A renowned VOICE TEACHER & PERFORMing artist

I attended Oberlin Conservatory of Music where I studied voice with famous vocal pedagogue Richard Miller, author of The Structure of Singing. He sparked my interest in vocal physiology and the science of sound.

Since then, I have studied with Beverly Johnson at the Juilliard School of Music, Giorgio Tozzi, Fred Carama, Joan Zajac, William Vendice, Armen Guzelimian and my current teacher of over 25 years, Judith Natalucci. Judith’s understanding of vocal physiology and her ability to translate the science is unparalleled. But my greatest singing lessons may have come from the stage, performing next to world-renowned operatic stars in more than 100 productions at LA Opera. I have heard up-close what it takes for a voice to carry over an orchestra in a 3,000-seat house, all the while maintaining good vocal health…performing next to major operatic/classical singers from the past such as Renato Bruson and Elena Obrazova to today’s leading artists Placido Domingo, Anna Netrebko and Renee Fleming. Incidentally, Ms. Fleming, who also studied with Beverly Johnson, had voice lessons right after mine at Juilliard.

 

I have also worked with most of the leading conductors who have passed through the doors of the LA Philharmonic and LA Opera. With those musical giants at the helm, I have performed the seminal classical works in opera and oratorio as well as world premieres of new works. But my musical home is the LA Master Chorale. Being a low bass, singing in the Chorale is what I do best; it’s where I belong. And when the movie industry needs a low note for a film score, I am usually called. I have sung on the soundtracks of over 150 films and am a board member of the National Screen Actors Guild’s Singer’s Committees.

 

With all of that said, my heart – my passion – is in teaching. Discovering the nugget of gold hidden in every singer is exciting and invigorating for me. Because of my own journey as a singer who has studied the science of vocal physiology and the knowledge I have sought from great artists, I teach all ranges of singers from the highest coloratura to the lowest bass.

Every singer is different. What works for one may not for another. Studying voice is a unique experience for each individual. Our instrument is inside our bodies. None of us look alike. We are not built the same. Nor do we process information in the same way. My job as a teacher is to find how your voice works within you. It is all based on scientific facts. Translating that to you is where my teaching becomes highly personalized. That is always the challenge, and I love a challenge!

TESTIMONIALS

TESTIMONIALS

“I have found that working with Reid has been indispensable in my progress as a vocalist and musician. His ability to demonstrate healthy coval production has allowed me to make strides in a matter of months that I had not made years working with other teachers.“

“After just a few sessions with Reid, during which he had me make some adjustments to my technique, I felt I made a quantum leap. His gentle approach makes even the shyest, most neurotic singer feel good about their singing. He has a very balanced approach to teaching voice. He only gives as much instruction - makes adjustments - provides criticism - as the singer can take at the moment and never more. I have never felt overwhelmed during our lessons. Reid was trained by the very best so you can be assured that you can trust him with your vocal development wherever you might be on that journey.”

“Where to begin? Reid is one of the most inspiring and encouraging teachers I have had the opportunity to work with. His knowledge and understanding of the voice, technique, and music is endless and he is able to explain every concept with many different approaches. Reid has helped me immensely to find my true voice and makes the journey so exciting. Throughout our work and his guidance, I have finally begun to embrace singing, feeling more confident and free.”

“Reid is a master vocal technician. The pros go to him when they have plateaued in their vocal ability. I went to Reid after years with other teachers and wasn’t getting the kind of work I wanted. Within six months, Reid overturned years of bad technique and got me into a different vocal classification. Through his guidance, I was singing repertoire I had always wanted to sing but didn’t think I would ever grow into. Reid made sure that I never lost the beauty of my voice. WIth my ‘new’ voice, I was turning heads and landing more solos than ever. And I finally joined the big leagues.”

