May 15, 2009

Dear Dr. Gary
I met Gary in September of 2006. We were at a mixer for the incoming MFA classes of the University of California, Irvine, and Gary told a childhood anecdote of how he forced his parents to buy him a piano after having a dream in which he was a keyboard virtuoso. It’s evident to me that he has since realized that dream and many others. What strikes me as infinitely more admirable is how he now devotes himself to helping others turn fantasies and aspirations into appreciable and tangible realities, showing a selflessness and a sensitivity that are rare in the academic environment.

Over two years of classroom experience, I have seen Gary unlock, finagle, coax, explode, and mold the most beautiful voices out of the most unexpected people. The voices Gary uncovers are especially beautiful because they are the voices of the performers themselves, the voices that we all want to have but don’t allow ourselves the permission to use. Gary simply gives us that permission and then allows us to discover how to use the freedom with which we were born. He patiently and masterfully guides us away from habit and towards honesty and clarity. While I may be slow to take advantage of the freedom he reveals, Gary always tailors my coaching to my needs and my goals, with an uncanny sensitivity to my vocal instrument. Most comforting of all, Gary roots his coaching in the perspective of the performer. While his knowledge of technique is superb, Gary nudges the performer toward a more truthful voice through the organic processes of the stage and not through the physiological gymnastics of the choirmaster.

Gary has changed who I am as a performer and a person, and I am better for it. My singing is more connected, freeing, and vulnerable, my acting is more rooted, passionate, and aware, and my appreciation for what I do is happier, safer, and ready to share. Thank you, Gary.

Tyler Seiple,
www.tylerseiple.com

I met Gary Busby through the Musical Theater Workshop at UCLA roughly 10 years ago. As a vocal coach and teacher, he pushed me not only in my vocal technique, but helped me with audition strategies and coachings, as well as in my overall acting performance as well. Though I now live in NYC, his techniques and advice still guide me in my career endeavors. I consider him not only a great mentor, but friend who will always take time out of his busy schedule for a coaching, to see a student's performance, or just a cup of coffee. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

--Mishi Schueller
www.mishischueller.com

I studied singing with Gary at UC Irvine from the Fall 2003-Spring 2007, and I continue to check in with him for lessons and advice. One of the many things I respect about Gary is his high standard of acting in musical theatre. Rather than simply trying to make you sound pretty, he emphasizes the text and character relationships, and empowers the actor with tools to make musical and textual choices in accordance to the character's situation and relationships. It stops feeling like you're singing, you're just communicating in a way that makes sense. Gary is great mentor for serious actors.

My website: www.louiscarazo.webs.com
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2963561/

Dear Dr. Gary,
I met Dr. Busby my freshman year of college and had the honor of working with him in many different facets over my 3 years at UCIrvine. As a music director, he has the ability to get the most out of everyone. His approach to the music and text allows all levels of actors to rise to their highest vocal and dramatic potential. Most of all I enjoyed working with him as a vocal coach, mentor, and friend. I have never worked with someone who cared so much about finding my individual sound and interpretation. Those three years with Gary gave me the essential skills that have allowed me to move very quickly into the professional world with not only confidence but the knowledge that whatever material is thrown my way I have the tools and the skills to execute it with passion, technique, and class.
Thanks Gary,
Quinn VanAntwerp
(Bob Gaudio in JERSEY BOYS/Toronto)

Dear Dr. Daniel,
There’s an inherent difficulty in describing Gary Busby. The man is brilliantly facile, intuitive, compassionate, and jaw-droppingly talented. In describing him I find myself approaching the boundaries of what some might consider hyperbole. I assure you, it is not exaggeration

