Hartt Alumni Put Students Through Their Paces in Two Masterclasses

International opera star Ryan Speedo Green '08 returned to Hartt to work with five vocal performance students. Each had prepared a piece, and Green went through their performances in detail, stressing how it would be performed in a real opera.

Green encouraged each singer to focus on the emotion and movement that would flesh out their performance-sometimes adding props or bringing in other actors to give the singer someone to react to.

One of The Hartt School's most famous alumni, Ryan Speedo Green has performed in opera houses around the world, winning numerous honors including three Grammy awards. He is also a member of the University's Board of Regents. After putting the singers through their paces, he sat down for a question and answer session, drawing on the lessons he's learned throughout his successful career.

Green's wasn't the only masterclass given by a Hartt alumnus that day. A few hours later, sought-after Broadway and freelance drummer Gary Seligson '83 shared his expertise and career experience with more than a dozen percussion students. Seligson was the original drummer for the Broadway production of Wicked, and has lent his rhythm to numerous shows including School of Rock, Motown: the Musical, and Billy Elliot.