Joan Floriano

Soprano Joan Floriano, serves as Lecturer in Voice for SUNY Geneseo’s Department for the Performing Arts. Recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s award for Excellence in Teaching, Joan is an extremely passionate teacher and performer. A proud alumna of Geneseo with a BA in Music (Voice), Joan went on to study voice at the Eastman School of Music where she received a MM in Performance as well as the prestigious Performer’s Certificate award in both Voice and Opera.

Prior teaching experiences in Voice and Stage Direction include Nazareth University, Hochstein Music School, and Italy Opera Viva (Verona, Italy), as well as Artistic Advisor for Finger Lakes Opera’s Young Artist Program.

Joan Floriano has performed such roles as Despina in Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte, Silberklang in Mozart’s The Impresario (book adaptation by Hugh Wheeler), Galatea in Handel’s Acis and Galatea, Poppea in Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Julie Jordan in Carousel, Kitty Verdun in Where’s Charley?, Fiona in Brigadoon, COLE (a Cole Porter Revue), Perfectly Frank (a Frank Loesser Revue), shows with Little People Productions of NYC, soprano soloist in many oratorios including Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Magnificat, cantatas and many more stage experiences.

Floriano states “Teaching the study of singing engages students in exhilarating and challenging ways that will serve them throughout their lives. Why and how? The exploration of the human voice requires the student of singing to master several areas of study, which while distinct, are interdependent. This work requires the student to be immersed in a learning process that is technical, physical, historic and analytical, dramatic, emotionally authentic and genuine. These components culminate in an effective performance and are communicated and shared with an audience. There is great discovery in teaching Voice. It involves the study of the physiology and anatomy of the voice and those technical aspects of singing. Comprehensive understanding of the human body; alignment, management of breath, phonation, resonance balance, articulation of languages and emotional investment are then fully implemented in a physical/athletic and emotional process rooted in the freedom to create. The unique characteristics of each individual student will explore physical development, critical thinking, curiosity, inquiry, discovery, self-discipline, and personal growth.”

Joan is a firm believer in the power of the arts and is grateful to be a part of this transformative and supportive college and community.