GARY ALDRICH, BASS-BARITONE
VOCAL INSTRUCTION
Musical Theatre, Opera, Symphonic & CROSSOVER
Our studio produced A TOUCH OF RODGERS several times: in Albany and Schenectady, NY, in Reno, NV at UNR, and in Carson City, NV (the cast above), among others.
the gary Aldrich vocal arts studio
•Gary Aldrich doesn't just teach you to sing. He teaches you to perform! (E. Wood)
• I have seen the results of his teaching, and I’ve always been impressed! (Chris M.)
•Brilliant Performer, Master Teacher, the Very Best! (Patricia S.)
• Gary's teaching encompasses much more than just training and understanding the voice. His training took a shy, introverted person and helped him gain understanding of who he is as a person. (Anthony W.)
• Gary Aldrich is the best voice teacher I have ever had! (Scott S)
• I see the qualities in Gary that makes a great teacher, one who not only can teach the technical skills of the endeavor but who has a synergistic effect on his students; one who makes an individual better than they are and were, “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.” ... his students learn far more than breath control and the technical aspects of using the voice as an instrument. They are imbued with the culture of the art, its place in societies around the world and how music and voice fit in with their own personal growth and development. (Rex T)
• Gary was my voice teacher for over a decade when I was just starting out in my early twenties. If not for distance, he would still be my maestro. In addition to being a gifted singer & musician, Gary was incredibly supportive and encouraging to someone who was very green & nervous! I grew with his help. Today, I'm still performing. (Jon S.)
THE BEST VOICE TEACHER EVER! (Terry H.)
•It is a wonderful musical journey to study with Gary Aldrich. He personalized his instruction specific to my strengths and challenges. He offers a teaching relationship in which I can take risks and explore. Gary also provides the support and understanding necessary to grow as a person and musician. He has shown me how, through music, I can communicate my heart to others. Because of Gary’s top-tier talent and performance experience, as his student, I can always see my next musical horizon. And with Gary I will arrive there! (Richard H.)
THE MISSION OF THIS STUDIO
As a private voice teacher, my responsibilities are: to provide musical education, challenges and individual performance opportunities for adults who are busy in their individual careers but who have an intense interest, commitment and talent for singing; and to develop in those singers an appreciation for ALL styles of vocal music.
I am a supportive, encouraging teacher with more than 40 years of teaching experience. I use a bel canto breath and speech-based singing technique. I am open to most styles of music but ask that students work on some classical repertoire to help in building their voices.
Except in extraordinary circumstances, my teaching is limited to adult singers (usually 16+) with some experience and/or ability. I do not teach beginners or children unless specific arrangements have been made.
TOGETHER, WE CAN:
WORK ON GENERAL VOCAL TECHNIQUES AND STYLES • PREPARE YOU FOR SUCCESSFUL AUDITIONS • PREPARE AND PROGRAM RECITALS, SALONS, AND CONCERTS • REHEARSE FOR PRODUCTIONS IN WHICH YOU'RE ALREADY APPEARING • PREPARE DEMO RECORDINGS • ALIGN YOUR VOICE WITH YOUR DESIRED STYLE...
AND LEARN:
-
To become a more confident performer!
-
How to extend your vocal range
-
How to control your pitch and your 'ear'
-
How to better hear and evaluate yourself
-
How to efficiently take a breath, and
-
How to sustain that breath
-
How to identify and work through those natural vocal 'register' breaks that everyone has!
-
How to increase your vocal stamina
-
Live video-audition recordings can also be arranged upon request
-
To accept that there are NO MIRACLE SHORTCUTS!
• Gary has been a HUGE part of my journey in becoming the best singer I can be. He continuously helps me to achieve my vocal goals. He pushes me, encourages me, and teaches me valuable skills every single lesson. (Megan H.)
• Gary Aldrich brings together the hard-earned lessons of an authentic and successful stage performer, an expansive knowledge of the art in general, a genuine love for helping people grow into their own talent, and tops it off with a laid back, flexible demeanor. If it’s in your voice to sing something, he can help you get there, and if it’s something you already love to sing, he can help you make it even better. (Evan W.)
Gary Aldrich has a unique ability to see, develop and celebrate the uniqueness of every person he works with. This is what sets him apart from many other voice teachers/coaches. He understands that solid technical vocal foundation does not mandate a cookie-cutter, one size fits all approach! He is known for individualized teaching, mentoring, and encouraging students in a firm, yet comfortable, environment that consistently yields outstanding results. Gary draws upon many diverse disciplines in his approach to teaching voice. He has been teaching and coaching voice since 1975 in New York City and the Hudson Valley and, since 2000, in the Reno / Truckee Meadows area in Western Nevada and Northeast California.
The Studio offers periodic specialized master classes and workshops (Salons) often including Gary’s professional and experienced associates, who help to provide a supportive group dynamic for singers and actors to further develop their craft. His students have gone on to become artists in the recording industry as well as on Film and TV. Besides working vocally with recording and concert artists, Gary also does consulting work for film, TV and record labels, and particularly in theater, musical theater, concert, and opera, all of which he has participated in throughout the United States and Europe.
His professional affiliations include: Actor's Equity Association (AEA), the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) and he has earned an MFA in Theater and Voice Studies.
Also an accomplished pianist, he is able to accompany his singers to give them the musical context they need to perform appropriately. Please NOTE: He does NOT transpose by ear or sight. The music you sing must be written in your key and you must furnish this music yourself. However, there are several online sites that can and do transpose songs into YOUR key! Gary is also known for knowledge and experience in many styles of singing. 'Technique' and 'style' are different but equally important.
