Testimonials
“I had the pleasure of studying with Professor Hardesty for my first two years at NYU Steinhardt. I always looked forward to our lessons as Professor Hardesty created a safe and comfortable environment in which I grew immensely as a singer. In our time together, I gained control over my head voice and I have since taken with me many useful warm ups that I still use today.”
Ashley Sweetman, Mezzo-soprano Media Theatre, TriArts Sharon Playhouse, Flatrock Playhouse, NOLA Fringe Festival http://www.ashleysweetman.com |
"Working with Tamara back in graduate school was such a vital aspect of my growth as a singer. Six years later, I still use the techniques that Tamara taught me over the time I was fortunate enough to work with her. My range expanded, my technique solidified, and my confidence in my singing ability increased tenfold! Since working with Tamara, and after graduating from UConn, I have been working professionally as an actor and singer. She is such a kind, encouraging, and knowledgeable teacher and was an absolute joy to work with!"
Brian Patrick Williams, Professional Actor/Singer Capitol Stage Co., CT Repertory Theatre, Sierra Rep. Theatre, Hope Rep. Theatre, Long Beach Shakespeare Co. http://www.brianpatrickwilliams.com/ |
“I studied with Dr. Tamara Hardesty for five years. Aside from working hard to develop my voice, she would often quiz me on terminology and theory to reflect the importance of being a well-rounded musician. Tamara was very proactive and was always encouraging me to strive to be better. As Tamara’s pupil, I not only grew as a musician, but as a performer. Preparation pointers that weren’t taught in a classroom, like proper conduct as a soloist with a conductor, or the expectations of a soloist, or what to really expect in the competitive world and much more, were all common topics that we would discuss before my lessons. She always designed a comfortable environment for me to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Honestly, I could not imagine not having Tamara as a teacher. I have benefited tremendously from her work and there is no doubt in my mind that her future students will as well. I was very lucky to have snagged Tamara as a voice teacher.”
Rakeeta Laird, Soprano Valdosta State University Opera, Sherrill Milnes Voice Program |
Teaching Experience
Valdosta State University, College of the Arts Department of Music
Associate Professor of Voice, Chair of Voice Area, Director of VSU Opera
2009-present
New York University Steinhardt School Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
Voice Faculty
2006-2009
University of Connecticut Department of Dramatic Arts Voice Faculty, Spring 2007
University of Connecticut Community School of the Arts Voice Faculty, 2004–2009
Peach State Summer Theater Vocal Coach, 2013
Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), Valdosta State University, GA Guest Artist Master Teacher, Summer 2009-present
Hartford Symphony Mentoring Program, CT Master Teaching Artist, 2004
Private Studio
New York City, NY, 2000-2004
Manchester, CT, 2004-2009
Valdosta, GA, 2009–Present
Available for lessons and diction coachings in person and via Zoom. Email: tamara.hardesty@gmail.com
STAGE DIRECTING/PRODUCING
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2023
Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2023
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2022
Strauss’ Die Fledermaus - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2022
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2021
Mozart Scenes Program - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2021
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2020 (Canceled due to pandemic closures)
Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2020
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2019
Bizet’s Carmen (a concert of highlights) - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2019
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2018
Copland’s The Tender Land - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2018
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2017
Massenet’s Cendrillon - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2017
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2016
Handel’s Acis and Galatea - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2016
Menotti’s The Telephone - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2015
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Fall 2014
Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2014
Mozart’s The Impresario - Thomasville Center for the Arts, Thomasville, GA; Spring 2014
with Raymond Hughes, former Metropolitan Opera chorus master
Mozart’s The Impresario - Valdosta State University Opera; Fall 2014
Pasatieri’s Il Signor Deluso - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2014
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Fall 2013
Massenet’s Cendrillon (scenes) - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2013
Handel’s Il Mondo della Luna - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2012
Mozart’s The Impresario - UConn’s “Huskies On Stage”, Storrs, CT; Spring 2005
Opera Scenes Program - Garden City High School Chorus, Garden City, NY; Spring 2004
Associate Professor of Voice, Chair of Voice Area, Director of VSU Opera
2009-present
New York University Steinhardt School Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions
Voice Faculty
2006-2009
University of Connecticut Department of Dramatic Arts Voice Faculty, Spring 2007
University of Connecticut Community School of the Arts Voice Faculty, 2004–2009
Peach State Summer Theater Vocal Coach, 2013
Georgia Governor’s Honors Program (GHP), Valdosta State University, GA Guest Artist Master Teacher, Summer 2009-present
Hartford Symphony Mentoring Program, CT Master Teaching Artist, 2004
Private Studio
New York City, NY, 2000-2004
Manchester, CT, 2004-2009
Valdosta, GA, 2009–Present
Available for lessons and diction coachings in person and via Zoom. Email: tamara.hardesty@gmail.com
STAGE DIRECTING/PRODUCING
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2023
Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2023
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2022
Strauss’ Die Fledermaus - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2022
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2021
Mozart Scenes Program - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2021
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2020 (Canceled due to pandemic closures)
Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2020
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2019
Bizet’s Carmen (a concert of highlights) - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2019
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2018
Copland’s The Tender Land - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2018
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2017
Massenet’s Cendrillon - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2017
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2016
Handel’s Acis and Galatea - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2016
Menotti’s The Telephone - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2015
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Fall 2014
Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2014
Mozart’s The Impresario - Thomasville Center for the Arts, Thomasville, GA; Spring 2014
with Raymond Hughes, former Metropolitan Opera chorus master
Mozart’s The Impresario - Valdosta State University Opera; Fall 2014
Pasatieri’s Il Signor Deluso - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2014
Opera After Dark Scenes Program Fundraiser - Valdosta State University Opera; Fall 2013
Massenet’s Cendrillon (scenes) - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2013
Handel’s Il Mondo della Luna - Valdosta State University Opera; Spring 2012
Mozart’s The Impresario - UConn’s “Huskies On Stage”, Storrs, CT; Spring 2005
Opera Scenes Program - Garden City High School Chorus, Garden City, NY; Spring 2004