All Posts by billalpert

Michael Feinstein and Terry Gross On George and Ira Gershwin

By billalpert | Bill Alpert Journal , Reviews , voice

Ira Gershwin and Michael Feinstein

This fascinating interview from NPR’s Fresh Air, recounts singer Michael Feinstein’s years of working with the Gershwin family. Over this period Feinstein cataloged much of the Gershwin discography, and in the process unearthed a treasure trove of wonderful stories.

The interview coincides with the release of Feinstein’s new book: The Gershwins and Me: A Personal History in Twelve Songs. Feinstein writes firsthand about the musical world of the American composers and brothers, George and Ira Gershwin. The book includes a CD of rare performance including “Strike Up the Band,” “‘S Wonderful,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You,” “They All Laughed,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “Embraceable You,” “Who Cares?,” “I Got Plenty of Nuthin’,” “They Can’t Take Than Away from Me,” “I Got Rhythm,” and “Love Is Here to Stay.”  The studio recommends it as a must-have collection for anyone who loves the Great American Songbook!

Soprano Meets Cello

By billalpert | Events , Studio News , voice

CellOpera concert – Oct. 27 – 8:00 p.m.

What do celebrated cellist John Walz, the Alpert Studio and the world of opera have in common? Well, for one, Mr. Walz is a lifelong friend of the Alpert family, is principal cellist of the LA Opera and is an almost fanatical devotee of the operatic stage!

On October 27, Melanie Alpert, soprano and Larry Kaplan, flutist, will join Mr. Walz for Cellopera: A Night at the Opera. It will surely be a memorable evening for anyone who loves the cello or operatic song. Pianist Edie Orloff will accompany this stellar cast of performers.

Please join us for a wonderful evening. The event will be held at 8 p.m. at Boston Court, in Pasadena. Ticket information can be found here. Use discount code Cello to receive a $5 savings on your tickets.

Studio Grad Hits Her Stride in New York

By billalpert | Studio News , voice

Congratulations to Studio alumna Maggie Anderson on landing the lead role of Fay in Pace University’s production of Steven Sondheim’s Anyone Can Whistle! This gifted girl will have the Broadway world at her feet soon enough!

Here is a sample of her work, in Ryan Scott Oliver’s (composer of Disney’s upcoming film Freaky Friday) premier of Jasper in Deadland! Enjoy!!!

p.s. And yes, that’s Maggie in the poster!

Alpert Studio Violinists Win Orchestra Posts

By billalpert | Student News , violin

Kudos to two young Alpert Studio violinists who successfully auditioned as violinists for local orchestras!

Eleven year old Jessica Chao won a competitive and coveted seat in the Claremont Young Musicians Intermezzo Orchestra. The orchestra, founded in 1992, is an 80 member full symphony orchestra for the intermediate level orchestral player ages 9 to 17. The repertoire last season included original compositions such as Egmont Overture by Beethoven, Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens, John Henry by Copland, Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 by Grieg.

Violinist Sarah Pastor successfully auditioned for an assistant principal chair in the Claremont Youth Symphony Orchestra. During the 2011-12 season, the CYSO was composed of 60 students ranging in age from 9 to 21 (fourth grade through college). Members represented 31 different schools in 16 communities: Claremont, Alta Loma, Baldwin Park, Chino, Chino Hills, Corona, Covina, Diamond Bar, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Verne, Loma Linda, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland.

Congratulations are due to both Sarah and Jessica. Be sure to support them by attending their orchestra performances at Bridges Hall in Claremont.

Alpert Studio Students at Great American Songbook Competition Finals

By billalpert | Events , Student News , voice

Direct from the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana here’s live performance video from Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Competition’s National finals. We’re very proud to share these performances of two Alpert Studio Students, Kelly Muller and Genevieve Ellis. This live concert represents the culmination of week long coaching and master class sessions led my local and national celebrities.

Both students are in the vocal studio of Melanie Alpert and also participated in studio acting workshops led by Brandon Alpert and Danny Gurwin.