Please contact Gary Aldrich directly for pricing and availability.
Contact info at the bottom of this page.
•Progress
Demonstrating consistent application of vocal and performance techniques / styles as used and discussed in lessons. I highly encourage you to record your lessons from time to time. I am happy and able to record accompaniments on the piano for you to practice and rehearse with.
EXPECTATIONS
Welcome to our Studio!
THE GARY ALDRICH VOCAL ARTS STUDIO POLICIES, PROTOCOLS
These guidelines are designed to help you grow musically while providing the most enjoyable learning experience possible.
I am always available to discuss any issues that may arise while you are studying with me and I hope that we are able to learn a great deal from working together. My goal as a teacher is to help you develop a free and healthy technique and a mastery of various singing styles that you may wish to pursue through discovering your own unique voice.
Lessons are scheduled for one weekly 55-minute 'hour' at my home studio in Reno, Nevada. Call or text msg for specifics. Studio hours are, unless otherwise arranged, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 AM to 5 PM.
• Repertoire / Preparation
We will work on whatever genres you prefer. However, if you are working on classical repertoire, preparation for your lesson should include translating the text, learning the pronunciation of the language, having a working knowledge of the period from which the piece comes and the history of the composer, and memorization of the music in a timely fashion.
Gary Aldrich as The Major General in PIRATES OF PENZANCE in Nashville.
Pirate L.T. Kirk looks on.
• Practice Time
Practice is important in order to improve, and I can usually tell if you haven't practiced. There are times when consistent practice is impossible. Please be honest with me about this. It happens. But you will also derive more from your investment if you can practice, as your lessons will be much more productive. "Practice" does not usually need to extend for more than 10-15 minutes at a time.
Again, I am happy to record accompaniments, vocalises and warm-up exercises for you to use at home, to help you set practice goals, or to help you set dates of completion for your rep. This method has been extremely helpful for singers who are more ‘goal-oriented.’
Practicing is not always limited to singing. It can also include research, writing out translations, listening to recordings, and reciting / monologuing texts, silent practice of foreign language pronunciations, securing rhythm and its relation to the text (no matter what you're studying!) and memorizing.
• Cancellation Policy
Once you have an established lesson time, you should consider this to be an ongoing appointment you have made with me. I have set aside time in my weekly schedule to work specifically with you. If you need to miss your lesson for whatever reason, but do not provide 24-hours' notification, you will be charged for your lesson. Please realize that teaching is not my hobby. Income from it enables me to pay my bills, just as your income enables you to do the same.
Additionally, please be on time. If you are late, you will not be able to make up for the time that has been lost.
If I need to miss a scheduled lesson, I will make a concerted effort to contact you well in advance and to reschedule your lesson at a time that is convenient for you.
• Payment
Payment is due monthly at the first lesson of the month for that entire month. If this is impossible, other arrangements can be made, based on your financial situation. Methods of payment accepted are cash or check.*
Please do not ask me if you can pay me later. You are paying for a service, and payment is due at the time of said service.
I have done my best to come up with studio policies that ensure protection for myself and satisfaction for my clients/students. You have every right to expect professionalism, dependability, fairness, and excellence from me as your private voice teacher. By enrolling in lessons, you are agreeing to comply with my studio policies.
I look forward to working with you and sharing my passion for singing, music and theatre with you!
*GOOD NEWS! As of January 2019, we will now be accepting credit/debit cards for payment! Checks and cash are still preferred, but sometimes they are not possible for prompt payment, where a credit/debit card can be a great help! People have been suggesting this for a long time, so we finally DID IT!
More testimonials...
Over just a few years, Gary has taken me from casual choir singer to soloist. It’s amazing to master such a diversity of repertoire from classical oratorial and opera to musical theater. And, what a treat to work with someone who is such an impressive performer in all of these areas – a true inspiration.
BOB S. says...
Gary Aldrich is an amazing musician. His rich warm bass possesses great resonance and depth. His artistic interpretation is superb! It is always a pleasure to share the stage with Gary. Mr. Aldrich is an absolutely exceptional vocal coach. He has a very unique teaching method and his every comment is practical. He truly cares about every student and is emotionally invested in their success. I would highly recommend Mr. Aldrich to anyone who wants to succeed in singing.
ALINA I. says...
Taking singing lessons was one of my biggest fears. However, through some encouragement and a bit of courage, I set up an appointment. And, am I ever glad I did! Gary was able to help me through my singing insecurities and helped me find my voice. Now, I have a much better understanding of the vocal instrument I have, and am much more comfortable singing in public. Both are accomplishments I never thought I’d experience, and its thanks to Gary’s help and guidance!
JOSHUA S. says...
Gary Aldrich takes an eclectic approach to his instruction, introducing students to multiple styles, from Broadway to opera to jazz. An extraordinary performer, he brings his professional expertise to his studio, teaching not only vocal development but dramatic interpretation. Gary takes an active interest in the welfare and development of his students, encouraging them, applauding their successes, providing a comfortable environment for the many professionals and novices who come to him for instruction.
STEPHANIE A. says...
Gary doesn't just teach his students to sing, but he teaches how to tell the story - to take a performance to the next level. He is not only an outstanding vocal coach but also a terrific mentor and wonderful friend.
GERALD H. says...
