Photo credit RobertCaplin.com
Meet talented piano and voice coach Cantor Lauren Bandman!
Macon Alley
Where you were born, raised and educated?
I have lived in 8 states as well as Italy and Israel! My family moved all over the United States as I was growing up. As an adult, I continued my travels for various study and professional opportunities. I have so enjoyed living and performing throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. The more I traveled, the more I discovered that I am a true Midwesterner at heart. My family is here. I have deep roots in Columbus, and Ohio feels like home.
I'll never forget watching my first live musical performance at a young age - West Side Story. I was completely mesmerized. Although I began my music studies as an instrumentalist, first a pianist and then a serious clarinetist - Musical Theatre has always been my first love. Throughout high school, I performed in community theatre. I studied a more classical approach to singing through aria and art song at The Ohio State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Music Education. For graduate studies, I went to Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion, first in Jerusalem and then in New York City, where I earned my Master's degree and Cantorial Ordination.
Photo credit RobertCaplin.com
How and when did you get involved with your art or music:
As long as I can remember, our family of five would pass the time on long road trips by singing together. I can still hear my dad's bass voice singing 'his part' of You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin', the Righteous Brothers song that was one of our family favorites.
When I was six years old, my mother bought a piano for our family home. She enrolled us both in lessons. Right from the start, I was completely hooked. Music became an outlet for me and has always been an integral part of my life.
As long as I can remember, our family of five would pass the time on long road trips by singing together. I can still hear my dad's bass voice singing 'his part' of You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin', the Righteous Brothers song that was one of our family favorites.
When I was six years old, my mother bought a piano for our family home. She enrolled us both in lessons. Right from the start, I was completely hooked. Music became an outlet for me and has always been an integral part of my life.
Did you have any influences regarding music?
I have an appreciation for myriad genres of music. My parents played a lot of Simon and Garfunkel records in our home, leading me to fall in love with harmony. My older brother is responsible for my love of classic rock - introducing me to greats such as The Beatles and The Doors. Folk music was a large influence as well - Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Eva Cassidy and John Denver taught me the power of melody and a compelling story. Now, my musical tastes span the gamut from my early influences to all genres of current music. I love learning about new musical artists through friends and students.
In addition to piano and guitar, one of the benefits of teaching a holistic vocal technique that can be applied to all vocal genres is that my students bring music that is meaningful to them, introducing me to repertoire I might not have been exposed to otherwise. In my studio, repertoire selection is truly a collaboration between teacher and student, allowing every student to express themselves through their preferred repertoire. I remember one lesson where we worked on both, Mozart and Lizzo, in the same session!
In addition to piano and guitar, one of the benefits of teaching a holistic vocal technique that can be applied to all vocal genres is that my students bring music that is meaningful to them, introducing me to repertoire I might not have been exposed to otherwise. In my studio, repertoire selection is truly a collaboration between teacher and student, allowing every student to express themselves through their preferred repertoire. I remember one lesson where we worked on both, Mozart and Lizzo, in the same session!
"Nothing" from A Chorus Line...with a twist Performed by Lauren Bandman
You can find me performing with various theatre companies and with Vaughn Wiester's Famous Jazz Orchestra https://youtu.be/b_o4c4TVOn4?list=PL_M3BL8cD-c1ogJkVfTeGKBQAxkSSCYUp.
I co-created Love's Journey, a one-woman show that tells the story of a woman's journey through life and love through musical theatre and American standards. Here is an excerpt from a favorite: https://youtu.be/E5V-2skiQTo
Please tell us about living in German Village
I love our neighborhood! As a former New Yorker, I love the walkability of our village. You can find me strolling around Schiller Park, admiring the sculptures and the gardens. I am so grateful for all the beauty our neighborhood has to offer, particularly little surprises like all the beautiful window boxes, Frank Fetch park gardens in the spring, and outdoor concerts in the summer. I delight in the many wonderful local restaurants in which to enjoy a delicious meal and a nice glass of wine, or a perfectly mixed cocktail. But my favorite thing about German Village - the people! I love our community and the friends I have made here.
Any other thoughts?
After serving as Senior Cantor of a large congregation in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly a decade, I made the decision to return to Ohio to be closer to family.
Coming back to Columbus and opening The Studio: Private Music Lessons - where I teach voice, piano, guitar, audition preparation and Jewish Studies - was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I adore my students! While I teach people of all ages, the majority of my students are adults and teenagers - spanning all skill levels, from beginner to professional.
With the help of technology, I am able to work with students all over the country and to safely continue lessons during the pandemic. I look forward to resuming in-person lessons soon.
After serving as Senior Cantor of a large congregation in the San Francisco Bay Area for nearly a decade, I made the decision to return to Ohio to be closer to family.
Coming back to Columbus and opening The Studio: Private Music Lessons - where I teach voice, piano, guitar, audition preparation and Jewish Studies - was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I adore my students! While I teach people of all ages, the majority of my students are adults and teenagers - spanning all skill levels, from beginner to professional.
With the help of technology, I am able to work with students all over the country and to safely continue lessons during the pandemic. I look forward to resuming in-person lessons soon.
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Where can we find more information about what you do?
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheStudioLaurenBandman
Website: www.LaurenBandman.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheStudioLaurenBandman
Website: www.LaurenBandman.com
CREATIVE Cantor Lauren Brandman Issue VI