“Reid has been my rock, support, and inspiration in my operatic career. There is no question in my mind that I would not be as successful as I have been (8 leading roles in 2 years) if it weren't for him and his guidance. I owe him everything and am truly grateful to have such an incredible man and teacher stand by me.”

“Words cannot express my gratitude to Reid for encouraging me out of early retirement from a 20-plus year career. He has resurrected my confidence and reconstructed my technique from ground zero. Reid’s infectious passion and joyful dedication to the craft are unparalleled. In short, he is a master vocal mechanic, making advanced techniques easy to execute immediately. Without a doubt, Reid is the best singing teacher I’ve ever studied with. I cannot sing his praises highly enough.”

“Reid Bruton is the fundamental center of gravity for an elite number of extremely gifted, career driven young singers in Los Angeles. I am proud to say that he single handedly jump started my career and wherever in the world I am, Reid is my point of reference. Not only is he ingenious in his profound knowledge of musical styles and vocal technique, I have never known an artist and teacher of his caliber and prestige, so passionately dedicated to the advancement of his student's careers. Reid really is a force of nature! In the often cold, at times dark, and always challenging world of our music industry, you are truly blessed... if you have him on your side!”

“The technique you are teaching me is transformative.”

TESTIMONIALS

“I have found that working with Reid has been indispensable in my progress as a vocalist and musician. His ability to demonstrate healthy coval production has allowed me to make strides in a matter of months that I had not made years working with other teachers.“

“After just a few sessions with Reid, during which he had me make some adjustments to my technique, I felt I made a quantum leap. His gentle approach makes even the shyest, most neurotic singer feel good about their singing. He has a very balanced approach to teaching voice. He only gives as much instruction - makes adjustments - provides criticism - as the singer can take at the moment and never more. I have never felt overwhelmed during our lessons. Reid was trained by the very best so you can be assured that you can trust him with your vocal development wherever you might be on that journey.”

“Where to begin? Reid is one of the most inspiring and encouraging teachers I have had the opportunity to work with. His knowledge and understanding of the voice, technique, and music is endless and he is able to explain every concept with many different approaches. Reid has helped me immensely to find my true voice and makes the journey so exciting. Throughout our work and his guidance, I have finally begun to embrace singing, feeling more confident and free.”

“Reid is a master vocal technician. The pros go to him when they have plateaued in their vocal ability. I went to Reid after years with other teachers and wasn’t getting the kind of work I wanted. Within six months, Reid overturned years of bad technique and got me into a different vocal classification. Through his guidance, I was singing repertoire I had always wanted to sing but didn’t think I would ever grow into. Reid made sure that I never lost the beauty of my voice. WIth my ‘new’ voice, I was turning heads and landing more solos than ever. And I finally joined the big leagues.”

“Reid has been my rock, support, and inspiration in my operatic career. There is no question in my mind that I would not be as successful as I have been (8 leading roles in 2 years) if it weren't for him and his guidance. I owe him everything and am truly grateful to have such an incredible man and teacher stand by me.”

“Words cannot express my gratitude to Reid for encouraging me out of early retirement from a 20-plus year career. He has resurrected my confidence and reconstructed my technique from ground zero. Reid’s infectious passion and joyful dedication to the craft are unparalleled. In short, he is a master vocal mechanic, making advanced techniques easy to execute immediately. Without a doubt, Reid is the best singing teacher I’ve ever studied with. I cannot sing his praises highly enough.”

“Reid Bruton is the fundamental center of gravity for an elite number of extremely gifted, career driven young singers in Los Angeles. I am proud to say that he single handedly jump started my career and wherever in the world I am, Reid is my point of reference. Not only is he ingenious in his profound knowledge of musical styles and vocal technique, I have never known an artist and teacher of his caliber and prestige, so passionately dedicated to the advancement of his student's careers. Reid really is a force of nature! In the often cold, at times dark, and always challenging world of our music industry, you are truly blessed... if you have him on your side!”

“The technique you are teaching me is transformative.”