Feature

Auditions for the Hollywood Vocal Studios Conservatory will remain open until October for admission in February.

Hollywood Vocal Studios Conservatory will teach world-renowned techniques like Speech Level Singing and the Institute for Vocal Management methods.

Conservatory fills the gap in modern music education

By Andres de Ocampo Pasadena Weekly Staff Writer

Adreana Gonzalez said music education does not have to be “traditional” to be relevant.

To share this, the Pasadena-born entertainer founded Hollywood Vocal Studios Conservatory in Downtown LA. The two-year contemporary vocal institution is seeking to bridge a gap in modern music education for aspiring vocalists through mentorship from music industry professionals.

The school is in the historic Garland Building in Downtown LA, and auditions for the school will remain open until October for admission in February. For information, visit hvsconservatory.com. The school is an extension of Hollywood Vocal Studios.

“I had the idea to start the conservatory because I’ve been a private vocal coach for over 15 years,” Gonzalez said. “I have many students who come from Berklee College of Music or Musicians Institute and their vocal program is subpar.”

She said there are talented people who come out of well-known music institutions, but the leading schools still manage to fall short in terms of their vocal program.

“It really is about the training of the voice,” Gonzalez said. “Not only are we going to teach you the basics, like music theory and stage presence, but we are going to teach you how to hone the most impeccable and immaculate instrument that you possibly can, which is your voice.”

The conservatory teaches students how to thrive as a professional vocalist specializing in various genres, like pop, R&B, indie-rock and pop country.

“In a few years, I would like to branch out into musical theater because that’s my expertise, but for now we are focusing on contemporary music,” she said.

“There are so many genres that are crossovers and hybrids of each other, but what we’re really looking for is amazing talent so that we can bring out their best style and sound.”

Gonzalez is passionate about her career and helping aspiring young vocalists. She said entertainers come to Los Angeles to try to start their music career but leave before the 10-year mark because they’re struggling.

“There is so much talent out there that needs to be seen, and it needs to be seen by the right people in order to create a success,” she said. “I wanted to help streamline that process, and I love working with talented individuals and helping them shine.”

Gonzalez, who has worked as a professional vocalist for over 15 years, is supported by five faculty members and two masterclass hosts. The faculty includes voice director Jeffrey Skouson, who works with Imagine Dragons and the Killers regularly, and performance director Ron Harris, an A&R representative who helped shape the careers of Fergie and Christina Aguilera.

Gonzalez said the school’s curriculum will help build aspiring vocalists by teaching methods like Speech Level Singing and the Institute for Vocal Advancement method, which is led by Skouson.

According to Gonzalez, Speech Level Singing and Institute for Vocal Advancement are world-renowned techniques but are not taught at music schools. These techniques, which are otherwise taught through private lessons from vocal coaches, manipulate the muscles in way to blend the different pitches from your chest and head without a difference in quality.

Moreover, HVSC will teach students ways to navigate the music industry and their career through classes like brand awareness and a wellness class that will center around a healthy lifestyle and vocal longevity.

Gonzalez said she will accept 20 to 30 students but plans on expanding to closer to 100 to 120 students.

“The reason that I want HVSC to be an exclusive program and why we’re starting off so small is because I only want to take on the best of the best,” she said. “I want to be able to give these talented individuals everything that they need and all the attention they might need so they can be as successful as they can possibly be.”

With small classrooms, personalized attention, training and lessons, students can develop their skills at HSVC in two years. Otherwise, it might take 10 years of experience without this program.

“I really believe that you can do anything that you put your mind to, but you can’t give up,” Gonzalez said. “Even if your friends and family tell you that it’s not the career for you, if it’s what you want and it’s a desire in the deepest part of your heart and soul, you just have to do it.”

The Ladies Night Out committee is excited for this year’s event.

The 10th Ladies Night Out benefits CSCP

By Pasadena Weekly Staff

Cancer Support Community Pasadena is honoring courageous women in the community who have been impacted by cancer on Thursday, Oct. 7, with the 10th Ladies Night Out.

This year’s theme, “Back in the Saddle Again,” is a fitting homage to the organization’s safe return to in-person events.

“We’re so excited for the return of Ladies Night Out, and so is our community. Tickets are selling fast for this crowd favorite event,” said Kim Ferreira, CSCP’s director of events and marketing.

“Our sponsors and guests always have a great time connecting with friends, while making a meaningful difference for families facing cancer.”

Ladies Night Out begins at 5:30 p.m. with award-winning performer Holly Sidell serving as mistress of ceremonies. The $200 tickets include appetizers, wine and cocktails and dancing. For more information, visit cscp.link/ladiesnight2021 or call 626-796-1083. For questions, contact Ferreira at k.ferreira@cscpasadena.org.

Under the direction of dedicated co-chairs Marlene Evans and Becky Harris, the committee is transforming Alison and Mark Gamble’s backyard in Altadena into a rustic country jubilee.

The evening will feature vendor booths with a portion of proceeds going to CSCP, an auction, raffle prizes, cocktails, food stations, and music by Country Nation.

The event’s wine sponsor is Wenzlau Vineyard, and raffle sponsors are Altadena Town & Country Club and John Hardy Jewelry.

Ladies Night Out sponsors include Kal and Roy Antoun, SMPL Mortgage; Eleven Twenty Seven Foundation trustee Temo Arjani Elizabeth Arnett; Rosey Bell, Coldwell Banker Realty; Colleen Carey/Jodi Shoemake, principals, Lee & Associates Pasadena; City National Bank; Ann Cramblit Olson; DW Dixie; Ellen Driscoll; Marlene and Robert Evans; Gamble Jones Investment Counsel; LifeSource Water Systems; Becky Harris; Kobeissi Properties; Vicki Laidig; Ruben Marquez Interior Design; Margaret and David Mgrublian; Laura and Mike Mickens; Angie and Fritz Miller; Pie N Burger; Pansky Markle; Warren and Linda Procci; Sarah Rogers Real Estate; Rosemary Simmons; Peggy Smith; Meg and John Symes; Debra Underwood/Jeff Green and families; Arlene Vidor and Laura Wending.

“Our in-person Ladies Night Out has been a long time coming, and we’re so grateful for our community’s enthusiasm and support around this evening,” said Patricia Ostiller, CSCP’s executive director.

“Proceeds benefit nearly 1,000 people in our community who rely on us each year for support, education and hope as they face cancer. Our programs are offered free of charge so no one faces cancer alone.”

The organization is located at 76 E. Del Mar Boulevard, Suite 215, in the Pasadena Humane building. More information is available at cscpasadena.org.