The Great American Songbook Vocal Academy & Competition began in 2009, and is the only competition in the United States based solely on music from Broadway, Hollywood musicals and the Tin Pan Alley era of the early to mid-twentieth century.

Students from across the country participate in a competitive audition process for the chance to attend 2-day regional academies and competitions. Winners from these regional events will travel to the Indianapolis area for a five-day comprehensive “boot-camp” on interpreting and performing the music of the Great American Songbook. Led by local and national celebrity performers and professionals, workshops will cover topics ranging from breathing and microphone techniques to one-on-one coaching and master-classes. The classes are intended to prepare finalists for the Final Competition performance at the Palladium in Carmel, IN when each student performs two songs and the top three winners will be announced.

Congratulations to Genevieve and Kelly for representing the Western US Region, as well as the Studio, in such great style!

Studio Student Megan Holiday: On-Air Radio Personality Extraordinaire

By billalpert | Student News , Studio News , voice

Sometimes voice lessons are more than about singing. Such is the case of studio student Megan Holiday whose warm and resonant speaking voice captured the attention of radio station KITS-FM, in San Francisco. Megan is an nightly on-air personality for this top CBS radio station in the Bay Area market.

Here’s her live interview with Coldplay, one of the world’s best-selling bands. Coldplay has sold over 55 million records worldwide. Hear band leader Chris Martin compliment Megan on her voice in the opening moments of the interview! (audio player below)

Megan is still highly interested in performing as a singer. Stay tuned, as I’m sure we’ll be hearing great things from this talented young artist soon! In the mean time, you can follow her work here. She’s on-air daily from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. Kudos to Megan; we’re very proud of her accomplishments!

Alpert Studio at Great American Songbook Finals with Michael Feinstein

By billalpert | Reviews , Student News , Studio News

Congratulations to Genevieve Ellis and Kelly Muller who were recently honored to participate in the Great American Songbook Vocal Academy and Competition. Kelly and Genevieve were national finalists in the competition, and as such were guided in a master class by Michael Feinstein and Sandi Patty.

Excerpted from Examiner.com. Read full article here.

Taking center stage in front again to sing such songs as “Old Devil Moon” (Nick Angel), “All Right By Me” (Eleri Ward), “That’s Life” (Jared Wells), “The Nearness of You” (Tony Ponella), “Blue Skies” (Sage Melcher), “What a Wonderful World,” (Tori Anna), “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life “ (Jillian Slade), “All of Me” (Nick Ziobro), “But Not For Me” (Kelly Ward) and “You Can’t Get a Man With a Gun” (Genevieve Ellis), the vocalists were guided in a master class by Michael Feinstein and Sandi Patty.

Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook National Finalists from Alpert Studio

By billalpert | Events , Student News , Studio News

Wow! Kudos to two of our young students who won coveted spots in Michael Feinstein’s Great American Songbook Vocal Academy and competition. Pictured are Kelly Muller, their voice teacher Melanie Alpert, Genevieve Ellis, and acting coach Brandon Alpert.

Across the nation, Genevieve and Kelly are two of only ten high school students selected to win a trip to Indiana for a vocal academy and final competition. Have a great time, young ladies. We’re proud of you!

Alpert Studio at the 2012 SMAC-LA Graduation

By billalpert | The Kitchen Sink

Congratulations to Violin Studio students Zachary Rustenburg, Sarah Pastor and Jessica Chao upon being their participation with the SMAC-LA 2012 Graduation, in Los Angeles.

Sarah Pastor and Zachary Rustenburg at 2012 SMAC-LA Graduation

2012 SMAC LA GRADUATION ZIPPER HALL, COLBURN SCHOOL OF MUSIC

2012 Twinkler Graduates on Stage, Zipper Hall, Colburn School of Music

Recital, Summer and Vocal Student May Schedule Announced

By billalpert | Events , Studio News , violin , voice

The new location is about 100 yards east of our Suite 102 Studio, in Suite 616

All students:

Because of my school schedule, there will be no lessons on Wednesday May 9th and Thursday May 10 as well as Memorial Day Monday May 28th. Please be aware of these changes if you are paying for the month in advance.