Jody Pongratz
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
When Jody read this description: “DSM is more than just a music school; it is a hub where people of all ages and abilities come together to discover and experience the joy of diversity, creative expression, and, above all, community” she knew she found a special place and wanted to be a part of it. Growing up in a musical family, Jody began piano lessons with her mother at age 5. Music has always been a part of her life. Her passion is to instill the love of the arts in students of all ages!
As a collaborative pianist, Jody has performed with many choral and theatrical groups in Metropolitan Boston as well as Natick and Wayland Public schools and has accompanied vocal and instrumental soloists. She has served as Director of Music Ministry for many years in Wayland and provided music for religious services of various faiths in the area. Jody has taught piano for over 25 years to children and adults and has worked as a freelance musician most of her life.
Jody received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Relations, Magna Cum Laude, from Harvard University where she also studied music and choral conducting. She has a Masters in Education from Boston University. In addition, Jody has sung with the Harvard/Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, Back Bay Chorale, John Oliver Chorale, and the Heritage Chorale as well as other small ensembles.
Jody became executive director of DSM in 2021, bringing non-profit management experience having served in community organizations and on the Wayland Cultural Council, Wayland's Creative Arts Parents Association, Weston Drama Workshop, and Harvard/Radcliffe Collegium Musicum Foundation where she helped create the Choral Fund at Harvard. Currently Jody serves on the Regional Board of NPHUSA.org, an organization that provides a home, education, and medical care to children in Central and Latin America as well as the Harvard Club in Concord, MA. She also remains active with AFSUSA, an international program that empowers people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world.
Jody lives in Wayland, MA, with her husband (a tenor) and one of her adult children (an actor). Her other children are a robotics engineer and dancer/theater artist/arts educator.
When Jody read this description: “DSM is more than just a music school; it is a hub where people of all ages and abilities come together to discover and experience the joy of diversity, creative expression, and, above all, community” she knew she found a special place and wanted to be a part of it. Growing up in a musical family, Jody began piano lessons with her mother at age 5. Music has always been a part of her life. Her passion is to instill the love of the arts in students of all ages!
As a collaborative pianist, Jody has performed with many choral and theatrical groups in Metropolitan Boston as well as Natick and Wayland Public schools and has accompanied vocal and instrumental soloists. She has served as Director of Music Ministry for many years in Wayland and provided music for religious services of various faiths in the area. Jody has taught piano for over 25 years to children and adults and has worked as a freelance musician most of her life.
Jody received her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Social Relations, Magna Cum Laude, from Harvard University where she also studied music and choral conducting. She has a Masters in Education from Boston University. In addition, Jody has sung with the Harvard/Radcliffe Collegium Musicum, Back Bay Chorale, John Oliver Chorale, and the Heritage Chorale as well as other small ensembles.
Jody became executive director of DSM in 2021, bringing non-profit management experience having served in community organizations and on the Wayland Cultural Council, Wayland's Creative Arts Parents Association, Weston Drama Workshop, and Harvard/Radcliffe Collegium Musicum Foundation where she helped create the Choral Fund at Harvard. Currently Jody serves on the Regional Board of NPHUSA.org, an organization that provides a home, education, and medical care to children in Central and Latin America as well as the Harvard Club in Concord, MA. She also remains active with AFSUSA, an international program that empowers people to become globally engaged citizens by delivering meaningful intercultural experiences that provide the knowledge and skills needed to help create a more just and peaceful world.
Jody lives in Wayland, MA, with her husband (a tenor) and one of her adult children (an actor). Her other children are a robotics engineer and dancer/theater artist/arts educator.
You can reach Jody at jpongratz@dedhamschoolofmusic.org.
Laura Swartz
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Laura Swartz graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Music Education, then proceeded to pursue her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, graduating in 2018. She began her teaching career in Des Moines, Iowa metro area, working with students of all age groups in traditional classroom settings as well as within her private teaching studio. Currently, Laura is teaching at the Amy Dancz Studio with previous teaching engagements with the Boston City Singers Kodaly group and the Boston Arts Academy. She started with South Shore Conservatory in 2018.
A soprano by training, Laura Swartz has been performing in operas such as Le nozze di Figaro, La Calisto, and Sour Angelica. Laura has been involved with the Madrigal singing group based in Iowa that traveled through Europe performing chamber pieces. Recently Laura was a part of Boston Conservatory's Conductors Choir, which performed with the Boston Conservatory Orchestra along with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Laura has a strong background in office management and operations, especially in the music field.
You can reach Laura at lswartz@dedhamschoolofmusic.org.
Laura Swartz graduated from Simpson College with a BA in Music Education, then proceeded to pursue her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, graduating in 2018. She began her teaching career in Des Moines, Iowa metro area, working with students of all age groups in traditional classroom settings as well as within her private teaching studio. Currently, Laura is teaching at the Amy Dancz Studio with previous teaching engagements with the Boston City Singers Kodaly group and the Boston Arts Academy. She started with South Shore Conservatory in 2018.
A soprano by training, Laura Swartz has been performing in operas such as Le nozze di Figaro, La Calisto, and Sour Angelica. Laura has been involved with the Madrigal singing group based in Iowa that traveled through Europe performing chamber pieces. Recently Laura was a part of Boston Conservatory's Conductors Choir, which performed with the Boston Conservatory Orchestra along with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Laura has a strong background in office management and operations, especially in the music field.
You can reach Laura at lswartz@dedhamschoolofmusic.org.