COACHES

Roger has been the Voice Coach to many names you may know such as: Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J (Brandy’s brother), Nona Gaye (Marvin Gaye’s daughter), James Tormé (son of Mel Tormé) Jacob Young (All My Children) Lori Loughlin (Summerland), Kelli Martin, Warren Hill, Wailing Souls, Adam Yauch (Beastie Boys), Dee Dee Warwick, Viola Wills, The Beauties (Gasoline Alley), Cause & Effect (SRC Records), Times Three (Solar Records), Jason Nesmith (son of Mike Nesmith, the Monkees), Solomon Burke, Jr., Pepper MaShay, Michel'le, Rosanna Tavarez (Popstar's Eden's Crush), and many more session singers, songwriters and rising stars.

Originally from Chicago where Roger began a singing career in grade school at the age of 12. This was the time when he discovered he had somewhat of a voice and some talent that truly needed further development. Roger went on to sing in the Hyde Park high school choir while working with a wonderful coach, Jerome Ramsfield. He was then selected to be a member of the Chicago All City High School Chorus which was quite an honor. His first professional experience was with this choir and performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. While in high school Roger performed with the legendary Minnie Ripperton and then in college continued in the choir also with the members of the soon to be band Styx. Upon leaving Chicago State University Roger joined a local rock band and started to get my first solo live performing experience. When he encountered serious vocal problems he decided to continue my vocal study.

In 1978 he relocated to New York and began study with Tony Franco focusing on singing legitimate musical theater as well as some opera. This offered me a broad range of experience as well as knowledge of my voice. He also did local club dates and cabarets.

In 1982 Roger moved to Los Angeles where he continued to study with many vocal coaches and from those many people was able to hone a particular vocal method and discover that his experience as well as previous vocal problems prepared him to begin teaching and helping others and began coaching in 1988.

Roger also hosted a public access television show “Singing with Roger Burnley” for five years as well as produced the A&R showcase for new artists, “L.A.’s Finest”. He continues to record and perform live. His CD “Angel in Disguise” was released in 2001.

Roger was on the faculty of M. Gray Music Academy, founded by Macy Gray. www.mgraymusicacademy.com

He currently gives private vocal lessons in Hollywood, CA at the Burnley Complex.