User:Boris Damianov

Biography:

Boris Damianov is a young dramatic bass-baritone who currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida. Boris has been singing since the age of ten. He first began his career by singing in musicals, show-choirs, and playing the clarinet. He obtained certification to teach from the Pinellas County Center of the Arts Diploma. He has sung solos within the United States and Austria and Germany with the Sunshine State Choir and performed in Kenney Roger's 2005 Christmas Concert at Ruth Eckerd Hall. He has had a professional Opera career. He was cast as the role of Father in Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel with St. Petersburg College Opera Co., cast as role of High Priest and Man in Armor in Mozart's Magic Flute with the New Century Opera Co., played excerpts from Mozart's Magic Flute as Papageno, and played excerpts from Mozart's Don Giovanni as Don Giovanni. In addition, Boris received coaching from Grammy-winning opera veteran Sherrill Milnes who was a winner of the Florida Suncoast Opera Guild competition and made a professional Opera Arias recording in addition to three others. Furthermore, he has specialized in advanced repertoire such as Operettas, Oratorios, and Art Songs and has had eight years of applied voice and music theory instruction. Boris holds degrees in Voice-Performance from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts, St. Petersburg College, Bachelor’s from Florida State University, and currently, he is pursuing a Graduate/Professional degree. Boris has won the Charlotte Anthony and Madrigalians Scholarship, “ARIOSO” Award, the Florida State Artist Merit Award, the William, Betty Jane, and Elizabeth Boyd Memorial Music Scholarship, and was nominated to serve as a Collegiate Scholar in the 2006 International Scholar Laureate Program Delegation on Music.

Teaching Background:

Boris has been teaching voice, music theory, and composition to beginning through advanced students. He has taught basic four-part harmony writing, terminology, and applied projects/exercises. He has taught students about the elements and techniques of composition, analyzing professional recordings, and helping students compose their own compositions. He has taught an applied music theory course as part of the Academy at St. Peter’s Anglican Church. In addition to teaching, Boris is a professional vocalist for concerts and special occasions. He works for the Florida State University Dean College of Music and as section leader at St. Peter’s. As section leader, Boris has been responsible for leading the bass-baritone section during rehearsals and performances, implementing advanced musicianship skills to keep the section from sagging in pitch and incorrect rhythm, playing the parts on the piano and conducting during sectional rehearsals, conducting special performances such as the Christmas Caroling project, preparing advanced solo pieces such as from the “Messiah” to present during the Offertory, arranged four parts to communion hymns and composed a minuet and an invention, singing per special requests at private events, funerals, and for specials services such as Advent Lessons and Carols, Ash Wednesday, and Lent services, and has gained a thorough knowledge and skills of numerous sacred solo and ensemble music. Boris was also a section leader at St. Peter’s Episcopal Cathedral of St. Petersburg for two years where he performed with special auditioned groups such as The Schola Cantorum, The Cathedral Singers, The St Peter’s Singers, Madrigal Dinner with St. Petersburg College Madrigalians, and performed secular solos on festival occasions.

Teaching Philosophy:

Boris' singing philosophy is simple: “Sing in such a way as if you can sing forever, with the exception of eating and drinking, of course.” To alliterate, Boris teaches a technique that goes beyond the collegiate environment and into the professional realm. He utilizes the Alexander Technique, breathe Support, posture and other unique methods that he has developed that will make you the ultimate performer, not just a singer. His specialty is in extraordinary technique and confidence. “One lesson with Boris and you will be nervous free.” But, do not be discouraged. Boris teaches in a relaxed, friendly, but yet, dynamic environment. He will push you only as far as you are willing to go. Because each voice is unique and requires special attention, his curriculum is designed differently for each student. Furthermore, Boris encourages exceptional vocal growth and does NOT like to put students in their place. In fact, he wants you to become better than he is. That is Boris' goal and hopefully it is yours too! In addition to singing, Boris offers healthy/professional everyday vocal advice. For example, did you know that soda-pop, gum, altoids, and even extreme temperature foods and liquids may damage your vocal chords? And, did you know that a vocalist should never intentionally clear his/her throat, but drink water instead to do so? Generally, Boris teaches Bel canto, classical style singing, but he is also open-minded to teach broadway, pop, gospel, and especially Opera style singing, in addition to others. In fact, Boris has professionally sung in all styles. What’s more is that he will teach you how to control your voice and how to switch your style of singing from one to the other without damaging the vocal chords. In general, you will find Boris' studio to be judgment free and flexible to your vocal talents and needs.

Rates And Availability:

For more information, fee arrangements, or to schedule an appointment, please send Boris an e-mail at bdamianov@admin.fsu.edu.