Mark your calendars!

The Alpert Studio 2011 Winter Recital will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 5:00 p.m. All voice and violin students are required to participate.

Recital Rehearsal (with piano) will be held on Friday, December 2nd in the late afternoon. Rehearsal time slots will be assigned at your most convenient option possible.

Let’s all prepare for a wonderful and enjoyable event, in a fun and supportive environment. So polish up your song and get ready to perform!

We are once again excited and honored to feature the amazing, gifted Broadway performer and master teacher Danny Gurwin. Brandon Alpert will co-teach the class, adding his insight and skills gleaned from the best in the business. Students will receive one-on-one attention while honing a personally selected audition piece!

This will be a 6 week session beginning on Monday, September 26, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30pm. The Monday night sessions will culminate with an exciting Cabaret performance featuring all the participants on Saturday, Nov. 12. All classes are held at The Alpert Studio Recital Hall. If you attended the last Cabaret, then you know how enjoyable and special this experience was!

All class sessions are on Monday nights between Sept 26 and Nov 7 at 6:30 p.m. (no class 10/31 Halloween)

The cost is a very reasonable $160. This time we are offering the ability to pay by credit card as well as check or cash. Alpert Studio students split payments into two $80 installments with first payment due at the opening class and final payment due no later than the fourth class. We are now offering online registration, with payment by credit card.

I have seen truly unbelievable growth in all students who have participated in this program. With auditions and competition season upon us soon, this is just the kind of class students need to develop, sharpen and improve skills. If you’re 12- 24 (we are now accepting 12 year olds!) and want to perform, I strongly urge you to be part of the class!

–Melanie Alpert

P.S. Due to the one-on-one instruction in this class, registration must be strictly limited; to claim your spot please sign up immediately!

To register by e-mail (and pay by cash/check)

Click here and include following information:

Your Name:
Contact Phone:
E-Mail address:
Mailing Address:
Name(s) and Age(s) of Students Registering

To register and pay using your Visa/MC/Amex:

Thanks, and see you at Don’t Just Sing, v3!

Led by Brandon Alpert and Broadway’s Danny Gurwin – presented by The Alpert Studio

March 28 – May 16, 2011 •  Eight Monday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

To reserve your spot: Click here to contact The Alpert Studio Please specify name(s), age of student(s), name of an adult responsible party, and contact phone.

The magic ingredient that will unlock your ability to interpret a song successfully, and perform it in a way you never imagined before.

You may have already honed your audition technique, and found the perfect cuts for your material. Now it’s time to flex those acting muscles and take on the challenge of successfully selling an entire piece of music, and make it completely yours. Whether you are joining us again, or this is your first step into our classroom, there is simply no way you can miss this unique and invaluable opportunity.

As a special bonus, the last in this series of eight sessions is a cabaret performance, open to friends and family, where you will get to show off what you have learned: performing your individual selection, and participating in an exciting group number.

Participation will be strictly limited, and on a first come basis. Enroll Now to Reserve Your Spot.

To reserve your spot: Click here to contact The Alpert Studio Please specify name(s), age of student(s), name of an adult responsible party, and contact phone.

Who Should Attend:

If you are between 13-25 years old, and serious about joining the competitive and rewarding world of musical theater, this eight week session will give you all the tools (and songs) you need to book the job. You will explore the world of song interpretation in depth, with a strong focus on the fundamentals of acting a song.

We are honored to feature Broadway star Danny Gurwin who will lead three master class sessions. Performers will have the opportunity to work at every session with pianist and accompanist Janet Noll.

Tuition:

$180 per student, plus $20 materials fee • $100 per additional student (siblings only), due at the first session

FACULTY BIOGRAPHIES:

A graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Brandon is a busy performer and teacher, working all over Southern California.  He has appeared in over 20 productions, including most recently, “RENT”, and “Urinetown”.  He recently signed with Buchwald Talent Group, one of the finest agencies in the entertainment business. He recently was accepted to join the  world  renowned acting studio of John Kirby, an acting coach with clients such as Jeff Bridges, Colin Farell and Denzel Washington. Recently, Brandon attended the Making it On Broadway Intensive, and was a part of National Teachers of Singing Conference in Salt Lake City. He recently was nominated for an ITL award for his portrayal of Mark in Rent.

“ Brandon, brings life and love to his character and also has a truly beautiful voice” – Darcie Flanburg

Danny Gurwin

A Broadway veteran for the last 12 years, learn from one of New York’s best! With shows such as Little Women, Urinetown, The Full Monty, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kismet, A Little Night Music, Forbidden Broadway, A New Brain, and The Thing About Men to name a few, Danny Gurwin has hands-on experience working with some of the New York Theatre’s most accomplished directors, choreographers, designers, and actors.

