Teacher

DAVID DUNLAP is an award-winning basso cantante who has performed principal roles in opera and musical theater with such organizations as San Diego Opera, Los Angeles Civic Light Opera, Long Beach Grand Opera, and Hidden Valley Opera. His experience includes appearances alongside such luminaries as Sherrill Milnes, Ruth Ann Swenson, John Reardon, Victoria Mallory, Dick Shawn, Shani Wallis, and Stubby Kaye. A review of his performance of Jesus in the Bach St. Matthew Passion said: "...it undoubtedly was his singing which proved the high point of the evening for many in the audience. Masterfully controlled, his powerful voice filled the theatre on several occasions without ever sounding strained." The Los Angeles Times said of his George Milton in Carlisle Floyd's opera Of Mice and Men: "...he illuminates the vocal line with an uncommonly flexible, poised lyric baritone."

David teaches a Bel Canto vocal technique that enhances the power, beauty, and flexibility of the singing voice while minimizing tension. He empowers his students with clear explanations of the purpose of each exercise and of how mastery of each technique becomes a building block for additional progress.

Lessons with David focus on vocal technique, but his well rounded background enables him to guide his students in other areas as well. He studied acting with Margo Albert, song performance with David Craig, classical repertoire with Martial Singher and Ernest St. John Metz, and fencing with Ralph Faulkner. David earned a black belt in To Shin Do--a martial art discipline established by Stephan Hayes.

David offers initial get-acquainted lessons with no charge.