Monday, November 17, 2008

The Passing of Lynne Vardaman

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my technique teacher, Lynne Vardaman. She died in her New York apartment early last week.

The effect that she had upon my voice cannot be underestimated. I would not the the singer, teacher, thinker, or person that I am had it not been for my three years of private study with Lynne.

She was not always peaceful in her life; I hope that she has found peace in her death.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was a student of Lynne's back in the 1990's. She was very gifted and at times a tough cookie. I am saddened to hear of her passing. Her comic timing on stage was amazing and what an amazing voice she had. Her being a tough cookie was in somesense her way of sharing her southern charm/wit/sarcasim (she would find a way to correct my spelling even in this little note I'm writing)and letting you no one gets off easy in life. I pray that all who have met her, known her and loved her find solace in each other and love of art and the music that she shared with all of us. Pax et Bonum Lynne! - Christopher Hennelly

Eric Watson said...

I was a close friend of Lynne's during the early 70s in Boston. Successive departures for the Oberlin Conservatory and Paris, France conspired to significantly limit our contact over the years.
She was indeed a strong willed woman, as tender and as demanding as a soul could be. I have thought of her often, almost daily over the years and am dismayed to learn of her passing at such a young age.To all those who have also been affected by this loss, I convey my most sincere condolences. especially to those who loved her.
Eric Watson, Paris, France ...watson88@orange.fr

PatHeffnyc said...

I studied with Lynn for one year in 2007-08. I now take with Amy Williams. I am online googling her to find out more about this technique and it's past/future, and I came upon this. I learned a lot from Lynn. I thought I hated it at first, because I had no idea what "it" was. I was very glad she taught the way she did. It started the process of changing how I sing.

Ian Howell said...

Hi Pat,
Lielle Berman (another long time student of Lynne's) and I are talking about putting together a little symposium on the Grid, where it has been, and where it is going. We're hoping to amass a fair number of our students and colleagues. Would you be interested in attending this?

be well,
ian

Unknown said...

I had no idea this existed until this very moment. It pains me to know that I was unable to attend Lynne's funeral and that the last time I saw her was in a lesson in her New York apartment. Before she died, how the music department gave her a very hard time when I decided to change my major to Arts Administration from Music...she called me and said "You are a singer, forget about dance and business." Her words never left me, or the way she told me that she would guide me through her vocal technique and that she would support me. She was truly my mentor and a mentor for so many people, that I can hardly pretend that her profound affect on the world only changed my life. I swear the training I have received since has never been the same and I regret the day that I forgot my recorder for class and was unable to capture her brilliance. I love you Lynne, rest in peace.