Lecturer
Diehn School of Music

Larry Jay Giddens

Larry Jay Giddens, Baritone, is a native of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where his love of music began. With over 20 years of experience in arts administration, music education, and performance, he has served as an Executive Director for regional arts organizations, a voice teacher, and a professional opera and musical theater singer.

Mr. Giddens holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with a minor in Theater from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Music Education in Pedagogy from ¹ÏÉñÍø, where he also served as graduate recruiting coordinator and Community Music Division assistant. He is currently all but dissertation for his Doctor of Music Education at Liberty University.

As a voice teacher, he works with students ages 11 and up, helping them achieve their vocal health and career goals through personalized instruction. As a performer, Mr. Giddens has appeared with companies such as Virginia Opera, Sarasota Opera, and Staatsoper Hamburg, earning praise for his powerful and expressive voice. His extensive repertoire includes roles in Porgy and Bess, La Traviata, Don Giovanni, and Lost in the Stars, as well as numerous oratorio and concert works.

Currently residing in Virginia Beach with his wife and four children, Mr. Giddens is also the founder and CEO of Vocaletics, a progressive arts nonprofit dedicated to empowering students and fostering growth through innovative vocal and performing arts education.