Dana Stahl

Dana Ariel is a Southwestern Colorado singer-songwriter whose atmospheric vocals, folk guitar, and soulful storytelling weave together folk, indie rock, R&B, and Motown influences. Her music is rooted in the landscapes and traditions of the American West while exploring the emotional complexity of modern life.

Ariel has shared the stage with indie acclaimed artists including John Craigie, Esther Rose, and Anna Ash, and has built a reputation as a dynamic and engaging live performer. Her debut album, Wild Woman, released in 2022, explores identity, relationships, independence, and becoming more fully oneself. Her songwriting spans from the soulful “Josephine” to the festival-folk energy of “Midnight Sun” and the indie-rock-meets-Motown sound of “Wild Woman.” The Durango Herald praised her “atmospheric vocals, folk guitar, and captivating storytelling,” highlighting the eclectic range of her music.

Ariel began her musical journey in the Colorado bluegrass community before studying songwriting internationally. She attended Berklee College of Music’s pathway program in Prince Edward Island, Canada, where she studied Acadian folk traditions, and later completed her degree in Songwriting in Melbourne, Australia.

Alongside her career as a performing artist and songwriter, Ariel has spent seven years teaching music, including three years as a high school music teacher. Her work as an educator has become an important part of her artistic practice, allowing her to mentor young musicians while continuing to develop her own creative work.

Ariel continues to write, perform, and release music, with her work centered on connection, storytelling, and the shared experience of being human.

My teaching approach combines technical development with confidence, creativity, and real-world performance skills. I help students develop their unique artistic voice while building the preparation and stage presence needed to perform with confidence. I also work with emerging and independent artists to prepare for bigger opportunities, from strengthening live sets and performance skills to navigating auditions, showcases, and professional stages. My goal is to help each musician feel prepared, authentic, and confident when it’s time to step into the spotlight.