GeDeane Graham

Teaches: Voice and Piano

GeDeane joined The Music Center in 2021, teaching all levels of voice and beginning levels of piano. She was drawn to the center because of its mission of reaching underserved communities with music. GeDeane connects with her students by giving them a safe place to express themselves while encouraging them to try different techniques. “I make the language of music accessible no matter their skill level,” she adds. “Instilling confidence in my students is another priority because the fear of failing was a personal challenge I had to overcome.” Her love for music goes back to her 5th-grade band class, where GeDeane played the baritone horn and later taught herself to play the trombone. One of her most memorable musical experiences, which would further cement her passion for music, was seeing soprano Renée Fleming in concert, inspiring her to become a professional opera singer. Recently, GeDeane made her debut with Christine Goerke in Wagner’s Die Walküre with the Detroit Opera. She also toured Indonesia singing a Premiere of Verdi’s Requiem. While the classics are at the heart of her musical career, GeDeane enjoys listening to all genres of music, including artists such as Whitney Houston, Jazmin Sullivan, Chrisette Michele, and Beyonce. If she weren’t professionally singing or playing, she would be an actor or makeup artist — or simply relaxing with her Goldendoodle, Dexter. GeDeane received a Master’s Degree in Music from Michigan State University and will soon complete her Music Doctorate. She also has her Performance Diploma from Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music. GeDeane is married to Dr. Byron Gipson, a Professor of Neuroscience at MSU, and she is developing a new opera company, Opera Unique.