History
As a professional opera singer and music educator for over fifteen years, Ivanna has dedicated herself to energetic and innovative teaching methods as a means of creating and nurturing a life-long love of music in students of all ages and levels. Her extensive music training and field experience prepared her to be simultaneously devoted to vocal performance and music instruction, a combination which always allows her to learn new and exciting approaches to music. She strongly believes that the study, rehearsal and performance of music enables students to think critically, improve their self-esteem and self-confidence, and express themselves in a valuable and unique way. In addition, exposing students to the endless potential of their instrument gives them an understanding of what music is and why it remains a means by which society might become more refined and humane.
Specialties
The cornerstone of Ivanna Taratula Filipenko's teaching method is to adapt the Italian Bel Canto technique to meet the needs of all voice types. Her approach is based on an understanding and proper application of diaphragmatic breathing, breath control, vocal mask, voice projection, physiology of the voice, strength and conditioning exercises, ear training, individual repertoire, improvisation and stage presence. Prominent use of analogies is one of the ways in which Ivanna transforms complex vocal technique into a clear and approachable for students of all genres and styles. Ivanna's piano instruction is designed for beginning to intermediate students and focuses on proper hand placement, power fingers, timing and sight reading. Specialties: Voice, Piano, Vocal Repertoire, Choral Music, Opera History, Opera Workshop, Acting and Staging, Music Appreciation, and Language Diction. Ivanna is fluent in English, Ukrainian, Russian and conversant in Polish, Czech and Italian.