John writes:
“In addition
to my regular concerts, I've been doing a series of Master Classes
at universities -- so far, here in the U.S. and in Australia,
with great success. What happens is: usually between 7 and 12
students each prepare a song of mine which they perform for
me in front of an audience. I offer suggestions and insights
into the writing of the song and my original intentions and
make suggestions as to alternate performance possibilities --
basically, we "play."
I'll often accompany
the singer myself the second time around, which is fun and informative
for us both, as well as the original accompanist. After working
with all the singers, we take a short intermission, and then
I perform a set of both familiar and newer songs of mine.”
For further
information on booking a Master Class and/or concert, please
contact Tam Martin at tammartin@aol.com
or (503) 281-3874.
SOME RESPONSES
TO MASTER CLASSES AND CONCERTS:
Hello John,
On behalf of our students and faculty, I wanted to let you know
once again how absolutely delighted we were with your brilliant
work with our students during your Master Class at the University
of Central Oklahoma. This was a rare opportunity for our students
to interact with the composer and lyricist of a song, and observe
a personal performance directly from the creator of the work.
You generated so much excitement and enthusiasm with our students.
They were inspired by your encouragement to explore their own
personal meaning in your songs in a creatively safe environment.
Some of the student comments were:
-"The one thing I loved the most about the master class
was how truly interested he was in all of our performances.
He wanted for us so badly to make the songs our own as well
as portray them the way they were meant to be portrayed! All
of his songs hold so much meaning to him personally, yet there
are endless possibilities when it come to how the songs connect
to the individual performer. It was truly a blessing to work
with such a wonderful musician, artist and human being!"
-"His humble work inspires me to continue my creative
conquest with the knowledge that art is undiscovered, and to
use all my resources to my fullest capability."
- "Music to paper is a butterfly pinned to a board"--I'll
never forget such poetry."
- "Temporary" came off the piano as more than a melody,
it was a new understanding of how to handle the difficult situations
in my life. Bucchino is everyone's storyteller."
- "I'm not sure if these words can capture what a truly
beautiful person and musician Bucchino is, but I almost don't
know what to say--his performance of "My Favorite Things"
is to this day the only song I have ever wept at. I thank you
again for giving us the opportunity to meet him and please send
my sincere gratitude for the workshop."
You possess such amazing gifts and unique abilities as both
a pianist and songwriter. One of our piano faculty was awestruck
on hearing your variations of "My Favorite Things"
and was incredulous that you were self-trained. Personally,
I have always been amazed at your ability to get inside the
brains and emotions of all these characters that you create
in your songs. How can you possibly know them so well?
Even with such astounding talent, you approach your work and
teaching with humility, charm, and humor that students can't
help but be inspired and motivated to do their best work.
I hope that we may get you to return some time in the future,
and I encourage any music school to take advantage of your wonderful
master classes.
Wishing you all the best,
Dr. Marilyn Govich
Division Head, Music Theatre/Opera
School of Music
College of Arts, Media & Design
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, Oklahoma
Dear John,
I must say that in my 15 years of teaching at the Moores School
of Music here at the University of Houston, your class stands
out as one of the finest. Although most of our classes feature
globally-known classical artists, the organic philosophy which
you imparted upon our students is universal - it transcends
genres and encompasses the basic root of the art of music-making.
Your comments and demonstrations had an immediate effect upon
each person and it was quite obvious that you led them toward
unexplored paths in their musical journeys. As a Professor of
Piano, I was incredibly impressed with your truly fine control
of tone and voice leading. Your sense of timing is pure and
accompanying skills supreme. The lyrics to your songs are so
deeply-moving; the music supports these beautiful words without
affectation, but rather with selfless wonder and empathy.
I am hopeful that
you will come back to our school, at a point when a new crop
of young talents are making their way toward careers in music
performance. Your wisdom is the type that will stay with one
throughout a lifetime! Thank you for being you!
I remain, sincerely, and completely, in awe,
Timothy Hester
Professor of Piano
Moores School of Music
University of Houston
February 18, 2002
Dear John,
Our “Thank You” is long overdue!
On behalf of the students and faculty of the musical theatre
programs, I want to thank you for your willingness to take the
time to come to the University of Miami and offer a Master Class
and concert. The students are still high from both events, and
especially for your personal touch with every student who performed
for you.
