 Q: How did you end up in this line of work?
A: My mother’s childhood nickname for me was Sarah Bernhardt, I was always expressing myself through music, dance and drama. I was fortunate to attend the Performing Arts school in Philadelphia and graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. While pursuing my performing arts career I realized the negative impact the lack of arts it in our school system was having on children. The arts had saved my education and lead me to become an entrepreneur. That experience has fueled my passion to offer arts education in a time when it is desperately needed. I believe in the power of the arts to develop human potential.
Q: What you most like and least like about your work?
A: The experience of sheer joy that comes when a child or an adult makes music with their voice or an instrument, or creates a story of their very own. Seeing the positive impact this has on their self image. The least? I wish there more hours in a day!
Q: What makes your business unique?
A: We are process oriented not product driven. Each student is celebrated as the unique individual they are and given opportunities to develop individual artistic talents as well as supporting their overall personal growth and development. Our instructors are professionals in their field and our studio offers ample opportunities for students to be involved in the community such as fundraising concerts and “Musical Baskets with Joy” a program to donate musical instruments to area shelters for homeless children.
Q: What’s a typical day like for you at work?
A: I spend my mornings singing and dancing with families in our “Music Together” classes followed by bagel and coffee at one of the local cafes in Dedham Square. Then I’m off to sing with Stanley Macht at an assisted living home in the area. He’s a dear friend of mine who taught himself how to play the piano at 70 years and is now 84 and still plays! After singing with Stanley, it’s back to the studio to compose and create the next script for the theatre performance workshop class and continue to develop innovative programming.
Q: What do you like most about Dedham Square?
A: The close knit community who appreciate the importance of the arts and actively participate!
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More about Marianne Ryan:
Occupation: Founding Director, Discover Music & Art
Where: 597 High St.
Phone: 781-619-6527
Years in Business: 8
Years in Dedham Square: 5
Copyright 2011 The Dedham Transcript. Some rights reserved
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