GERARD HECHT is a pianist/coach who has worked extensively with singers in the art song and operatic repertoire and in duo performances with instrumentalists. He has performed in Italy, Boston, Washington, D.C. and throughout the New Jersey and New York area. Recordings to his credit include the CD The Complete Songs of Charles Ives with mezzo-soprano Mary Ann Hart on the Albany Records label.

 

Gerard Hecht developed an interest in opera and song repertoire while singing in the children's chorus of the Metropolitan Opera.  Inspired by his experiences there, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Yale University, and a Master of Music in Vocal Accompanying from the Manhattan School of Music.  In 1995, Mr. Hecht was appointed to the faculty of SUNY Purchase to teach song literature.  In 2000, he was promoted to full-time status as Professor of Music and General Education, the youngest professor on faculty.  Mr. Hecht designed and launched the humanities curriculum for Purchase College, consisting of courses in Western Culture, designed specifically for students in the performing arts.  In addition to the humanities curriculum, Mr. Hecht also teaches Solfege and musicianship skills, serves as accompanist for the brass department, and performs frequently on campus.  Mr. Hecht also serves on the Extension Division Faculty of the Mannes College of Music and the Pre-College Division of the Juilliard School.  He recently began writing a book on teaching Solfege using vocal literature.

 

 

 

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