In retrospect, I am pleased that it worked out
that you taught the Master Class before the concert. The students
felt they got to know you before hearing you sing your songs
the following evening.
The musical theatre students loved performing
for you and hearing your comments about your songs and their
performances of them. You have a unique gift for disarming the
students before they sing, creating a wonderful, non-judgmental
atmosphere for these young singers to put up their best efforts
without fear. I was very proud of our students’ work which
was successful because you made it safe and fun for them to
perform. You are a very savvy teacher. Your words are carefully
chosen, and you articulate your reactions and suggestions so
clearly and kindly. I learned as much as did the students!
The faculty and students alike also thoroughly
enjoyed your cabaret concert. These students have seldom, if
ever, seen a songwriter perform his own songs. This was an excellent
lesson for our students, who sang your material the day before,
to see and hear the music and lyrics from the one who originated
the songs. The program was well chosen with a mixture of some
songs with which we were familiar and some which were new stories
for us. Once again, you disarm the audience with your splendid
sense of humor and, sometimes, your devastating frankness and
vulnerability. You leave yourself so emotionally wide open that
one cannot help but be drawn into your songs and to you personally.
The students are hoping that we can book a return engagement,
perhaps with the Johnny Mercer Foundation concert next year.
Meanwhile, if I can do anything to promote your teaching and
performing in other college venues, just let me know.
Wishing you all the best. Know that you are
always welcome at UM when you are in the South Florida area.
David Alt,
D.M.A.
Chairman Department of Vocal Performance
Program Director for Musical Theatre
Professor of Voice
University of Miami School of Music
March 31, 2003
Dear John,
I am writing
to thank you for the wonderful classes, master class and concert
you presented at Elon University. I speak for everyone when
I say that 2 days was not enough and we can’t wait for
you to visit us again. We have had many workshops and master
classes in the past but never have I seen my students so inspired
and motivated as they were during and after your stay. Here
are a few comments made by students:
“John
Bucchino’s honesty, sincerity, and creativity as a person
shine through his songs and is what draws me to his music.
He writes songs for people because he writes from the soul.”
“Getting
to sing his beautiful music is a gift in itself, but having
its creator bring it to life WITH you is an experience like
no other. I've never seen so much passion and creation wrapped
up in one person, and I can only aspire to approach that level
of artistry one day in my own performance.”
“I
thought his master class was sensational. My friend and I
left saying ...that changed our lives!!”
“He
created a wonderful atmosphere for the students to connect
with the composer, something that very few people have the
opportunity to experience. To watch him accompany students
performing his own works was truly amazing; I left the master
class with so much that I know will contribute to my own work
later on.”
“The
music was so amazing, and to watch how John Bucchino interacted
with each of the singers was incredible as he brought out
so much life and meaning with each lyric. I was completely
moved by observing the whole experience and walked away awestruck
by the beautiful music and passion with which John Bucchino
conducted his class. It was truly inspiring.”
“I
thought the music was amazing but I especially loved how he
interacted with the students by taking their comments during
his class. He took a lot of time to individually help each
student.”
“He
emphasized that the song must have great, high-stakes meaning
for the performer on the most basic, internal level in order
for the song to eally register and resonate with an audience.”
“John
Bucchino is a terrific encourager and captivating composer.
He really communicated well with us. People were able to take
his suggestions of what to improve and run with them.”
John, thank
you again for everything you gave us. We look forward to your
next visit. All the Best,
Catherine
McNeela
Chair of Performing Arts
Elon University
P.S. Archbishop Desmond
Tutu will deliver the spring convocation address on
Wednesday and President Lambert has asked our student from South
Africa, Jason Coosner to sing “Grateful” at the
event. We will think of you.
9th September 2002
TO WHOM
IT MAY CONCERN
As guest
of the Music Theatre Department, John Bucchino gave a Master
Class and performance of an hour of his own material in front
of an audience of some 200. Most of them were performing arts
students from a variety of disciplines.
Six students
prepared songs of his for performance, and he conducted a master
class with them in front of an audience of 200. His pertinent
comments, and helpful and charming manner in dealing with the
students made the event both educationally invaluable and very
entertaining.
