Episode 11 William Riley: Celebrity Vocal Teacher

Learning the art of using your voice as an instrument is one that takes a lifetime of practice to master. Professor William Riley has been teaching vocal technique to hundreds of elite performers for decades. Professor Riley and I got to spend a bit of time together last year to chat about his background, his career, and what it has been like to work with so many household names over the years.  He himself is an award-winning baritone, an operatic stage director, conductor, and writer. He has spent his life learning the language of music and how to help others speak it fluently. His music career started in Los Angeles where he met such greats as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Webb, and so many more. Eventually, he realized his true passion was helping singers who were experiencing vocal distress to heal their voices so that they could keep performing.  He went on to study vocal anatomy and has been a student of healing techniques for decades. Simply by helping vocalists change their habits, posture, and vocal routines, he has helped heal and correct years of damage.  Listen in as he shares stories from working with Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Bill Clinton. He also gives us a peek into what it takes to be a truly iconic vocalist and star. Professor Riley is an icon in the music industry and his advice and experience are invaluable. Show Highlights: [00:02:22] Learn more about Professor Riley’s childhood and musical background.  [00:06:36] How he learned to use his voice as an instrument. [00:08:15] Professor Riley shares his path to becoming a professor of music.  [00:10:55] He started working with Capitol Records and met several big stars.  [00:13:06] Getting to talk with and learn from these artists was invaluable. [00:15:02] The difference between songwriting now and in decades prior. [00:17:50] What causes us to connect with music.  [00:19:12] When did he move into vocal teaching and why?  [00:22:00] How did he learn so much about the anatomy of the throat and vocal cords?  [00:28:18] How you can create an emotional connection through psychological triggers.  [00:30:42] Professor Riley shares how he coached Celine Dion to save her voice.  [00:35:34] Why you need humidity for healthy vocal cords..  [00:35:57] Learn more about the story behind Celine’s recording of the iconic his song, My Heart Will Go On. [00:37:34] Working with Whitney Houston was a study in overcoming ego.  [00:41:35] What makes a great singer into an iconic singer?  [00:43:00] Learn more about Aretha Franklin’s voice. [00:45:57] Professor Riley defines replicability.  [00:47:46] How do iconic singers manage the ego and the pressure to get better and better?  [50:03] Even the most steadfast stars have their own personal demons to overcome.  [00:53:57] It’s all about how the singer comes out of their struggles that defines their success.  [00:57:10] What you can do to be as healthy as possible and maintain your vocal cords. [01:02:27] What does the environment for up and coming singers look like today?  [01:04:18] Connect with Professor Riley. LINKS & RESOURCES Follow The Music Makers:  Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment  William Riley: Professor Riley’s WebsiteEmail: wrileysing@aol.com    SoundConnection   The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection: Elliot Jefferson, Lamonte Silver, Keith Hammond, Roy Lambert, Joe Herrera, and Craig Alston. Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment    Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz