Meet Thea Tullman Moore
Stories &
Insights1 day ago
We were lucky to
catch up with Thea Tullman Moore recently and have shared our conversation
below.
Alright, Thea Tullman thanks for taking the time to
share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a
project that’s meant a lot to you?
In 2022, I
volunteered to help with my daughter’s middle school musical. She had just
started 8th grade at a new school in a new city, and she and her classmates
needed a music director for their production of Honk! JR. I had no idea at the
time that this experience would help shape the next several years of my life
and propel me down a new creative path.
After more than
twenty years of performing primarily opera and art song, it was so much fun to
return to musical theater, my first love. It was also eye-opening to be back in
a public school setting where music is no longer a built-in part of every student’s
day. When I was growing up, everyone was required to play a musical instrument
and sing in the choir. Sadly, many kids now have to choose just one elective
that fits into their very rigid schedules and some never have the opportunity
to take music classes at all.
It became clear
to me that these hardworking and talented kids were hungry for more musical
education and they inspired me to create a series of Song Workshops held
outside of school that are geared toward expanding musicianship skills and
developing vocal and dramatic technique. By assigning age-appropriate
repertoire and limiting class size to ten singers, I have been able to focus on
the individual needs of each young artist, while building a supportive
community of middle and high schoolers. Through these workshops and in my
continued work as music director at the middle school, as well as in my private
voice studio, I can share all that I have learned over many years as a
professional singer.
It has been
incredible to watch my students grow—not only as singers but as confident young
people. Through music, they have become more detail-oriented, resilient,
self-motivated, and collaborative. Many of my students from that very first
production in 2022 are now starring in leading roles at their high schools and
in their communities and helping to mentor younger artists. This is what I
find most meaningful: the commitment and ability to uplift, inspire, and
connect people through song.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we
ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce
yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
In addition to
my work as a singer, music director, and voice teacher, I am also the founder
and executive director of Baltimore Musicales, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing
arts organization. Since 2014, I have curated over 150 programs of art songs,
opera, musical theater, and vocal chamber music featuring a rotating roster of
professional singers and instrumentalists. With performances throughout
Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, Maryland, our concerts have
showcased the work of more than 250 composers, including new works by living
composers from Maryland and across the country. Through these shared
experiences, we have created a wonderful community of artists and music lovers.
After eleven
seasons, I have decided to wind down operations for Baltimore Musicales to
focus on teaching. In many ways, the work I am doing now in my private voice
studio is a continuation of Baltimore Musicales’ mission to preserve the art of
the song recital. It has become clear to me that this performance practice will
only continue with the education of younger generations, both as musicians and
as audience members, and it has been so rewarding to introduce these bright
young minds to a wide range of repertoire.
In both
one-on-one lessons and group workshops, I work with my students on building a
vocal technique that allows for healthy singing in any musical genre. It is my
goal for them to not only improve their musicianship skills, but to become
compelling and communicative storytellers. My students are expected to research
the music they are performing, and they share biographical and historical
information about the composers, poets, and lyricists as part of their
performances on our biannual public recitals. My Summer Song Workshops for middle and high
schoolers allow for individualized instruction, ensemble singing, and solo
performance in a fun and supportive environment.
I have been fortunate to have had extraordinary mentors throughout my life who fostered my love of music and helped me develop the necessary skills to be successful as a performing artist—from my high school choir director to the dedicated vocal, acting, movement, and language coaches I trained with at Vassar College and during my Master’s program at the Manhattan School of Music, to the conductors and colleagues I collaborated with in recital and opera productions across the U.S. and abroad. I am happy that I can now impart my knowledge and experience, and I look forward to spending more time in the studio and rehearsal rooms with these promising young artists!
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s
helpful to artists and creatives?
The short answer
is: invest in artists. It is impossible to imagine our day-to-day lives without
the work of musicians, studio artists, and creative thinkers. Pay them a living
wage. Show up to performances. Donate to organizations like Arts for Learning
Maryland, a nonprofit that pairs professional teaching artists with educators
and schools, enriching students’ lives and education through culturally diverse
programs.
It is no secret that creatives have been historically undervalued and underpaid. However, the current assault that we are seeing on arts and educational funding in our country, as well as the rolling back of Social Impact programs geared toward underserved communities, will have lasting, detrimental effects on our youth and our society. If the federal government no longer supports artists or recognizes the enormous impact that the arts have on our lives, culture, and economy, then private companies and individual donors must help fill the void.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your
creative journey?
At this point in
my career, my mission is to help my students make music with confidence and
joy. I cannot overstate the importance of the arts as an expressive outlet for
kids. Each afternoon at our middle school musical rehearsals, I watch my
students peel off the pressures of the day—classwork, social and emotional
issues, expectations from teachers and friends. Through music, they find space
to be joyful, playful, and imaginative—opportunities that are increasingly in
short supply during the school day. Outside of school, music is both a
discipline and a creative practice that helps them develop tools that they will
use throughout their lives. My teaching methods encourage thoughtful
preparation, self-compassion, and persistence.
While music,
theater, and the arts provide a medium to reflect one’s own emotions and
experiences, they also serve as windows into other lives and perspectives,
teaching kids to be more empathetic and understanding—qualities we need now
more than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theatullmanmoore.com/