As a lesson
in style and in cabaret performance it was a treasured event
in the history of the course. John's charm, intelligence and
considerable pianistic skills were a genuine inspiration to
the students. His easy manner on and off stage towards students
and staff greatly endeared him to all. We would be delighted
to have a return visit at any time. Educationally, he has inspired
a large number of students to pursue their own creative work,
with results that we can observe regularly in the course.
I would, without hesitation, recommend him to conduct Master
Classes in similar institutions. The presence of the composer
stimulated and focused the students to a remarkable degree.
DAVID KING
HEAD, MUSIC THEATRE
Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts
To Whom it may concern;
There are
not words to express how thrilled we are here at CCM to have
had the John Bucchino experience!!! The students were familiar
with his work quite some
time ago. When I told them he was actually coming to work with
them on his pieces and to follow that with a concert, they were
beside themselves!
One of the
most wonderful comments from the students involved in the class
was that John was so very open and patient with them. "His
lyrics really speak to me" and "The melody always
fits the words" are two comments I heard a lot. All this
great work with the students was followed by the most dazzling
concert with John at the piano. Sharing new songs with us as
well as some from
the new Richard Rodgers CD. All in all, a perfect evening.
All of us
hope we can convince John to return and play with us again.
A very successful time was had by all.
Many thanks.
Patricia
Linhart
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Voice
In Musical Theatre
University of Cincinnati
College-Conservatory of Music
Dear Mr.
Bucchino,
I was sitting
in the audience tonight at CCM and truly enjoyed the evening
from start to finish. I am an area high school choral and drama
director, and wanted a chance to tell you "thank you"
for helping me remember why I teach. I have two students who
are going into musical theatre and unfortunately they couldn't
make it tonight because they were home studying -- one is Valedictorian.
But, by coming by myself, I realized how much music means to
me personally. I think sometimes I get so busy TEACHING music
and trying to turn high school kids on to it, that I forget
to enjoy it for myself. Well tonight I did! Thank you for a
very memorable night!
Sincerely,
Missy Whitis
Cincinnati, Ohio
John-
Your return to Cal State Fullerton was a total triumph!
As an educator
and an artist, I could not have been more pleased with your
insights and encouragement for our students. Your visit will
energize them for weeks to come. The students loved everything
about your Master Class: your music, your stories, and your
discerning comments on the nuances of performing.
On another
level, it is reassuring to know that what we are teaching here
at
CSUF is echoed and reinforced by someone in the music theater
scene in New York. We like to think we are preparing these talented
young people for work in current Broadway theater, and are pleased
you gave their work validity and approbation. As the voice teacher
for all of them, I know our BFA music theater seniors were nervous
to sing for you, but they rose to the occasion. Your supportive
and reassuring manner no doubt helped them relax. That the session
ended with you singing and playing your own material was very
inspiring and quite a wonderful surprise for them! Your performance
delighted everyone.
Kudos to
you for an exceptional Master Class!
All the best, and we'll keep in touch.
Mitch Hanlon
Professor of Voice
Cal State Fullerton
John Bucchino's
performance - which opened our 2001-2002 Season - couldn't have
been better! We have long wanted to present a show by a significant
contemporary composer/singer - not only to give our subscribers
a performance of beautiful music and lyrics but also an appreciation
for the creative process behind that music. It was a marvel
to listen to this charming and engaging fellow lay out the story
behind a song and then be rewarded with such a beautiful end
result. A real delight!
Peter Balderston, St. Matthew's Church, Wilton CT
John Bucchino
is a refreshing composer who seems to use music as a first language
as opposed to a second. And on top of that, his accompanying
truly turns his solo songs into consummate duets.
Cassandra Black
It is wonderful privilege
for a singer to have the opportunity to interact
with a composer and understand exactly how he intends for his
character and
story to be conveyed. This master class afforded several singers
just such
a privilege. It was an experience I will not soon forget.
Lorne Dechtenberg
____________________________________________________________________
I really enjoyed
myself singing for John Bucchino's class. As a classically trained
singer, the standards are very different from opera to Cabaret.
It was great to hear Mr. Bucchino speak about his thoughts as
pertains to the art form. I felt as if I got some great insight
into the composers brain and really learned how to present a
song in that very intimate setting.
Thanks again for the oppurtunity!
Take care,
Jan Cornelius
