Kudos from Students and Parents
David’s teaching style is perfect for the novice or experienced performer. He builds confidence and trust with his students while teaching technique with enthusiasm and humor. In less than one year, my son became a confident, competent musician. —A parent
David—I’m going into my 3rd week here at Lewis and Clark! I’m in a chorus here and also doing voice lessons. And I wanted you to know how AWESOME a voice teacher you were. I didn’t know how lucky I was to have a voice teacher who played piano. So thank you! You’ll be seeing my brother soon for voice lessons! —A student
Your students have struck gold with you as a teacher! I’m sure they realizes that truth. You left a great imprint upon my life in the time we worked together. I often think of you with wonder. —A former student and colleague
In the recording studio I realized I was not executing anything close to vocally acceptable. I took a break from the studio and came to David for lessons. After just 4 or 5 lessons my studio partner was amazed at the dramatic difference. After 4 months I’m singing more freely than ever. The return on this investment will last the rest of my career!—A student
David Hastings is a great teacher. He knocked some sense into me (gently) and now I can sing! —A student
David is not just a voice or piano teacher. He teaches the “whole” student by building on strengths that have been tucked away. Students emerge from his lessons knowing they can play music or sing, plus a whole lot more! I have watched his students growing concert by concert. It is stunning to see the transformation! —A parent
My son took voice lessons from David for 18 months. His vocal technique improved greatly and he earned several musical and performance honors and scholarships during his senior year. We give credit to David’s teaching and amazing positive energy. —A parent
Thank you for instilling confidence for my college auditions. I feel like I really showed these schools my best work, and I have several scholarship offers to show for it. I learned so much about my voice as we prepared those auditions. Thanks! —A student
Stone soup . . . David likes to bring people together to use what they have to create something synergistic. —A colleague
Last Thursday I went to the spring concert. Caitlin finally got the opportunity to sing her aria, Cara Nome, and I don’t know if she will tell you, but it was incredible! She received a spontaneous standing ovation. I cannot believe how far she has come! Her command of the singing voice, her confidence, and her growth has been amazing. Her journey is far from over, but it has been made immeasurably better by studying with you. Thanks, Master Yoda. Your skills at teaching the young Jedi are the best! For this, I thank you from my heart. —Obi Wan (a parent)
Happy Birthday, David! 🙂 Hope it’s great! I really miss lessons with you. just saying… —A student
Student Awards and Appearances
In the last five years, students from David Hastings Studios have been featured in leading roles in nearly every musical theatre production in Salem and the greater Willamette Valley. They have also earned thousands of dollars in college and graduate school scholarships. Here are some of the highlights.
Russell
- Awarded a full-ride graduate-school scholarship to the University of Florida, studying for his master’s in vocal and choral conducting under Dr. Kessling
- Accepted to the Graduate Program in Choral Conducting at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA
- Winner of the national search for University of Wisconsin Graduate Assistant in Choral Conducting.
Tessa
- Accepted into the musical theatre program at the College of Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a $11,000 scholarship;
- Also accepted at Ball State University, Indiana, and at Webster University;
- Member of the South High School Symphonic Choir (2010 State Champions)
Nick
- Sam in Li’l Abner at Dallas High School
- 2010 Regional Winner and State Champion in the State Acting Competition, Ashland, Oregon
- 2011 Regional Winner in the State Acting Competition
- 2011 Regional Winner and State Champion in the State Acting Competition, Ashland, Oregon
Suzy
- Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Albany Community Theatre
- Cabaret Performer in Dave and His 88 Friends: The Broadway Version at Prudence Uncorked
Nicky
- Chorus and Muse in Camelot at the Seattle Musical Theatre [his first professional audition]
- Cast in Hello, Goodbye at the Seattle Musical Theatre
- Cast in The King’s Proposal at the Seattle Musical Theatre
- Regional Champion and State First runner-up at the State Acting Competition, Ashland, Oregon
- Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors at North Salem High School
- Accepted to the College of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Awarded a $6,000 talent scholarship
- Accepted into the drama programs at Emerson College, Boston, and Ball State University, Indiana
- Member of the South High School Symphonic Choir (2010 State Champions)
Jon
- Charlie Dairymple in Brigadoon at the Pentacle Theatre
- Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof at the Pentacle Theatre
- Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls at Sprague High School
- Accepted at the University of Portland with a $900 scholarship
- Member of the Soundscape Jazz Choir, Sprague High School
- Accepted to University of Portland with Scholarship
Sari
- Performed the national anthem on ABC’s Extreme Makeover “Haunted House” Edition, Salem Project, filming at the Oregon School for the Deaf
Bridget
- Adelaide in Guys and Dolls at Sprague High School
- Member of the Soundscape Jazz Choir, Sprague High School
- Accepted to University of Portland with Scholarship
- Accepted to Portland State University Jazz program
- Accepted to Berkley School of Music, Boston, MA
- Accepted to Belmont University Commercial Music Major, Nashville, TN
Kevin
- Schwartz in A Christmas Story at Portland Center Stage Theatre
- Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka at the Gallery Theater, McMinnville, Oregon
- Carnival child/Ruffian in Carousel at the Gallery Theater, McMinnville, Oregon
- Workhouse boy/Pickpocket in Oliver! at the Gallery Theater, McMinnville, Oregon
Joe
- 2010 Oregon State winner Bass section representative to the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National High School Choir
- Percival in The Boyfriend at West Salem High School
- West Salem HS Mock Trial Team (2010-11)
Lisa
- Accepted to the Vocal department at George Fox University
- 20010 Winner of the Freshman Music Scholarship at George Fox University, Newburg, Oregon
- 2009 state finalist at the Oregon Solo/Ensemble Festival
Julia
- Chorus in Oklahoma at the S.K.I.T. Theatre
- Annie in Annie at the Pentacle Theatre
- Chip in Beauty and the Beast at the S.K.I.T. Theatre
Aldar-Ripley
- Only Dude in Gaybaret Portland, Oregon
Benji
- Ike and Chorus in Oklahoma at the S.K.I.T. Theatre
- Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast at the S.K.I.T. Theatre
Zack
- Chorus in Fiddler on the Roof at the Pentacle Theatre
- Alphonse in The Boyfriend at West Salem High School
- Demonstration soloist, Children’s Educational Theatre, Salem, Oregon
- Chorus in The Boyfriend at West Salem High School
- West Salem HS Mock Trial Team (2010-11)
Ben
- Matt in The Fantasticks at the Gallery Theatre, McMinnville, Oregon
Matthew
- Accepted to the University of Oregon Music Department with a scholarship.
- Accepted to the Gospel Choir at University of Oregon
Ashley
- Accepted to Nordic Choir
Haley
- Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at at Cascade High School, Turner, Oregon
Barkin
- The Undertaker in A Christmas Carol at Central High School, Independence, Oregon
Caitlin
- Laurie in Oklahoma at the S.K.I.T. Theatre
- Accepted to the Music Department at Pacific Lutheran University
- Third Place Winner at Salem-Keizer 2011 District Solo and Ensemble Festival
- Period reenactment actress at the Mission Mill Museum
Matt
- Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors at Sprague High School
- Member of the South High School Symphonic Choir (2010 State Champions)
- Received an academic pin: GPA 3.5 or higher for 11th–12th grade
Brianne
- Lucinda in Into the Woods at Sprague High School
- Hot Box Girl in Guys and Dolls at Sprague High School
- Violinist for the 2010–11 Salem Youth Symphony
Hannah
- Trumpet; 2010-11 Salem Youth Symphony
Alexa
- Accepted to Lewis and Clark College with a music scholarship
- May Day Queen and soloist in the May Day Talent Show
- Member of the Oregon Ambassadors Summer Tour 2010
- Member of the Salvation Army Western Territorial Youth Chorus, Oregon State winner and Oregon representative to the National Chorus
Kelsey
- Accepted to the Music Program at Mills College (CA) with a music scholarship.
Joey
- Accepted at Eastern Oregon University
Gershon
- Seaweed in Hairspray McKay High School
Terence
- Member of the Soundscape Jazz Choir at West Salem High School
- Marcel in The Boyfriend at West Salem High School
Jordan
- Link in Hairspray at McKay High School
Matthew
- Accepted to the University of Oregon as a music major
- Accepted to the University of Oregon men’s chorus as a freshman
Katherine
- Accepted to the Concert Choir and the Jazz Choir at Whittaker Middle School