Susan is a native of Yonkers, NY, but now has been living in sunny Florida, in Pasco County, for the past 14 years. Susan cannot remember a time when she was not singing. She began at the age of 2 singing Italian Neapolitan songs with her grandmother. Susan has had extensive private training in vocal technique and musical theory including studies at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and continues to study today. Susan also continues to study dance, as it is essential for stage presence. Her former dance studies include education at Jo Jo’s Dance Factory, NYC, Phil Black Studios, Tarrytown, NY, and also with the late Joan Marlowe and her daughter, former Broadway performer, the late Cathy Wydner.
Besides her extensive studies, Susan's performing credits in New York include performing at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Westchester Light Opera, under the direction of Lee Schwartz, and many dinner theatre and regional theatre venues. Favorite roles include Fiona in BRIGADOON, Laurey in OKLAHOMA!, and Magnolia in SHOWBOAT. Locally, Susan has been a performer with the Hernando Symphony Orchestra, at the Show Palace in Hudson as Golde in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts with the Opera Outreach Program as Rosalinde in DER FLEDERMAUS, at the Palladium in St. Petersburg, FL as Eiras in OCTAVIAN & CLEOPATRA an original opera, and at Ruth Eckerd Hall with Broadway star Linda Eder for her CHRISTMAS REMAINS THE SAME concert. Susan has also performed with former NYC policeman Daniel Rodriguez, who was discovered at the 9/11 Tribute in NYC by Placido Domingo, at the former Palermo's Restaurant in Palm Harbor. Susan has also performed with Johnny Maestro and Italian comedian Pat Cooper and has also been a guest artist numerous times with the very successful Richey Community Orchestra. Currently, Susan is a member of the exciting musical repertory group "Cover to Cover" along with her husband, Michael D’Aquino and dear friend, Scott Greenberg.
Susan is thrilled to be beginning her 6th year of teaching at John Leggio's Center for the Performing Arts, and as always, looking forward to collaborating with John and the current team of teachers at the studio. In 2006/2007 Susan taught voice at DaySpring Academy Middle School in Port Richey, FL. and was musical director for their year end production of "High School Musical".
Susan's vocal technique is “open throat, low larynx” with breath support from the diaphragm being the most important factor. "No breath, no sound!" A singer’s breath needs to be moved forward into the mask to produce a bright focused sound. Susan's students also learn important musical terms to help them understand why music is written in specific styles and to help them interpret it. Susan hopes that all her training, performance experience, and love of the arts will further enhance and inspire all her students. Susan is currently a proud member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing).
