Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Two new talents have joined the teaching staff of Stephen F. Austin State University’s Music Preparatory Division.
Directed by Alba Madrid, Music Prep is a division of SFA’s School of Music and offers private and group lessons in voice and various instruments along with performance opportunities in the Pineywoods Youth Orchestra, SFA Children’s Chorus and Youth Choir, among other groups
Mezzo-soprano Diana Grabowski and pianist James Faucett have recently joined the Music Prep faculty.
“I am beyond excited to welcome Diana and James to the Music Prep family,” Madrid said. “Diana's stunning voice and James' incredible talent will inspire our students to reach new heights. They each bring a wealth of experience teaching students of all ages. I can’t wait to see the amazing progress and creativity they will spark in our community!”
Grabowski, described as “glamorous” and “glowing-toned” by The Dallas Morning News, is an active performer of music spanning the Renaissance through the 21st century. As a concert soloist, she has performed with such groups as the Winston-Salem Symphony, TENET, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Dallas Bach Society and Bourbon Baroque. Memorable performances include singing with the New York Philharmonic and The Crossing in the world premiere of “Fire in My Mouth” by Julia Wolfe, the recording of which was nominated for a Grammy Award. She has taught at Susquehanna University, given masterclasses at various universities and has taught private voice.
Grabowski lives in Nacogdoches with her husband, SFA Symphony Orchestra Conductor Gregory Grabowski, and two sons, Ben and Sam.
A native of East Texas, Faucett earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from SFA.
From 2003-07, he was an instructor at Panola College in Carthage where he taught applied piano and class piano and served as accompanist for the show choir.
Since the fall of 2007, Faucett has been an adjunct faculty member at SFA, teaching class piano for music majors. He has performed regionally as a soloist, accompanist and chamber artist.
Registration for private and group instruction for the fall can be completed online at sfasu.edu/musicprep or by calling (936) 468-1291. Prices range from $75 to $210 per month, depending on frequency, type of lesson and lesson length.
The Music Prep House is located at 3028 Raguet St. Office hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Madrid can also be contacted at: madrida@sfasu.edu or musicprep@sfasu.edu. Parents can also find program information on Facebook and Instagram.