Omar Crook

Performer, Teacher

-HOW AM I DIFFERENT?

Holistic teaching. Our bodies are our instruments, and the mind/body connection is an integral part of my lessons. How do we access learned technique under stress? How do we memorize page after page of music? How do we build in vocal longevity? And how do we do all of this while expanding our love for music? Exercises in breath control, musicianship, and musicality, as well as interpretation, diction, acting/intention, relaxation techniques and addressing anxiety are all a part of the approach I use to help my students become successful performers. Improved confidence, posture, diction, and the power to communicate effectively, (in addition to singing well!) are what I teach. I am a working singer in my twenty-first season with the Los Angeles Opera Company, where I have sung as a soloist and chorister, and I’m deeply entrenched in the Los Angeles classical music community. 

WHAT’S ARE LESSONS LIKE?

Lessons are in-person or virtual.  I teach in person from my home in View Park/Windsor Hills, and virtually over FaceTime. Lessons are typically 45-60 minutes in length. We start with a short chat, then stretching and vocal warm-ups, and on to repertoire. I always finish with a simple “homework” assignment. 

WHAT ABOUT AGE, ABILITY, AND EXPERIENCE?

I teach students of all ages and skill levels. Some of my students are working singers, actors and dancers. Some are determined to become “triple-threats”, some want to learn about classical music, some want to sing their favorite pop or country songs, some are pursuing a career in performance, and some are simply interested in becoming more well-rounded, or conquering their fears and learning how to sing. No matter your age, skill level, or the type of music you’re interested in, I can (and do) teach it!

DO YOU ONLY TEACH CLASSICAL REPERTOIRE?

NO! While I am a classically trained musician, I teach all styles- from classical to pop, and everything in between. The fundamentals of healthy singing will help you achieve your dreams, no matter what style of singing you’re interested in, and you’ll be able to grow in a safe and steady way.

BIO

As an educator, I have taught for the iconic dancer/actor/director/producer Debbie Allen, at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) for over two years to great success. My students have gone on to successful performing arts programs, live theater, and film/television, and I also maintains a private studio for students outside the DADA organization.

I was a featured soloist on the 2016 Grammy winning Los Angeles Opera recording of John Corigliano’s Ghosts of Versailles.

As a studio singer, I have sung as a solo and ensemble artist for many feature films, including The Lorax, Happy Feet 2, Ghostbusters, John Wick 2 and Oliver Stone’s documentary, The Putin Interviews, for Showtime. (Partial list)

As a frequent performer on the concert stage, I have appeared as a soloist with such ensembles as The Boston Pops, Pacific Chorale, John Alexander Singers, and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, under the batons of James Conlon, Eric Whitacre, John Mauceri, Keith Lockhart, and John Alexander. Most recently, I  reprised the role of Helmuth von Moltke in John Powell’s, A Prussian Requiem as tenor soloist with the National Symphony of Peru.

I received my formal music training at California State University at Fullerton, Cincinnati Opera and The New Israeli Opera.