Background
Born in Washington, District of Columbia, Stephanie grew up in Bronxville, New New York
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Stephanie Nakasian
Edit Profilemusic educator singer jazz musician
Education
She studied classical piano and violin, sang in choirs, and studied voice. She majored in economics at Northwestern University, where she received her Bachelor and Master of Business Administration.
Career
She subsequently worked as a financial consultant to major banks in New York and Chicago until 1981, when she began working as a musician full-time. Musical career
Stephanie first came to international attention when she sang and toured 1983-1984 with Jon Hendricks and Company. She has appeared frequently as a guest artist with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band on their internationally syndicated public radio show, Riverwalk Jazz, to portray a variety of jazz singers.
More recently, Stephanie portrayed herself on the show with Dick Hyman for tributes to composers Hoagy Carmichael and Walter Donaldson.
She continues to appear at several international festivals and national music education conferences including the Music Educators National Conference, Music Teachers National Association, and IAJE nationals. She has appeared in concerts as a featured performer alongside important figures in jazz, including Urbie Green, Pat Metheny, Clark Terry, Scott Hamilton, Hank Jones, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe Jones, and Annie Ross.
She also tours regularly. Teaching
Stephanie currently teaches voice at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia and the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
She has directed vocal jazz ensembles and gives numerous workshops each year to schools and conventions (including the Virginia Music Educators annual convention and at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond) on "Teaching Jazz Voice," "Coaching Jazz and Show Choirs on Jazz," and "How to Sing what"s NOT on the Page."
Stephanie is also the author of the vocal jazz instruction manual, "lieutenant"s Not on the Page! How to Integrate Jazz and Jazz Rhythm into Choral and Solo Repertoire," which was published in 2001.
Personal life
Nakasian is married to her pianist, Hod O"Brien.
