Where technique meets art
BRVS is a supportive and creative environment, open to anyone interested in vocal training. Potential students are invited to observe a voice lesson of a current student and/or have a personal consultation. Regardless of age, level, or experience, voice lessons are available to all singers. Students will be placed with the voice teacher most appropriate for their needs.
Through private vocal instruction, BRVS develops an array of essential skills including vocal technique, musicianship and ear training, language and diction, textual analysis, acting, and overall presentation. BRVS regularly prepares students for Regional/All-State Auditions, College Auditions, Musical Theatre/Opera Auditions, Recitals, and professional work. BRVS teaches the Bel Canto technique, with our own personal spin. This strong foundation allows the freedom to sing any style of music in a safe and healthy manner. At BRVS, all styles of singing are celebrated and encouraged, including CCM (Contemporary Commercial Music). Singing with authenticity, honesty, and freedom is our objective – regardless of genre. BRVS students have been accepted to prestigious undergraduate and graduate voice programs including The Hartt School, The Peabody Institute, Carnegie Mellon School of Music, SUNY Purchase, The Boston Conservatory, New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Baldwin Wallace, and Ithaca College; and competitive musical theatre programs including University of Michigan, The Hartt School, The Boston Conservatory, Pace University, Elon University, Ithaca College, New York University, Emerson College, Penn State, University of Miami, Baldwin Wallace, University of Oklahoma, and Syracuse University. They have worked professionally in musical theatre, opera, choral singing, and pop. BRVS students have performed in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, National Musical Theatre Tours, Regional Theatre productions, on Cruise Ships, and have been featured as soloists with major symphony orchestras. BRVS provides students with annual performance opportunities. Rauch’s students sing in recitals which are held at The Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry in Hartford, CT. This ideal venue is as beautiful visually as it is acoustically, and the seats are regularly filled by an enthusiastic, supportive audience. These experiences not only contribute to the students’ development, but deepen their bond with the supportive BRVS family. These relationships often develop into long-lasting friendships and support systems, which are invaluable. TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
My teaching approach involves more than merely vocal instruction. I assume the responsibility of giving singers the tools to become the best versions of themselves, ultimately bringing that sense of self to their art. Singing can be one of the most natural things we do. Very often, singers are taught to work too hard to “make” a certain sound. I use a speech-based approach so that nothing is manufactured or affected. I celebrate each singer’s own unique sound. I prefer to hone each student’s individuality rather than encourage singers to sound like someone else. Free and healthy singing stems from relaxed, organic breathing. Singing should feel fantastic! It can be easy to get in our own way by holding unnecessary tension in many areas of the body. It is our role to find where this physical stress has manifested itself and then begin to let it go. Once this tension is released, breath can be viscerally connected through natural body alignment and commitment to communicating a specific intention. Performing with authenticity, honesty, and freedom is our objective. If we surrender to our technique, we can let go of anything that might stifle the natural voice. This grounded technique will allow artistic choices to be made with the utmost confidence and commitment.
