2013; and Vashti in Esther, Durham, NC, 2010. She has also made appearances in several local concerts and recitals.
Shannon loves helping students find their true voice so that they can sing with complete freedom. In her spare time, she indulges her love of climbing, zip lining, and ballet. “If I had discovered ballet before music that is exactly what I would have done. So I dance to keep fit,” she told us.
We asked Shannon to share some of her musical experiences with us so that our students and their families can get to know her better:
What is your favorite musical memory?
As a native of Texas, I grew up going to see operas at the Houston Grand Opera. I was lucky enough to see Renee Fleming before she was famous, in the opera Rusalka. It was breathtaking. I will never forget the thrill when the curtain went down at the end of the opera and the entire audience leapt to our feet, clapping and yelling, ‘Bravas’ for Mrs. Fleming and the whole production.
What is your favorite musical work?
This is a hard question to answer because I have so many! A few years ago I was hired to do a Recital of Robert Schumann’s art songs. I discovered lots of wonderful new pieces, but my favorite was Frau Lieben und Leben, (a Woman’s Love and Life).
How did you know you wanted to teach?
When students realize how unique and beautiful their voice can be, that is a powerful and life-changing experience. Their confidence grows and the student starts changing for the better. I am just selfish and enjoy being a part of it!
What is your favorite teaching method?
I am a big believer in Functional Singing, which was started by Cornelius Reid. Functional Singing builds upon the methodology of the bel canto era, which is believed by many to be the greatest and most beautiful singing era in history.
What brought you to TBMA?
My family and I moved here from North Carolina. I was looking for a place to teach and was lucky enough to find TBMA.
We’re excited to partner with Shannon as we work toward giving our students the best music education possible. Welcome to TBMA, Shannon!
This is a TBMA original article written for our Tampa Bay Music Academy readership by Susan McClure. If you find it to be helpful, we would love for you to re-post it on your blog. Please contact us first for permission. Visit our website home for information on finding a music teacher in Tampa, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Citrus Park, Westchase, New Port Richey, Lutz, Trinity, Keystone, or Tarpon Springs Florida who offers private piano lessons, guitar lessons, saxophone lessons, voice lessons, or music lessons in any other instrument proficiency category. TBMA teachers (piano, guitar, voice, woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion) pride themselves in a reputation for an uncompromising commitment to excellence and special care taken for every student. We remain absolutely committed to providing an outstanding enrollment experience beyond any other in the region. Call us today. We look forward to hearing from you!