Piano, Voice
Education and awards:
- BFA in Music Theatre, Hartt School of Music, summa cum laude
- Stillman-Kelley statewide (Pennsylvania) piano competition winner at age 11 (youngest contestant)
Notable roles/performance experience:
- Music director for AIDA Cruises (Germany) and RWS Global Entertainment (NYC — Azamara, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Hershey Park, Iberostar Mexico)
- Vocal captain and mainstage performer for Disney Cruise Line
- Clarinet section leader in high school marching band/concert band
- Tenor section leader in school chorus/show choir/jazz ensemble
- District and regional chorus, tenor 2 choir member (Pennsylvania)
Teaching experience:
- Piano teacher, Williamsburg Music Studio, two years
- Private vocal coach, 10 years
- Music teacher/music director, Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts Camp
- Music teacher/music director, Red Mountain Theatre in Alabama for Broadway Bootcamp series
- Music teacher/music director, No Limits Performing Arts School in Elmsford, NY
- Music director for KJK Productions in the NY area, teaching Aladdin JR., Willy Wonka JR., and Wizard of Oz JR. to elementary/middle school age students, four years
- Substitute teacher for group classes, computer training
- Audition accompanist
- Dance class accompanist (tap, ballet, musical theatre, jazz) in NYC
Dan Cake is an experienced piano and voice teacher and performer, with extensive experience in musical theatre. He has taught everything from private voice and piano to large classes in performing arts schools and camps. He is an accomplished pianist who has accompanied students for auditions as well as accompanying various dance classes.
Dan’s performance resume is no less impressive—working as a mainstage performer for Disney Cruise Lines, where he was the voice captain as well. His cruise experience also extends to working as music director for AIDA Cruises (Germany) and RWS Global Entertainment (NYC — Azamara, MSC Cruises, Holland America, Hershey Park, Iberostar Mexico).
Dan teaches classical piano and musical theatre voice, and he also teaches clarinet for elementary and middle school marching and concert bands.
Many of Dan’s students have gone on to be accepted at renowned music universities and college programs, as well as booking Broadway and regional shows such as Tommy, Tina, and MJ the Musical in NYC.
“I believe that we are all mirrors and reflections of each other as musicians and as human beings,” says Dan, describing his mission as a musician and teacher. “My students are my teachers just as much as I am a teacher to my students. I strive for a healthy balance of technique, discipline, practice, and musicality, all while finding joy and humor in this wild ride we call life!”
Dan strives to be a good mentor and role model for his students, which starts with beginning each day with gratitude and even giving himself a “high five” in the mirror! “Self-love should be celebrated,” he shares. “Once we truly accept and love ourselves, the Universe responds with opportunities.” Dan also believes that authenticity is the key to unlocking your potential in every facet of life. He encourages his students to celebrate the small wins on a daily basis, and he believes, “There are no mistakes, only lessons!”
When Dan was performing with Disney Cruise Line, he got to work alongside Michael Kosarin, who was the music director for dozens of Disney animated films such as Pocahontas and Beauty and the Beast!
Dan is adopted (“I love sharing this part of myself because not every family is the same, and that’s okay!” he says.) He is a huge animal lover, especially cats. He just adopted his first cat last year, and his name is Mr. Tibbs, aka Tibby. When he’s not making music, Dan loves to run, read self-help books, develop his skincare regimen, and travel. He’s been to over 45 countries, and his favorite place on earth is the Portuguese island of Madeira.