Elizabeth (Betsy) Fiedler

485 Johnny Appleseed Lane • Leominster. MA 01453

Home: 978-534-5308 • Cell: 508-561-5305

Email: betsy@betsyfiedler.com

 

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Talented Music and Voice Instructor with 25 years of performing and teaching experience. Enthusiastic interest in many types of music from classical and sacred to music theatre and pop styles; with certification in Somatic Voiceworktm the LoVetri Method, a body-based, scientifically sound approach to training the voice. Creative, organized, and energetic: committed to fostering love of the arts and enhance individuals’ critical thinking skills through hands-on participation in music. Master’s degree in Music; Member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

 

TEACHING/DIRECTING EXPERIENCE

 

Private Studio Music Teacher                                                                                                           1982 – Present

Managed my own music studio in Downingtown, PA and Leominster, MA

-          Teach private and group lessons in voice, beginning piano and guitar to students age 5 – adult

-          Prepare students for recitals, auditions, competitions and stage performances

-          Develop rapport and relationships with students and community members

-          Plan recitals, design programs, promote and maintain an efficient business

-          Instructor in after-school music program at Samoset Middle School, Leominster, MA

 

Director of  Music                                                                                                                  1994 – Present

Holy Family of Nazareth Parish, Leominster, MA

-          Director and accompanist for Adult Choir, Contemporary Youth Band, and Children’s Choir

-          Soloist for Funeral and Wedding Services

-          Plan programs for weekly Liturgies including traditional and contemporary styles of music

-          Direct and organize children’s pageants, enthusiastically recruit young people to take an active role in Liturgy

-          Planning and logistical coordination of concerts

 

Voice Instructor                                                                                                                     2002 - 2009

Community Music School of the Thayer Symphony Orchestra, Leominster, MA

-          Teach private and group lessons in voice to students age 9 – adult

-          Prepare students for recitals, auditions, competitions, and stage performances

-          Demonstrated success in having students achieve desired roles in shows and be accepted by audition into festival choirs (District and All-State Choruses)

-          Plan recitals, design programs

 

Home School Teacher                                                                                                                        1991 – 2008

-          Primary teacher for my 3 children from preschool age through eighth grade

-          Oversee curriculum planning

-          Create a budget for and purchase appropriate materials

 

Director of Musicals and Music Programs                                                                            1993 – 2006

Montachussett Area Christian Homeschoolers Support Group

-          Director of Music for the annual musicals with casts of up to 40 children

-          Teacher of Music and Theatre classes for the Cooperative Group with performances given at local nursing homes and veteran’s centers

                                                                                                                                                2009

Shirley Arts, Shirley, MA - Director of “Optimistic Voices” Chorus for Wizard of Oz

 

Classroom Music Teacher                                                                                                     1983 – 1986

-          Vocal and General Music at E.T. Richardson Junior High, Springfield, PA

-          General Music K-8 at Mother of Divine Providence School, King of Prussia, PA

-          Vocal and General Music at Tredyffrin/Easttown Junior High, Berwyn, PA

-          4th Grade Classroom Teacher at St. Patrick’s Elementary School, Kennett Square, PA

 

Folk Group Director                                                                                                               1982 – 1987

West Chester University and St. Maximillian Parish, West Chester, PA

-          Director and singer with college folk choir

-          Director, singer, guitarist for adult choir

 

Graduate Assistant                                                                                                                             1983

West Chester University, West Chester, PA

-          Taught classes in Music Theory, Aural Activities, and Music History

-          Assisted Professors with planning classes and grading papers

 

 

PERFORMANCE

 

Church Soloist and Community Choir Soloist

Invited as guest artist or soloist for concerts, funerals, weddings

 

Music Theatre

Theatres: Theatre at the Mount, Gardner, MA; Muhlenburg College Summer Theatre, PA, Various school and Community Theatres

Roles: Ayah “The Secret Garden”, Lady Thiang “The King and I”, Eliza “My Fair Lady”, Liesl “The Sound of Music”, Aggie “Oklahoma”, Ensemble/soloist “Broadway Christmas”, “The Pirates of Penzance”, “HMS Pinafore”, “The Mikado”, “The Student Prince”, “Candide”, “Amahl and the Night Visitors”, “Dido and Aeneas”

Vocal Coach: “Beauty and the Beast”, Various Church Musical Productions

 

CD’s released

Solo artist and arranger for original music on three CD’s: Waiting for You, The Harvest, Gentle Word

 

 

EDUCATION

 

M.M. Music Education                                                                                                                      1985

West Chester University, West Chester, PA, Vocal Performance Concentration

 

B.S. Music Education                                                                                                                         1983

West Chester State College, West Chester, PA, Vocal/Choral Concentration, Minor in Theatre Arts, Graduated Summa Cum Laude, Received Theodore Presser and Swope Scholarships

 

Continuing Education

Somatic Voicework™ Certificate Levels 1,2,3 – Shenandoah University, VA                                         2008

McCloskey Voice Certificate -  The McCloskey Institute for Voice at Emmanuel College, MA               2007

Child and Adolescent Vocal Pedagogy Course – Hartt School of Music, CT                                        1988

 

 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

National Association of Teachers of Singing

Music Educators’ National Conference