Dear Datevik

I am so glad that our paths have crossed in this lifetime. I'm reflecting back on the growth of our relationship...the perfect metamorphosis of teacher-student-friend. Not only did I gain a priceless friendship in you and Vahram, but you have also given me something else I will value for the rest of my life... a journey through the colorful world of music.  

Do you remember guiding me down that path? You led me through a garden full of jazz blossoms...
You taught me that these beautiful blossoms started from seeds that needed to be planted. These seeds were basic chords- major and minor- that could intertwine to endless possibilities. Together we listened and strolled through fields of Ellington, Monk, and Gershwin.
You showed me that new melodies from my own heart were constantly in bloom. If I listened to my heart (as you do),the feelings and the sounds would come together to form something beautiful and brand new every time...something that beloved Ella knew all too well!
And just as the richness and fertility of the soil produces the finest of perennials,
so does the depth of the soul behind the voice, just as in Aretha, and Sarah, and you Dear Datevik.
Today I look back at our journey together...
I could not choose a finer person to walk through the garden with than you.
For all that you have given me... SHNORHAKAL YEM!

Love Always
Dierdra Brown McDowel

Datevik is a rare breed. She is the kind of teacher who gives from her heart, not just her head. Music is her life and she will share that with you if you are truly open, disciplined, and willing to fully dive in.

She has the phenomenal ability to diagnose musical problems and challenge you in a way that is encouraging, not frightening.

Over the full year that I have been her student, I have grown tremendously. Not only in terms of improvisation, phrasing, rhythm and stylization, but attention is given to ear training and theory in my lessons. She has really been the catalyst for helping me mature as a musician and on the road to finding my own voice.

Michelle Pirret

http://www.michellepirret.com/

I have been studying with Datevik for 3 years.  She is an extraordinary woman with extreme musical talent and ability.  Having the opportunity to see her perform live and be coached by her is truly a privilege.  I feel lucky to be studying with someone of her caliber.

Kate Tice

“I was searching for a good vocal teacher for quite a while. One day when listening to a great Brazilian singer I asked her if she could teach me some of her techniques because I truly loved her style.

She told me that she would share with me the same gift she had received--
she gave me the phone number of her vocal teacher. And that's how I met Datevik.
To this day I'm always looking forward to our lesson! Datevik's
tremendous concentration, attention and true love for music makes her
gift from god to us vocalists. She has that special talent of bringing
out the best that's inside of us. And last but not least, Datevik and
her classes really swing!"

Debora Watts

http://www.brazilianbreeze.com/

"Datevik is an inspiring and gifted teacher who can very quickly listen to your voice, assess your skills, and provide specific musical guidance and exercises to help you further develop as a musician. She has an organic yet systematic approach to teaching improvisation.  Improvising back and forth with her is like mountain climbing or white water rafting - a thrilling adrenaline rush and a huge personal challenge. Since she views singers not just as vocalists singing lyrics, but also as musicians or 'vocal instrumentalists', her lessons convey this more holistic approach that deal with the essence and spirit of melody, while also dealing with the techniques that are specific and unique to singers. She's the caliber of teacher that no matter what level you get to professionally, she can always teach you something more and take you even further. You could never stop learning from Datevik."

Catherine McInnes

" Datevik is more than a teacher. She's a musical mother, that patiently and

lovingly guides you through the complex and tough world of music. She's a

wizard in unveiling music's mysteries. Her teachings are essential to

achieve greatness in this craft."

Monika Oliveira

www.monikaoliveira.com