Voice, Piano
Alvina Ransaw is a Music Teacher , Choral Director , and Music Therapist. Ms. Ransaw is also a soprano, active recitalist, and recording artist. She attended Combs College of Music in Philadelphia where she received her Bachelor in Music Education, and later a Masters in Vocal Performance. She began vocal studies with Harriet Versaci at the Settlement of Music in Philadelphia who encouraged Alvina to seek a career in music. She continued her studies with Dr. Howard Hanies of Combs College, Klara Meyers of Temple University, and Dolores Ferraro of Immaculata College. She was also certified in Music Therapy at Immaculata College.
Her earliest memories are of singing songs she heard on the radio, at three years old, to anyone who would listen. Alvina was also a soloist for all special occasions from elementary school through college. As a member of the Cosmopolitan Opera Company, now the Philadelphia Opera Company, Alvina appeared, at seventeen years old, as the High Priestess in Verdi’s Aida, and in many other operas with the company. She now appears in recital and concerts as soloist, with various choruses and ensembles. In graduate school she received awards for performance, and academics.
Alvina is primarily a classical concert performer she is also a teacher, and choral director. She was the director and piano and voice teacher at Rosemont College for ten years. She also dabbles in musical theatre and modern jazz performances as a singer, vocal coach, and director. She has assembled and directed musicals like Oliver, West Side Story, and most recently, The Wiz.
Her desire to assist other young people in their musical careers led her to teach voice, piano, and artist development. She feels that music students should feel and learn about the music they have within them with joy, fun, and exposure. Each student learns differently, has different interests, and often untapped talents. Also you must start where they are in age, music experience, and interests. An individual program should be designed for each student, to help them reach their musical goals.