Cornelius L. Reid

SINGER and VOICE TEACHER

CLICK HERE to learn about a series of workshops in VOCAL PEDAGOGY that David recently presented to students and faculty members at Rowan University.

With a lifelong passion for singing and conducting, David has dedicated much of his career to the study of the singing voice. David’s teaching style is based on his own study of the principles and practices of the Italian bel canto school of singing and 15 years of study and collaboration with his mentor, Cornelius L. Reid.

David’s vocal studies began at West Chester University where he received his undergraduate degree in vocal performance, studying with Alan Wagner and Emil Markow.  Other vocal teachers and coaches have included Denes Striny, Gary Norden, Jeffrey Miller and Boris Goldovsky (Goldovsky Opera Institute).  While living in New York City, David served for several years on the faculty of John Strasburg’s acting school “The Real Stage” and eventually joined the faculty  of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, a college conservatory for the performing arts in NYC.

In his earlier years as a singing performer, David was active with many smaller and regional companies such as OperaDelaware, Mobile Opera, Regina Opera, OperaWorks in NYC, Hudson Valley Opera, and the Buxton International G&S Festival.  With a high lyric tenor voice, David performed a wide range of roles including Tamino in Magic Flute, Orpheus in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, Remendado in Carmen (pictured left), Narraboth in Salome, The Fisherman in Stravinsky’s Nightingale, Satyavān in Holst’s Savitri, Azael in Debussy’s L’enfant Prodigue, and most of the leading Gilbert & Sullivan tenor roles.

Carmen with OperaDelaware Charlotte Paulsen, Carme; Iris Fairfax, Frazquita; Andrea Arena, Mercedes; Patrick Evans, Don Cairo; David Christopher, El Remendado

While also serving as a faculty member of the Rudolf Steiner School in New York City, David developed a unique approach to working with children’s voices, combining ear training with classic vocal methods.  As a vocal therapist, he had a 100% success rate in helping musically challenged children overcome pitch disorientation.  Specializing in the training of children’s voices, David has trained many of the area’s finest treble voices over the past 30 years.  His boy and girl trebles have performed many times as soloist with groups such as OperaDelaware and The Delaware Symphony, many going on to have successful careers or avocations in music and singing.

Currently maintaining a private voice studio in downtown Wilmington, David’s students include many professional singers who have performed in leading venues around the world as well as school teachers and local choristers who are passionate about learning.  Also known as a “teacher’s teacher”, David has mentored many excellent voice teachers, working with them to establish their own personal style and private teaching practices.

Although David has experience with a wide range of singing styles, his approach to vocal training is classic in nature, employing techniques, principles and concepts that were the hallmark of historic Italian (bel canto) tradition.  Once singers reach a certain level of accomplishment, vocal repertoire is introduced as well as vocal coaching on an as-needed basis.  Studio recitals are held periodically throughout the year.

Singers interested in studying voice are encouraged to contact David to discuss first steps.  Usually, an appointment is set up for a musical and vocal evaluation followed by a series of initial lessons.  If there seems to be a good fit, lessons may continue on a regular basis.  Singers as well as other teachers are also encouraged to observe lessons to find out about David’s approach to singing and teaching style.

Currently, Organist and Director of Music at The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (www.SsAM.org) and Conductor of Delaware ChoralArts (www.DelawareChoralArts.org) in Wilmington, Delaware, David Christopher has an active career as conductor, organist, church musician and voice teacher.  Born in Philadelphia and raised in southern Delaware, David received his undergraduate degree in vocal performance at West Chester University and recently completed  a graduate degree in organ performance at the Peabody Conservatory of Music.

Known for his keyboard skills, understanding of the singing voice, and skill with the baton, David’s passion for teaching and facility for communicating ideas of interpretation, technique and artistry brings a unique perspective to the many aspects of his musical career.

CLICK HERE to see a list of upcoming performances.

Delaware ChoralArts
Conductor and Artistic Director
www.DelawareChoralArts.org

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew
Organist and Director of Music
www.SsAM.org