Bethlehem Music Association’s Music Teacher of the Month is Courtney Giampaolo.

Music teacher Courtney Giampaolo is featured here with a brand new Essex piano in the Hamagrael music room. This purchase was made possible by donations to the BMA. Please consider making a donation today: https://www.bcsdmusic.org/online-donation

BMA: How long have you been a vocalist?

Courtney Giampaolo: I have been a musician since the age of 3, when I began piano lessons. Growing up with two music educators as parents, it was inevitable to begin making music at a young age. My mother was my first piano and vocal teacher. My first performance in musical theater was at the age of five.

BMA: Music teachers in Bethlehem have a busy schedule. Tell us what classes or events you’re looking forward to this year and next.

Courtney Giampaolo: I am so happy to be able to sing with my kindergarten-fifth grade students again in the music room this year! It has been incredible to have a 4th and 5th grade choir again after missing out on rehearsals for over a year. My favorite performance opportunity for my students is the American Young Voices concert, where we participated in 2018 and 2019 and performed with thousands of students from all over NYS at the Times Union Center under the direction of Francisco Nuñez. Obviously, that event and performance opportunity has been on hold, but I look forward to the day we can participate in that again.

I am also looking forward to when we can continue the Friends Through Music performance series with our neighboring Albany City School District. For now, I'm just grateful to be with my students making beautiful music!

BMA: Who are your favorite musicians?

Courtney Giampaolo: My all time favorite vocalist is Amy Winehouse. Her vocal style inspired me from a young age. Other than classical singing, I really enjoy singing in the style of jazz. Other favorites artists to listen to are Adele, Dallas Green, Stevie Nicks, The Lumineers, Ryan Montbleau, and Allen Stone.