“Danny manages to push you to places with your talent you never thought possible, in a completely safe and always encouraging environment. Ultimately, he focuses on bringing back an honesty to Musical Theatre, digging for truth in a character with every song a journey of self-realization. To put it simply, after working with Danny, I feel as if I could do anything without any restrictions or fear. I could conquer any obstacle or challenge the business has to offer.” – Kelly McCormack

Janet Noll, accompanist

Janet Noll has earned degrees from the University of Kentucky (Bachelor of Music and Master of Library Science) and the University of Montana (Master of Music). Ms. Noll’s accompanying and coaching experience spans thirty-five years, and includes work in the areas of chamber music, solo, vocal and instrumental duo work, choral ensembles, musical theatre and opera productions. She is a solo and duo pianist, harpsichordist, fortepianist, and chamber musician.

Don’t Just Sing, Say Something • March 28 – May 16, 2011 •  Eight Monday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

To reserve your spot: Click here to contact The Alpert Studio Please specify name(s), age of student(s), name of an adult responsible party, and contact phone.

There will be no voice lessons from 4:30 p.m. on, during the week of March 7 – March 10. Melanie is directing a show, and that is tech week.

Additionally, there will be no voice or violin lessons the week of March 21 – March 25, as this is the studio Spring Break.

Voice Students: If you are paying for the month in advance, please adjust your payment accordingly.

Thank You and Happy Spring!

Melanie Alpert

To view 4 minute video click here

Parents As Partners Online starts January 17 and runs through February 28.

Informative talks on various parent education and Suzuki education topics will be published each week. Video sessions are 10 to 20 minutes each. Participants can access the site at any time, day or night, to take advantage of these informative, inspiring, and concise presentations. Once published, everything will remain online until the end on February 28.

We aim to nurture the parent side of the Suzuki triangle on such invaluable subjects as:

• Practice: building a strong parent-child relationship; managing frustration; strategies for creating a successful practice
• Repetition and Review: the whys and hows
• Balancing Busy Schedules
• Reflections and advice on the Suzuki Journey
• Managing the Teenager Years: The Road to Independence
• The Changing Role of the Parent
• The Importance of Listening
• Childhood Memories of Dr. Suzuki
• Institute Experiences: What it’s all about
• What Current Publications are saying about “Talent”

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive emails with schedule details and other information when available. Online discussions, video presentations, and special “events” are just a few of the opportunities to expect.

For more information contact Bill Alpert: bill at thealpertstudio.com

A Six Week Musical Theater Workshop Presented by The Alpert Studio for ages 13-25

November 1 – December 6, 2010
Six Monday nights from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

What’s the magic ingredient that will unlock your talent, rivet your audience and get you the part?

Acting is now the single most important factor in booking jobs in musical theater.

In the past, performers could book jobs based on sheer vocal quality, but those times have come to an end. In the contemporary theater world, the interpretation of the song comes first and foremost. To succeed in today, you must not only be believable, but able to act and communicate your song in a way that is clear, and  specific, yet layered.
Participation is limited – Enroll Now to Reserve Your Spot.

This class is open to the general public, as well as friends and families of the Alpert Studio, so tell your friends!
Tuition: $150 per student, $100 per additional student (siblings)

TO ENROLL CLICK HERE

Who Should Attend:
This intensive is aimed at the serious student, who is looking to be a part of the competitive, but rewarding world of musical theater. It will prepare you for your musical theater audition, and give you all the tools (and songs) you need to book the job.

We will explore the world of song interpretation in depth, with a strong focus on the fundamentals of acting a song.

We are honored to feature Broadway star Danny Gurwin who will lead a dual session master class. Performers will have the opportunity to work at every session with pianist and accompanist Janet Noll.

Finding your song (by Brandon Alpert)

The shortest path to successfully acting a song, is finding the right material. In fact, you must have an audition songbook, with multiple pieces of varying styles, to winningly showcase your talent.

Before I understood this process, I often fell into the trap (as many young singers do) of choosing songs that simply sounded pretty. Songs that simply showed off my voice. I wasn’t getting the results I desired at auditions. I eventually learned, from people like Danny Gurwin, how to find songs that not only showed off my voice, but also told a personal story. I learned that the right material naturally builds a connection between singer, song and audience.
Once I built up my new collection of songs, people took notice and I began to book more jobs than ever before. All I needed was some guidance, feedback and a bit of inspiration. That’s exactly what you’ll get here.

“Acting is not about being someone different. It’s finding the similarity in what is apparently different, then finding myself in there.”
- Meryl Streep

There is no specific set of rules to successfully acting a song, but to truly understand and communicate your material, you must start with the lyrics. By performing your song as a monologue, you’ll better comprehend the writer’s intentions, and begin the journey toward creating an authentic experience. Therefore, you aren’t just singing, you’re saying something. And here, we’ll work hard to discover what that actually means.

The class is called “Don’t Just Sing, Say Something” because as a performer without a message, the audience (or your audition panel) will tune you right out.
How many times have you seen a performer who simply bored you? Find out why… exactly what was missing, and the most common pitfalls to avoid.
To be a great acting singer, (and that’s our goal for the class) you must be able to fully comprehend (for every song you sing) who you are, what you are singing about, and most importantly, WHY you are singing. This class will make you reach deeper within yourself every time you step on stage.

