Michelle Coder -- Vocal Department
Music and More Performing Arts academy
1130 High St.
Auburn, CA 95603
(530)885-0594
4-2-02
To Whom It May Concern,
I have worked with Gerald Rheault in musical theatre productions, musical collaborations, recitals and as a fellow teacher.
Whenever I need a talented, committed, skilled conductor and rehearsal coach I always try to hire Gerald Rheault. Gerald is a rare talent, a fine musician and always a pleasure to work with. I especially value Gerald as a musical director because he is always supportive and professional in his behavior towards staff members, the orchestra and the cast. He is a wonderful teacher, making the difficult process in rehearsals fun but also focusing the cast so that he achieves a tremendous amount of work in a short amount of time. His attention to detail and his perfectionism is tempered by a pleasant personality and sensitivity to amateurs and children's special needs. His skill as a pianist, musician and conductor is evident to staff and orchestra members and he always garners the respect and love of the cast immediately.
Gerald is a sensitive and skilled accompanist; one of those rare pianists who can sight read almost anything set before him. Because of his ability to improvise he can follow students even if they jump ahead in the scores and helps the students feel more confident in performance through his careful musical emotional support and fine musicianship.
Gerald is also a wonderful composer and lyricist. We collaborated on a musical theatre production of "Thumbelina". It was the first time either of us had attepted a project of this magnitude, though Gerald had often improvised in performance and writes orchestra arrangements on a professional basis. Gerald's compostitions and orchestral arrangements were beautiful, imaginative and highly praised by all. This project also helped Gerald in learning how to make professional, synthesized recordings for his own work, schools, musical theatre organizations and opera companies. He has acquired sophisticated equipment and his product is well crafted.
As a teacher, Gerald is exceptional. He is able to present concepts in a way that makes learning fun and easy. He is always emotionally supportive of his students and they, in turn, enjoy working with him. Being a father to three young children, Gerald is also sensitive to the needs of parents and communicates effectively with them as well. Gerald's attention to detail and fine musicianship combined with his wonderful personality make him a valuable experience for each student.
I would highly recommend Gerald Rheault as a teacher, conductor, coach and accompanist. He is a rare talent and a rare person.
Sincerely,
Michelle Coder
Vocal Department Director
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