Rising Stars: Meet Gerald White

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gerald White.

Gerald, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to Los Angeles in 1990 to attend Grove School Of Music earning a Master’s Certificate in Jazz and Commercial Music. In College before LA, I earned a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance (Classical.) After attending school here in LA, I went on the road with two bands, one country and one rock. In 1992 I moved back to LA to pursue a career as a session singer. After many years of proving myself and getting to know the right people, I landed my first job singing on Behind Enemy Lines and then that world opened up for me. Since then, I’ve sung on over 300 films, t.v. commercial and album projects. I had also started a teaching business in Santa Monica on the side which over time has developed into a successful studio of clients working with over 3000 singers over the past 30 years. In between session gigs and teaching, I was developing a program for singers to learn to read music. Sightsinging classes became a blast for me and I still do that today as well.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not an easy road. Coming to Los Angeles straight from the country in the South so to speak was not easy in itself. For 10 years, I waited tables, worked in a factory, played clubs on the weekends, had a church job, accompanied piano classes at colleges and many other jobs until I finally reached what I had moved here to do. You experience a lot of rejection when moving to a large city and trying to compete against incredible talent. It both frustrates you and yet motivates you at the same time. Getting to know the right people was also key. And because I’m a very laid-back guy and not aggressive at the time, I think that didn’t play in my favor. But, through trial and error, you learn how to figure it all out and be heard.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
It’s been an incredible journey gradually getting to do what I set out to do. To be able to get up every day and sing and teach makes me so happy. In the session world, I work as a tenor. We are required to read music the first time through and record immediately. Being in complete control of your voice is a must and is expected. We walk into a sound stage, open a stack of music and record the vocals for the entire film in three hours. It’s very high pressure but a wonderful rush and very satisfying.

On the teaching side, I get to work with vocalists of all levels and ages. I’ve worked with many celebrities, professionals and amateurs who just want to complete their bucket list of singing. My specialty in training is technique and helping vocalists heal from vocal issues like trauma, nodules etc……I work with several doctors in town to make sure the right plan is chosen to help the vocalist gain their instrument back. My goal for any singer is to be in complete control of their voice. I went back to school early on to become certified as a vocal instructor as well so I could help the student utilize the most comprehensive information. It makes my day to have a singer experience vocal freedom and healing!

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Anyone can work with me. All they have to do is go to my website and I would be glad to work with them. For sessions, I’m reachable through the website as well to record vocals for projects needing my particular sound.

Pricing:

• $170 per hour for singing
• $250 per 6-week class for sightsinging

Contact Info:

• Website: www.music1on1.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/Music1on1inc
• Facebook: facebook.com/Music1on1Inc/
• Youtube: youtube.com/user/GeraldWhiteMusic
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1684643/

Image Credits
Music1on1 Inc. Private Vocal & Class Students