Performance & Communication Training
The Heifetz Performance and Communication Training method was developed to guide musicians to discover their full creative potential and express their individuality not only through technically and intellectually robust music making, but also through emotional and even physical engagement with the music they play. It strives to empower young performers to perfect their artistry by developing their physical, mental, and emotional range, and also provides a great opportunity to forge powerful interactions with fellow Heifetz students.
Students are guided through multidisciplinary courses and led to connect the experiences back to their musical pursuits with the following overarching goals:
1. Know Oneself
Becoming aware of one’s personality traits and understanding various human emotions is essential in conveying a convincing and authentic performance. The goal of the Heifetz Performance and Communication Training method is to support students as they access their own store of emotions and unique personality characteristics.
2. Open Oneself
Heifetz Performance and Communication Training is designed to provide a comfortable and safe environment for students to explore their emotional range, to overcome personal inhibitions, and to be willing to take risks as they develop their own expressiveness and interpretive style as connected to the music they perform.
3. Express Oneself
Once there is a clearer understanding of their individual personality and emotional range, students then explore how their physical and mental life work together to create an authentic and expressive performance. An essential element toward achieving these goals is gaining an awareness of the connection between musical training and emotional expression. Heifetz Performance and Communication Training is designed to support students as they balance and integrate all these features, deepening their connection to the music and to the audience.
4. Improve One’s Physical Freedom and Health
One of the underlying bases for performing at one’s best is to have the necessary bodily strength, agility, and flexibility to do so. These traits enable the performer to have the freedom to demonstrate technical prowess, emotional resonance, and engagement with the audience. Physical fitness should become a regular component of every performer’s life. It is the aim of the Heifetz Institute to provide each student with the skills to develop a physical fitness regimen that meets individual needs and provides a sense of well-being.
2024 Communication Training Faculty & Courses
Daniel Pettrow
Performance & Communication Training Director Drama; Speaking in Public
Adam Hockman
Student Experience Manager
Angel Azzarra
Voice
John Gregorio
Improvisation
Anabella Lenzu
Movement
Vanessa Valliere
Drama; Speaking in Public; Improvisation
Melissa White
Yoga