Thoughts from Terry Decima

For many years Susan and I were colleagues and friends. She and I shared many students at NEC involving the joys and perils of degree voice recitals. Susan was one of the few voice teachers who demanded repertoire requirements each semester, setting a needed standard for the Conservatory. For many years she was chairperson of the voice department, addressing the many concerns of that area, all done without a computer. She loved teaching and often said that each person and voice were unique and the challenge was to reach each singer's potential. Occasionally we worked on repertoire, her talents lent to different styles, Bach, Mahler, Wolf, American songs. We were both foodies and enjoyed upscale restaurants where her first order of business was enjoying a sidecar cocktail, of which she was a connoisseur. Susan was a voracious reader and arriving at her home I would be given a list of books which she had read and thought I would enjoy.

NEC was fortunate to have her on the faculty and I was most grateful to have her as a friend.
- Terry Decima