Eastman Showcase 2007
Helping Others Find a Voice
Baritone Jeffery Norris (MM '84) is one of only two arts teachers — and the first voice teacher — in the United States to be named a 2007 Coca-Cola Company/NFAA Distinguished Teacher in the Arts. Jeffery, who is in his 21st year teaching voice at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, credits Eastman (where he studied with John Maloy) for a major part of his success.
While he has had a continuous professional career since the age of 19, Jeffery has had an even deeper calling to teach. "I try to draw each student's authentic voice out of him or her by asking questions," he says, "so the student is able to find the techniques that best suit his or her voice, abilities, and developmental stage." He adds, "I try to give each student a little bit of the grace that was shown to me by people who've made a remarkable difference in my life."