Lucy Gellman Photos
When Billy Discrosta decided to set up shop in New Haven after seven years as a cruise ship performer, teaching voice and performance lessons in the city, he had one student in a little room, and wasn’t quite sure any sort of business would take off. Now that number is steadily growing, and he doesn’t plan on going anywhere else soon.
The difference is a new training ground, established with his partner Neil Lynch, for young vocalists and aspiring performers: the New Haven Academy of the Performing Arts, run out of their Orchard Street property.
“What we create is real opportunities for students to perform … that’s what we’re interested in,” said Lynch on the latest episode of Alisa Bowens’ “Culture Cocktail” on WNHH, kicking off the show with a description of what he and Discrosta do day to day, and why they believe so deeply in teaching (spoiler alert: anybody can sing).
The dynamic duo weren’t alone in praising New Haven’s talent. (Maybe it is the #GSCIA after all?) After getting the scoop from Discrosta and Lynch, Bowens was joined by Brian Cronin, who called in to speak about the upcoming Elm City Music Fest.
To listen to the full episode, click on the audio above or find it in iTunes or any podcast app under “WNHH Community Radio.”