Knowing ahead of time that certain performances will change your life is a bit daunting. Daunting because it can be difficult to remain present in the moment. Ego wants to take over and "make it perfect" or "prove I'm worth this amazing moment in time". These recitals...

Our first coaching session together had been in January 2016 after my disastrous audition in Houston that previous December.  My confidence level was shaky, at best, and that is not the singer that belonged in this rehearsal. Wanting to please this living legend was...

Emails exchanged. Repertoire chosen. Ricky chose 10 songs to showcase his music in a way that he wanted. I knew that we would have little time to rehearse in CA, so I made the move. Can I come coach in NYC? Originally the show was supposed to be April 2016, so I...

In September of 2015, I sat at a post show dinner with Matthew Buckman, General Director of Fresno Grand Opera and Townsend Opera. He and I have had a wonderful working relationship since the first show I did with him, The Merry Widow in 2009. We have similar...

"A Gesture on the Poem's Behalf" is a class that composer Ricky Ian Gordon teaches for composers of Art Song . It highlights his process and inspiration for composing, the text. Composers in the class are asked to pick a poem, memorize it and recite it to the rest of...

This is the first time in a few years that I've been home to truly prepare for the Christmas season. I realized, I didn't feel like decorating, wrapping presents and I never feel like shopping. I needed to be home to play games, cook, listen to and sing music, dance...