Teaching Artist

Bridget is a dedicated multidisciplinary artist with over 15 years of experience, specializing as a Voice,, Songwriting and Acting Coach. Her passion for nurturing creativity and her love for children has shaped her career as an educator. With an extensive background in developing engaging and transformative workshops across various domains of the performing arts, Bridget empowers students of all ages to explore their creative potential.

Teaching Experience:

Central Park Early Learning Center (CPELC)

Bridget began her journey at CPELC, where she developed a music therapy curriculum for children with autism and special needs. Through this role, she wrote original songs for the children's graduations, original songs to help with language development and learning and fostering emotional connection.

Carnegie Hall

For the past 10 years, Bridget has been a teaching artist with Carnegie Hall, working with the Future Music Project, developing songwriting workshops with incarcerated youth in detention centers in Brooklyn and the Bronx, providing a creative outlet for self-expression and personal development. As well as contributing to The Lullaby Project, where songwriters and musicians collaborate with mothers in shelters, prisons, and high schools, crafting songs that create meaningful connections with their children. Additionally, she designed a 5 Step Online Songwriting workshop offered to NYC Public Schools during the pandemic, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to education. This led her to facilitate songwriting workshops for music teachers from NYC and around the country to help build their musical writing language.

Acting Coach

In her role as an acting coach, Bridget has collaborated with esteemed companies such as Go Broadway and Tu Experiencia Broadway. She provides scene study, performance coaching, method technique training, and personalized strategies that cultivate confidence, emotional expression, and performance skills in her students.

Workshop Offerings

Bridget's workshops span a broad spectrum of performing arts disciplines, designed to inspire and empower students of all ages:

- Songwriting Workshops: Foster creativity through lyric writing and music composition, tailored for individual and group settings.

- Vocal Performance Coaching: Develop vocal techniques and stage presence, instilling confidence in aspiring singers.

- Acting Workshops: Focus on scene study, character development, and method acting practices to enhance emotional expression and performance.

- Musical Theater Experiences: Combine singing, acting, and movement for comprehensive training in a supportive environment.

Bridget leads these workshops in diverse settings, including schools, arts organizations, detention centers, and community spaces. Whether in a one-day workshop, a week-long intensive, or a longer residency, she creates meaningful experiences centered on artistic growth and self-expression.

Pricing & Availability

Bridget offers her teaching artist services on an hourly basis. Pricing may vary depending on the length, complexity, and location of engagements, as well as preparation and follow-up time.

Bridget is happy to discuss custom rates for longer projects or specialized programs and encourages schools and organizations to reach out for personalized quotes that align with their budget and goals.

Artistic Philosophy

With an intuitive creative approach, Bridget believes in the healing power of music and the arts. She strives to share this transformative "medicine" with her students, inspiring them to explore their creativity and find their unique voices.

Songwriting Experiences

Bridget offers a range of unique and meaningful songwriting experiences tailored to individuals, families, and organizations. Each option is designed to foster creativity while providing a memorable and transformative experience. Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of songwriting experiences available:

- Song Portraits: This customized songwriting experience can involve collaboration with families, individuals, or even organizations. Whether it’s a heartfelt gift for a special occasion—such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, or welcoming a new baby—Song Portraits create a unique musical tribute to celebrate and commemorate important moments in life. This experience can also serve as a thoughtful memorial song to honor and remember someone who has passed.

- Medicine Songs: Bridget specializes in crafting personalized healing songs that help individuals navigate through specific challenges or emotions they may be facing. These "medicine songs" serve as therapeutic tools, melodic mantra or prayer, providing comfort and support while allowing individuals to process their feelings and experiences through the power of music.

- Songwriting Coaching: As a "Music Midwife," Bridget offers dedicated songwriting coaching to assist aspiring songwriters in bringing their musical ideas to life. Whether you're struggling with lyrics, song structure, musicality, or intention, Bridget guides you through the creative process, helping you birth your song in a supportive and encouraging environment. This coaching can be tailored to any level of experience, making it an enriching opportunity for both novice and seasoned songwriters alike.

Please email bridgetbarkanpr@gmail.com to discuss your project and interest.