Voice Teacher Belts Out Lessons at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Bill Reed, a leading theatrical voice teacher, will present a “Singers On Stage Workshop” Friday, March 26, and Saturday, March 27, at The University of Alabama’s department of theatre and dance.

The event consists of three sessions: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, March 26 (Theatrical Singing: Introduction and Overview), 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 27 (Belt Singing and the Belt/Mix Voice) and 2 to 5  p.m.   Saturday, March 27 (Song Interpretation). The sessions will include lectures, master classes, vocal warm-ups and question-and-answer periods. Friday’s sessions will take place in Morgan Auditorium, and the Saturday sessions will take place in the Allen Bales Theatre on Stadium Drive. All sessions are free and open to the public.

Reed founded the theatrical singing program at the renowned Circle In The Square Theatre School in New York and has taught for many years in his private studios in New York and Vermont. His students have won Tony Awards and have appeared in numerous Broadway shows, including “Aida,” “The Producers,” “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” His classical students have performed with the Metropolitan Opera and with companies throughout the United States and Europe.

Reed began his career as a classical tenor, appearing as soloist with the New York Philharmonic; the vocal ensembles Musica Sacra, New York  Choral Artists; and at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. He earned a doctorate in vocal pedagogy at Columbia University and has published numerous magazine articles in that field.

The department of theatre and dance is a part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.