Student Comments
"Dan Bridston is a rarity: a skilled and accomplished pianist, who not
only plays with virtuosity but with tremendous depth of feeling. Maestro Bridston and I have performed in many different venues- major theaters, concert halls and opera stages, but my favorite is when we perform our works before inner city school kids. No one can fool kids. They are the toughest audience, the most critical critics, and yet in school after school they connect with Maestro Dan, not because he talks on their level, but because his understanding and love of music infuses them with his own enthusiasm. He lights them up. And it is this same enthusiasm he brings to ANY musical venture: conducting, coaching or collaborating on a recital."
Suzanna Guzmán,
international opera artist with the Los Angeles Opera,
Washington National Opera, Metropolitan Opera- radio show host and
award winning children's performer.
Dan has an uncanny way of bringing out the very best in me. He teaches me how to dig deeper into the music and the language of the piece, so that I can discover something that is uniquely mine. I have worked with many Coach/Accompanists, and Dan is simply the best!
Denise Dumeyer Voice Teacher, Singer, Alexander Teacher
"Dan doesn't just accompany a singer. He provides true support in every sense of the word.
He breathes the breath you breathe and his heart beats in rhythm with your own."
Diana Castle (mezzo soprano/actress)
"I've had the pleasure of working with Dan Bridston for many years. He is a splendid coach -- a real singer's coach -- who is knowledgeable about the voice, languages and styles and traditions. He has helped me to prepare fully for many auditions and roles. I have also been most fortunate to have Dan at the piano accompanying me in recital. Thank you, Dan!" Rosemary Wagner-Scott, soprano |
I think Dan is fabulous because he has an incredible knowledge of the operatic repertoire and is able to catch even the smallest mistake. He is very creative in how he communicates his ideas. If something does not work, he throws it out and tries something new. I trust that when he says I am ready to perform a piece we have coached, that I truly am ready. He is also honest, which I appreciate, even when it is sometimes hard to hear.
Ann Noriel
Soprano, General Director, Southland Opera
It is always a pleasure working with Dan...his talent and creativity is truly inspiring.
Elisa Kaufman, soprano (Opera Works 2002)
"I am a soprano, an adult student who has been singing for a number of years. Dan Bridston is the most effective coach I have ever had! Dan creates a safe space for singers to try new repertoire or to risk a new approach to a challenging song. He builds from a singer's strengths, and coaches with expertise, honesty, and enthusiasm. Dan puts the singer's optimal development, vocally and musically, ahead of his own ego needs. His vast knowledge of musical styles and his linguistic skill make him especially helpful to those who wish to sing classical music from different centuries, in English and in other languages. I wish I had found Dan earlier, and I feel very fortunate to be working with him now.
Thank you, Dan, and continued success to you!"
Julie Land
Soprano
Community College Counselor and
Learning Disabilities Specialist
Dan Bridston has been the official accompanist of the West coast auditions of The Bel Canto Vocal Scholarship Foundation for the past three years.
His knowledge of the operatic repertoire is vast. His playing is sensitive to the singers who sometimes do not attend the auditions with an accompanist. He gives particular attention to their needs and makes them feel always at ease. We are proud to have him with us and hope to for many years to come.
Annamaria Saritelli- DiPanni
Founder/Artistic Director
The Bel Canto Vocal Scholarship Foundation
"Dan Bridston has been instrumental in my training as an opera singer. He is supportive and keenly aware of my needs. I have been blessed to have him in my life."
Lynne Claire Morse - soprano
I would like to offer a robust recommendation for Dan Bridston. I have worked with Dan over the last twenty years and have benefited greatly from his insight. He is a calming influence on this excitable tenor. His knowledge of Operatic and song literature is immense, and his piano accompaniments always sensitive and supportive. I heartily recommend him to colleagues and students alike!
Sincerely,
Robin Reed
Tenore Spinto
Voice Teacher
"Working with Dan while attending the OperaWorks Summer Intensive Program was a blessing. In each coaching I had I always felt completely comfortable and always left with knowledge gained. His warm heart, musical knowledge genuine spirit and love for his work is something to be admired."
Kyla Page Settles,
Mezzo-Soprano
Without Dan's wonderful guidance, performing the "Alto Rhapsody" would simply not have been the success it was. Dan manages to combine wonderful emotional support with the corrective actions needed to transform a singer into an artist. Thank you for the wise and effective coaching you gave me!
Nancy Campeau, Mezzo-Soprano
I have been coaching with Dan for over 3 years. He is a warm and wonderful human being who never ceases to amaze me with his many talents. He is an excellent pianist, and has accompanied me at a number of my recitals. A true musical performer, who is also well trained in vocal technique. His languages are excellent, and he has a great sense of humor. Dan is affirming, and is able to focus on, & commmunicate honestly, what the singer really needs to learn. After every lesson with Dan, I take away something which permanently impacts my performance. Dan is by far the best coach I have worked with on either side of the Atlantic!
Julie Tillinghast, Soprano
