Larry Jay Giddens

About

Larry Jay Giddens is a distinguished baritone and Lecturer at Old Dominion University's Diehn School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia. He serves as the Director of Opera Theatre and brings over 20 years of professional experience in arts administration, music education, and vocal performance. A native of Virginia's Eastern Shore, Giddens has maintained an active singing career performing with major regional opera companies including Virginia Opera, Sarasota Opera, and Staatsoper Hamburg. His operatic repertoire includes principal roles in Porgy and Bess, La Traviata, and Don Giovanni, demonstrating his versatility across multiple opera genres. He was lauded by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for a voice that commands the ear with a stentorian high baritone that soars magnificently through the spaces of the theatre. Beyond his vocal artistry, Giddens has served as an Executive Director for regional arts organizations and is the founder and CEO of Vocaletics, a progressive arts nonprofit dedicated to empowering vocal students and fostering growth through innovative vocal and performing arts education. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Music Education degree at Liberty University.

Education & Qualifications

Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with Theater minor from University of Colorado Boulder, Master of Music Education in Pedagogy from Old Dominion University, Doctoral candidate in Music Education at Liberty University

Teaching Styles