Biographies:

Brandon Alpert
Award winning actor and singer, Brandon Alpert is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Brandon is a busy performer and teacher, working all over Southern California.  He has appeared in over 20 productions including most recently, acclaimed productions of “RENT”, and “Urinetown”. He recently signed with Buchwald Talent Group, one of the finest agencies in the entertainment business. This past summer, he attended the “MAKING IT ON BROADWAY” Intensive, and was a part of National Teachers of Singing Conference in Salt Lake City.

“ Brandon, brings life and love to his character and also has a truly beautiful voice” – Darcie Flanburg

Danny Gurwin

A Broadway veteran for the last 12 years, learn from one of New York’s best! With shows such as Little Women, Urinetown, The Full Monty, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kismet, A Little Night Music, Forbidden Broadway, A New Brain, and The Thing About Men to name a few, Danny Gurwin has hands-on experience working with some of the New York Theatre’s most accomplished directors, choreographers, designers, and actors.

“Danny manages to push you to places with your talent you never thought possible, in a completely safe and always encouraging environment. Ultimately, he focuses on bringing back an honesty to Musical Theatre, digging for truth in a character with every song a journey of self-realization. To put it simply, after working with Danny, I feel as if I could do anything without any restrictions or fear. I could conquer any obstacle or challenge the business has to offer.”
- Kelly McCormack

Janet Noll, accompanist

Janet Noll has earned degrees from the University of Kentucky (Bachelor of Music and Master of Library Science) and the University of Montana (Master of Music). Ms. Noll’s accompanying and coaching experience spans thirty-five years, and includes work in the areas of chamber music, solo, vocal and instrumental duo work, choral ensembles, musical theatre and opera productions. She is a solo and duo pianist, harpsichordist, fortepianist, and chamber musician.

Mark your calendars!

The Alpert Studio Spring ’10 Recital will be held on Saturday, May 15th at 3:00 p.m. All voice and violin students are required to participate.

Recital Rehearsal (with piano) will be held on Friday, May 15, between 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. for voice students and between 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. for violinists. You will be assigned an approximate arrival time at your lesson prior to the event.

Let’s all prepare for a wonderful and enjoyable event, in a fun and supportive environment. So polish up your song and get ready to perform!

The Alpert Studio of Voice and Violin invites you to join us for a hysterically irreverent musical with one of the best musical theater scores ever written. With a wonderful professional cast and a live band, this will be a memorable theatrical experience. Seating is very limited, so order your tickets soon! Opens Friday, February 19th!

Featured studio students and alumni include: Brandon Alpert, Taylor Pearson, Kari Kennedy, Marissa Henkel, Tommy Tafoya, Hannah Meisser and Chris Small

Urinetown: The Musical is a satirical comedy musical, with music by Mark Hollmann, lyrics by Hollmann and Greg Kotis, and book by Kotis. It satirizes capitalism, socialism, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, and petty small town politics. It also is a satire of the Broadway musical as a form. In reverse pantomime style, the unconventional plotline shatters audience expectations of a pleasant ending (from Wikipedia)

Event Flyer

For tickets and/or information call 909-982-5736

The Alpert Studio is proud to announce Brandon Alpert will be appearing in the rock musical Rent, at the Grove Theater in Upland. Brandon is appearing the role of Mark Cohen.

Please join us in supporting Brandon, and also supporting high quality theater in our own community. Performances run between January 15 – February 7. Ticket information here. Please note, the production contains very mature themes.

Rent is a rock musical with music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson based on Giacomo Puccini’s opera La bohème. It tells the story of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of AIDS.
The musical was first seen in a limited three-week Workshop production at the New York Theatre Workshop in 1994. This same New York City off-Broadway theatre was also the musical’s initial home following its official January 25, 1996, opening. The show’s creator, Jonathan Larson, died suddenly the night before the off-Broadway premiere. The show won a Pulitzer Prize, and the production was a hit. The musical moved to Broadway’s larger Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996.[2]
On Broadway, Rent gained critical acclaim and won a Tony Award for Best Musical among other awards. The musical is largely responsible for helping to increase the popularity of musical theater amongst the younger generation.[3] The Broadway production closed on September 7, 2008, after a 12-year run and 5,124 performances, making it the eighth-longest-running Broadway show, nine years behind The Phantom of the Opera as of December 2009. The production grossed over $280 million.[4]
The success of the show led to several national tours and numerous foreign productions, and in 2005, it was also adapted into a motion picture that features most of the original cast members. (Courtesy Wikipedia)

Colds, flu and busy performance schedules notwithstanding, it was standing room only at the Alpert Studio Winter Recital, held on December 5.

Bill and Melanie wish to congratulate each and every performer on a job well done. Also, a heartfelt thanks our extended studio family for all the support and the incredible turnout. This recital witnessed tremendous musical and personal growth throughout the studio!

Best wishes to all for a wonderful and safe holiday season!