Vocal students luck out in upcoming ‘master class’

Accomplished singer, songwriter and actress Leenya Rideout teaches a vocal master class at AASU March 23 at 2:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Four students will sing for Rideout and then receive feedback. The performance, “Acting the Song,” deals with the dramatic aspect of singing.

Rideout is more than qualified to teach “Acting the Song.” Her accomplishments include appearing in a Broadway production of “Cyrano de Bergerac,” as well as a role in the film “Mona Lisa Smile.” Currently, Rideout is a voice professor at New York University (NYU). Rideout earned the Johnny Mercer Award and the silver medal in the Savannah Music Festival’s “American Traditions” vocal competition.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to perform for Leenya. Her knowledge of music theatre is something that I look forward to her sharing. She is very talented and for her to work with each of us it really means a lot,” said senior vocal major Brittny Hargrove, who hopes to earn a masters degree in music theater at NYU. “She has had a career on Broadway and the slightest glance into what she has been a part of is fascinating.”

At the beginning of the performance, Rideout will sing three songs, each demonstrating a different type of “acting the song.” Her first song will be in the form a musical, the second from an opera and the third is a cabaret style song. Each student will then perform one song.

Dr. Lucinda Shultz, who selected students for the master class, said it can be intimidating for students to have their performances critiqued in front of an audience.

“I choose students who are not only fairly well advanced in their ability to sing technically well, but also because they are emotionally prepared to respond,” she said.

Rideout, who has taken many master classes in the past, understands why students get butterflies. “Sometimes it can make you feel really nervous because you want to impress the ‘master,’ but I have figured out that’s not really what it’s about. It is more about artists sharing ideas,” Rideout said. “I’m just going to offer up suggestions, but they may not work for everyone.”

Joining Hargrove on stage for “Acting the Song” are Ashley Adams, Lakeisha Williams and Melissa Flummerfelt. Flummerfelt and Hargrove both received first place honors in the 2010 National Association for the Teachers of Singing competition in Athens, Ga., in February.

All students are encouraged to come see a master at work right here at AASU.