Faculty

A partial listing of the 2008 faculty:



Paul Berkobin:
Passionate writing, recording, producing, performing, and teaching artist. Co-founder of the cutting-edge rock band Berkobin and Corson, and founding father of Universe of Song, Paul is a ground-breaking artist with experience who's entertained audiences around the states and overseas. In addition to recording and touring with Berkobin and Corson, Paul is deeply committed to teaching songwriting and performance as time permits. As a teacher, he is rostered by Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and he's taught students of all ages at schools, colleges, and festivals around the country. Paul is a 3-time ASCAP writer's award winner, and he has studied with Grammy Award winning writers and many other masters of the craft, including, Jason Blume, Wendy Waldman, Steve Seskin and Beth Neilson Chapman. In his third year of facilitating Universe of Song, Paul is excited to welcome returning students and new ones alike. One of the great joys he finds in Universe of Song is witnessing the incredible difference the program has made in the lives of the artists, both beginner and seasoned alike. From helping new songwriters sing for the first time in front of others to coaching experienced writers in breaking through ruts to greater successes, Universe of Song has changed people's lives in profound and positive ways under Paul's facilitation. As far-reaching and exciting as the music of Berkobin and Corson is, working with artists at Universe of Song always brings joy and fire to Paul's heart too.


Bob Corson:
The other half of the ground-breaking new music experience, Berkobin & Corson, is a master musician, singer/songwriter, producer, performance specialist & consultant whose life experience and talent meld to create lyrics and melodies that will touch your heart and stir the soul. Bob began his amazing professional music career in 1964. Since then he has worked with hundreds of musicians at every level from top regional groups he created or helped create to Grammy award winning, internationally known touring acts. His past accolades include being one of the top rated bass & guitar players in PA and surrounding region; as well as performing on countless recordings as a studio musician on vocals, bass, and guitar in a wide variety of genres from jazz to rock and country. But the accomplishments closest to his heart are those that involve helping other musicians experience the joy of music as he has and inspiring others to follow their musical dreams. Bob's talent and commitment have helped many beginning performers realize their full potential and accomplish more than they believed possible. His love of all music has been the dominant theme throughout his life. He's shared this theme with many from his wife and children to the musicians he has mentored and helped reach their musical and performance goals. A teacher at heart, Bob was an invaluable addition to the Universe of Song faculty last year and he is excited about sharing his knowledge and experiences with the students this year and into the future as the touring/recording schedule of Berkobin & Corson allows. (also see: http://www.myspace.com/blackfootbob)


Christopher Bohn:
Whether teaching or performing, Christopher's many years of dedication to writing, performing, and recording music come through loud and clear. He values honesty in music and strives to transmit a strong emotional experience through his songs and his teaching. Taking a step beyond performance for performance sake, Chris uses his talents to facilitate workshops about sound healing, as well as presenting healing sound concerts. He utilizes toning, chant, mantra, overtone throat-singing, Tibetan and quartz crystal singing bowls, and percussion in his healing sound concerts and sessions. Christopher performs as a singer-songwriter in solo and small ensemble formats, exploring jazz, folk, Western classical, and many other musical traditions from around the globe. Christopher's dedication and love of the art added yet another layer to the great offerings of Universe of Song 2007 and his expanded role in 2008 is greatly anticipated by faculty and students alike.


Bernice Lewis:
Singer/Songwriter, Williamstown, MA. A nationally known touring artist for over twenty years, Bernice has performed with acts from Bobby McFerrin to Peter, Paul, & Mary, to the Dixie Chicks on stages ranging from regional folk festivals to the Kennedy Center. She was recently awarded an Artist-in-Residence position with the National Parks Service. A professor of Songwriting and Performing at Williams College in Williamstown, MA, and Colorado College, Colorado Spring, CO, Bernice has a passion for sharing and teaching her art. She’s had a thirty year daily yoga practice, loves good coffee, and her religion is the Grand Canyon. Returning students will be thrilled to see Bernice on faculty again this year and the staff of Universe of Song looks forward to all she has to share in 2008.


Andrew Mast:
State College, PA Singer/Songwriter - Musician – Inspirational Mentor. Andrew Mast is a passionate and energetic singer/songwriter with an insatiable hunger for home-brewed songwriting. A stereotypical “one-man-band”, Andrew has been composing, singing, and recording original works for over 20 years. Additionally, he has collaborated with amateur and professional producers, singers and songwriters in various areas of the U.S., including in Chicago, Washington D.C. And L.A. “Singing (and writing) is just something I feel I have to do. When I'm away from song writing, I gradually feel different inside... I eventually long for those rewarding emotions and vibrations more and more. It's like an addiction. But the moment I dust off a song and sing it, the emotions... the vibrations... all of that wonder comes back to me immediately. My work is truly its most sincere representation of my own true self.” Andrew was first introduced to Paul Berkobin, director of Universe of Song (UoS), as a vocal coach helping with work on Berkobin & Corson’s upcoming CD, and Paul felt he would make a great addition to the UoS staff by offering his vocal coaching expertise to students. We’re excited that Andrew has agreed to join this year’s faculty and look forward to all he has to offer.


Marc Frigo
Mix/Recording Engineer For nearly 20 years, recording and mixing music has been a passion for Marc Frigo - a passion that led him to a successful career as a recording engineer, and on the path to meet his wife and fellow recording engineer, Amy Hughes Frigo. Marc and Amy met in Nashville, TN, in 1991 where they lived for 10 years, working on sessions with many of the world’s finest producers, musicians, and recording artists on numerous gold and platinum selling albums. Marc’s discography includes engineering credits for artists such as The Indigo Girls, Jewel, and many others, with top producers such as Peter Collins, Rick Will, Alain Mallet and Jay Joyce.

Marc and Amy now have their own studio, Frigo Recording (www.FrigoRecording.com), located in central PA near State College, home of Penn State University. In addition to working in the studio, Marc works as a teacher and mentor to clients and interns interested in learning the art of recording and mixing music. As a consultant, Marc is able to help his clients set up their own recording systems and teach them some basic recording techniques in order to help them offset the costs of studio time. Many of these same clients return to Marc for his expert mixing services once they have completed the recording of their own tracks. Marc is extremely excited to be able to share his passion and knowledge of recording and mixing music with everyone at Universe of Song 2008.



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Also, check out Jim Donovan's website. Go to Jim Donovan Music.