Dana Anderson, M.M.
phone: 510 847-4351
email: please use contact form


Biographical information

My instruction draws from my successful career as a classically trained singer, with a Master’s in Music from the San Francisco Conservatory. I have performed in several environments: live stage, recording studio, opera, oratorio.

I am a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild, AFTRA, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).

As a mezzo-soprano, I have sung professionally with the San Francisco Opera, and in lead roles at Berkeley Opera, Livermore Opera, and Sacramento Opera, Pacific Callegium, Volti, and American Guild of Organists.

An experienced recording studio artist, I have sung on film scores and trailers, radio and television commercials, including projects at Skywalker Sound in Marin, and Fantasy Studios in Berkeley. I am a resident teacher at The Studios at Piedmont Piano Company in Oakland, and maintain private studios in Oakland (Montclair) and Berkeley (near UC Campus).

Teaching Philosophy

When the student is engaged (loves what they are doing) learning is inevitable and progress can be heard. I teach in an affirmative style, using positive reinforcement. Technique is important—each exercise is designed with a specific purpose—but the goal is to develop musical awareness and the ability to play, or sing, in whichever style the student chooses.

I enjoy teaching lessons in the studio because this allows me to concentrate on the particular strengths and needs of each student, ensuring that they make progress according to their individual ability. I give each student the time and attention they need to develop their musical skill and performance readiness.

My students have performed as soloists or lead roles in musical productions

Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Berkeley Playhouse
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Youth Choir
The Oakland School for the Arts
The San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Youth Music Theatre Company in El Cerrito, CA

My students have recently matriculated to:

Brown University
Bryn Mawr College
Harvard University
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Scripps College
Skidmore College
UCLA

Placed internationally

The Golden Gate Festival Art Song Competition

Nationally

The Schmidt Competition and the Bach Millenium Music Program

Regionally

Contra Costa Performing Arts Society - Voice Competition