AIMS: American Institute of Musical Studies

AIMS, the leading summer vocal program and the most comprehensive course of its kind, brings future opera and concert performers together with an eminent faculty in a one-of-a-kind experience. Dedicated to bridging the gap between musical training and a career in music, AIMS concentrates on individual technical development and a professional approach to a musical career. The focus is on the serious musician aspiring to a career in music. Many young artists who participated in AIMS have become celebrated performers on the world´s stages.

AIMS is an intensive training program in the study and performance of vocal music, both opera and German Lieder, for both the singer and collaborative pianist. Distinguished teachers, half from Europe and half from America, with extensive teaching/performing experience make up the AIMS Faculty. For the instrumentalist, the 70-member AIMS Festival Orchestra in Graz provides a unique experience with European conductors and the operatic and symphonic repertoire.

http://www.aimsgraz.com/

About the author

Ashley Danyew

Active as a collaborator, chamber musician, studio teacher, and music entrepreneur, Ashley Danyew is dedicated to teaching and learning and creating new opportunities for music.

Ashley received her B.A. in Music, cum laude from the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia. She completed an M.M. in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music and received the Certificate in Arts Leadership from Eastman’s Institute for Music Leadership. Ashley’s primary piano instructors include Edward Eikner, Dr. Evgeny Rivkin, Louise Barfield, and Dr. Jean Barr. Additionally, she studied organ with Dr. Fletcher Anderson and Dr. Jolene Davis and voice with Dr. Liana Valente. Ashley has performed in masterclasses with George Shirley, Norman McLean, Nadine Whitney, Victor Rosenbaum, Tony Arnold, and Håkan Hagegård.

Ashley performs regularly in a saxophone/piano duo with her husband, Steve Danyew. Together, Ashley and Steve are committed to community education and innovative performance practice through the presentation of classical duo repertoire and transcriptions of vocal art songs. They have presented individual works, recitals, and lecture programs in New York, Massachusetts, and Florida.

Ashley has several years of teaching experience in community music schools, private studio settings, and at the college level, having recently served on the faculty of Fitchburg State University. Ashley also co-founded and currently serves as Co-Artistic Director of the Westminster Chamber Music Workshop, a series of engaging, educational music events. Currently, Ashley is pursuing a PhD in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music.