About Larry Jay Giddens

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Larry Jay Giddens is a distinguished baritone hailing from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where his lifelong passion for music first took root. With a deep commitment to fostering meaningful artistic experiences in the performing arts, Larry has dedicated himself to arts education, mentoring, and performance for over 25 years.

Larry's journey in music began with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a minor in Theater from the University of Colorado Boulder. He furthered his academic pursuits with a Master of Music Education, specializing in Pedagogy with a focus on Arts Administration and Recruiting, at Old Dominion University. Currently, Larry is completing his Doctor of Music Education degree at Liberty University, actively engaged in the dissertation phase.

As an Instructor of Vocal Music and the Director of Opera Theatre at Old Dominion University, Larry plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of vocal artists. His leadership extends beyond academia, having served as an Executive Director for local and regional arts organizations in Virginia and North Carolina. Additionally, Larry provides valuable guidance as an artist consultant to students and professionals seeking career advancement in the arts.

In his role as a voice teacher, Larry is deeply passionate about nurturing his students' vocal health, career development, and overall enjoyment of singing. His pedagogical approach evolves continually as he collaborates with students aged 11 and above, offering unwavering support and instruction to aspiring professionals and leisure singers alike, both in person and virtually.

Recognized for his commanding and expressive voice, Larry has graced prestigious stages nationally and internationally. His extensive performance credits include engagements with renowned companies such as Washington Philharmonic, Virginia Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Carolina, and many more. Larry has also shared the stage in concert with esteemed artists including Paul Plishka, Douglas Moore, and Michael Forest.

Residing in Virginia Beach, VA, Larry finds joy in the warmth of his local community, where he lives with his wife and four children. Beyond his artistic pursuits, Larry can often be found cheering enthusiastically at his children's football and basketball games. In his spare time, he channels his creativity into writing poetry, short stories, and freelance graphic design.