Gary and I met 9 years ago at UCLA, where I was fortunate enough to have him as my teacher. Although I had been singing my entire life, and working as professional actor for years, Gary was able to breathe new life into my voice. His ears would hear everything. Not only could he discern brilliantly the technical elements of breath, resonance, or tension; but also he possessed the intuitive ability (and bravery) to go deeper. As a voice teacher myself, I know very well that a student’s mental state greatly affects the way they present their voice into the world, and it takes a teacher with great compassion and empathy to encourage a student to, for lack of a better word, “unfold”. Gary helped me, through our voice work and our friendship, to overcome incredible difficulties in my life; the psychological hang-ups related to disease and rejection that were holding me back not only as a performer, but a person. He offered me compassion and unwavering belief in me, even at times when I felt myself to be incredibly unworthy of such universal understanding.
Gary is also, without question or pause, the most extraordinary music director I’ve ever encountered. As a director working with students, he demands (and gets) the highest quality work the student can possess. Every one of his shows I’ve been fortunate enough to be in has always had the highest caliber of vocal performances. But, above and beyond his teaching and inspirational skills as a music director is his dynamic and enthralling skill as a conductor. Having attended and performed in musicals and operas all of my life, I have seen my fair share of brilliant conductors. Gary Busby is the best. He dives into the music so deeply, so powerfully, that his focus and passion is the most energetic presence in the room. His ears hear all, his eyes command focus, and his entire body flows, bounces, swells, and melts in perfect synch with the heart of the music. My only problem in being in a show that Gary’s conducted is that I can’t just sit and watch him work his magic. I’ve often thought that if we were to broadcast his conducting side by side with even the most powerhouse Broadway talents, the viewing audience would not be able to peel their eyes from Gary’s incredible skill
All of his considerable musical gifts would be impressive in their own right, but what sets Gary above and beyond other teachers is his incredible, fearless heart. On one hand, he radiates compassion, love, warmth, and joy to those in need. On the other hand, his desire to help and inspire brings out a fiery passion that penetrates even the most guarded students.
Gary is not only one of the most incredible teachers I’ve encountered, but one of the most admirable and inspiring human beings I’ve had the pleasure to know. His love for me and constant kindness and friendship not only gave me a singing voice I never dreamed I could have, but has also changed my life. Gary was one of the first people to believe in me, and that belief changed everything. I fought back an illness that I thought unbeatable, I bravely explored my own heart and my own thoughts, and I learned how to be honest and brave without ego or judgment. I would not have the life I have today without Gary, and for that I will always be grateful.
When Gary took his position at UCI, I followed him there for my graduate training. Having the last 3 years with him was a gift; one filled with laughter, tears, hugs, honesty, and beautiful music. It is my greatest hope that Gary and I work together again someday, and soon.
In short, Gary is incredible. As a teacher, as a conductor, as a musician, and as a human being. To know him is a pleasure, to work with him an honor, and to be his friend is to truly feel blessed. Any school is beyond lucky to have him, any theater is made better by his presence, and anyone that comes to him seeking a teacher will be rewarded all the days of their life.
Thank you, Dr. Busby.
Jeff Parker Assistant Professor of Theater Arts Chattanooga State Technical Community College

Dear Dr. Gary,
Gary took me under his wing when I was a senior at UCI three years ago. He is an amazing vocal coach, mentor, and friend. I would not be the performer I am today if it weren't for him. He helped shape who I am. His ability to assess a performer and guide them where they need to go is uncanny. An invaluable resource for any performer, he does more than teach, he changes you for the better.

Mark Bedard
http://www.osfashland.org/about/people/bio.aspx?id=459
http://www.myspace.com/26513440

Dear Dr. Busby,
I met Gary (aka Dr. Busby) in college at UCLA's School of theater film and television. When I met Gary I had been singing for awhile, but definitely not correctly or confidently. Gary helped me better understand my voice and breath, how to sing with out hurting my throat, how to phrase songs, how to actually sound my best. He doesn't just go by the book, he's very invested and really tries to seek out your specific bad habits, or misunderstandings about singing and tries countless and specific ways to help you achieve your best. Also, the lessons are much more than just singing, Gary happens to be pretty awesome. I have been out of school for some years now, and I still return to Gary. With him I always feel like I am growing and reaching further, and all the while having fun.

Sterling Sulieman
www.sterlingsulieman.net

April 2002

I first started going to Gary Busby my freshman year of college. I did not attend college for music or theater so Gary served as my primary source for all vocal and performance education. A USC professor had recommended I go see Gary knowing that I would not receive theater training in college, and looking back 4 years, I cannot thank that professor enough for sending me Gary’s way.
While working with Gary as my private vocal coach and trainer, my range and tone has improved, my breath support and vocal efficiency has improved, and my musicality and ability to connect to the music has improved. All of these improvement are a given when working with a voice teacher; but beyond this, and more importantly, Gary has taught me to become my own voice teacher. He has trained me to understand my voice so extremely well that I now have the knowledge and comprehension to recognize habits and shape my voice in the way that I want. He has taught me how to sing in a completely neutral position, and has given me the confidence and tools to take my voice and performance wherever I would like. Some would say that Gary has taught himself out of a job.
Gary’s advice and opinions regarding “the biz” -- my niche and success in “the biz” – comes second to none. I have inquired for his advice countless times pertaining to song choice for an audition, attire choice, headshot choice, and in the big picture, how to go about attaining my ultimate dream of starring on Broadway. With Gary Busby on my team, my hopes and dreams seem attainable and very possible. Gary is not only my voice teacher and friend, but also my mentor and vocal guru. I would recommend him as a vocal guru to anybody of any skill level looking to be successful and present in the musical theater world.
Thank you once again,
Cory Bretsch