Kevin Dilone

As a Harlem, N.Y. native, Kevin Dilone, began singing in his elementary school lunchroom for fun and discovered a natural talent. Even with his wide-ranging musical taste, an eleven-year-old Dilone couldn't have foreseen himself pursuing opera for the next ten years. Now, although his opera experience has been "a good lesson," he's ready to follow his real love- R&B.

A senior at Purchase, his time is taken up by preparations for his senior recital (which is now Friday, March 5th, after it was postponed twice), and rehearsals for the school opera production of “The Magic Flute.”

Sitting tucked into a corner of the Purchase College Music Conservatory, Kevin Dilone dresses in his usual chic attire. Sounds of classical music and eager students rushing to auditions fill the air. Through it all, Dilone slouches into a state of calm as he reflects on his time at Purchase and plans for the future.

Even though you are studying opera at Purchase, you want to pursue R&B?
I figure after being here for four years working on opera I don’t have that same passion that other students have. I’ve grown to really respect it and eventually like it, but I think that as an artist if you don’t love something with everything you have you’re not going to really be happy with yourself. So, yeah, I think that’s the goal.

What kept you here for four years if you don’t have a passion for opera?
I would say the opera program is a really good program. They really set you up for success for when you get out of here. Every year you sing a different language. We also get to perform a lot and there are a lot of opportunities that you get here that you may not get elsewhere. Other schools don’t let you perform until you’re a senior. It’s a smaller environment so everyone knows everyone, and there’s more of a one-on-one situation for you.

What performance opportunities do students have?
Every semester you get to do a new music, which is a solo performance from each singer. And even as a freshman you’re still involved one way or another, chorus or something like that. Then once you get past freshman year, you have recitals and opera scenes. So, there’s always a possibility to be able to perform.

Since the blizzard postponed your senior recital, are you relieved that you have more time or are you more anxious?
When I first found out it was supposed to snow I was bummed, because originally our recital was supposed to go up February 3rd , so it was already postponed once. Then, after that, you kind of have this adrenaline and anticipation [and] you want to get it over with. Ironically enough, I ended up getting kind of sick the same day. I guess it was a sign or something. I mean right now, I guess I’m trying to get better. I guess things happen for a reason.

Out of the four languages you have to perform for your recital, which one are you most excited about?
I have a French set, that’s the one where each art song comes from a different composer. I’d say the French set is probably my favorite. I think vocally [and] language wise, it’s the one that’s more appealing to me. So, I’d have to say the French.

How does it feel to perform in a recital setting versus an opera scene or production?
A recital setting versus an opera scene is very different because when you do opera scenes or productions you are worrying about more than just singing. You have movements, you have choreography, and you have staging. You have to really get into the character. At a recital, you’re more limited with what you can do as far as presentation. Me personally, I like doing opera scenes because you get to really be physical with the character.

You’re playing Papageno, one of the lead roles, in “The Magic Flute” on campus. What do you think of that role?
When I first discovered the role I thought it was really fun and it gives me the opportunity to play someone a little more free-spirited. Then I realized it’s actually a challenge. He is really different from other characters. His movements, [his] singing to his musicality, it entails different types of focus.

I heard you fell asleep during the production of The Magic Flute at The Metropolitan Opera...
It’s funny ‘cause now I’d be really interested to see it. The interesting part is that when you’re doing something you get so involved in, then it’s more interesting to really see it. Like now I’d love to see it, because now I know the music and the characters. Before, when I didn’t know anything that was going on, it was hard to catch up and understand what’s going on.

How is opera going to help you with an R&B or Spanish music career?
I would say technique wise; [it] helps my singing. Then the other things I’ve learned here is a lot about performance, a lot about stage directions and how to be a performer on stage; things to do, things to not do. I think that just goes for any type of music in general.

What do you plan on doing with R&B?
It's funny because last summer I recorded a Spanish song for my cousins wedding. . I recorded “Besame Mucho,” and I’ve sung that since I was younger. So, that experience kind of opened me up to other ways of doing music. With that I hope, when I’m done with school, to do more recording. I’ve talked to my teacher, Tom [Goodheart], and he recommended me to work with this band. During the summer he was giving a lesson to one of his students who said they do that type of music, and they need someone to fill in. So, that seems to be a possibility and opportunity.

Do you plan on jumping all into music, or are you going to have another job while trying to pursue it?
The reality is that once I graduate I think I need to get a job. What the job is right now- I’m not sure. Honestly, just something to pay the bills because I just need to be able to work to support what it is what I want to do. My mom works in a hotel, that’s a possibility.

What does your family think of you pursuing music over a “safer” job?
At first my mom was a little hesitant about it. Just because the era that my mom grew up in, all she’s known about this type of environment is that people who were involved in music weren’t necessarily making the right decisions in their life. Drugs, you know, just never lead to healthy things. As time went on she kind of gave in and now she is really proud of me. She enjoys it; she is always asking me to sing. My mom she just wants me to do whatever is going to make me happy. She supports me.

What is motivating you the most to make this jump from college to who knows what?
I think it just has to do with what you feel inside. Especially as an artist if it’s something that you don’t love 110 percent then you’re not going to be as focused as you need to be- as determined as you need to be. You’re not going to really love it. So the fact that I really enjoy that other type of music, it gives me a sense of hope and possibilities. For me, the jump just seems natural, like something I should do.