Vocal Coach Eric Vetro based in Los Angeles, has collaborated with some of the most prominent figures in the industry, including Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet, and Angelina Jolie.
His proficiency extends beyond mere vocal instruction; he aids actors and singers in uncovering the core of the characters they embody. Whether preparing for a Broadway production, a biographical film, or a significant cinematic role, Eric Vetro is the preferred coach who transforms voices into extraordinary performances.
Vetro’s remarkable roster of clients features legendary artists such as Renée Zellweger, who received an Oscar for her role as Judy Garland in “Judy,” and Hugh Jackman, who garnered a Tony Award for his performance in “The Boy from Oz.”
Furthermore, Vetro provided coaching to Austin Butler for his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Elvis Presley and to Riley Keough for her Emmy-nominated performance in “Daisy Jones & The Six.” Currently, he is mentoring Jeremy Allen White for his role as Bruce Springsteen in the biopic “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” as well as KJ Apa for a film centered on Sublime’s lead singer, Bradley Nowell.
The Essence of Vocal Coaching: Creating Authenticity
Vocal Coach Eric Vetro‘s methodology in vocal coaching is fundamentally anchored in the concept of uncovering the true essence of an individual or character. This guiding principle has informed his collaborations with some of the most renowned actors and singers in the entertainment industry.
For Vetro, the focus extends beyond simple imitation; it involves fully embodying the character’s spirit and bringing it to life through song. His work with Ariana Grande, known for her role in Wicked, serves as a prime example of this philosophy.
In her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked, Grande was required to shift from her characteristic soulful soprano to an operatic vocal style, representing a significant departure from her typical singing approach. Vetro found this transition to be manageable, having worked with Grande since her teenage years, guiding her through various albums and tours while honing her vocal skills. He notes that Grande possesses an inherently musical voice, and her capacity to grasp proper techniques and sing healthily facilitated a smooth transition.
Remarkably, Vetro’s initial experience with Ariana dates back to before her rise in the pop music scene. The two first crossed paths in 2008 when Grande was cast in the Broadway musical 13, composed by Jason Robert Brown. At that time, Vetro was already instructing one of the male leads in the production, and Ariana’s mother recognized the naturalness of his coaching approach. This marked the beginning of their vocal partnership, which has endured to the present day.
Coaching Iconic Voices: The Case of Timothée Chalamet
A significant partnership in Vetro’s professional journey involves actor Timothée Chalamet. Renowned for his subtle and layered performances, Chalamet’s vocal transformation for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown exemplifies Vetro’s skill in tailoring his coaching to meet the unique requirements of each actor.
Following their fruitful collaboration on Wonka, where Chalamet took on the legendary character of Willy Wonka, he sought Vetro’s guidance for A Complete Unknown. The challenge in this instance was distinct; Chalamet needed to authentically capture the early voice of Bob Dylan, rather than the exaggerated interpretations that have frequently been parodied.
Vetro and Chalamet dedicated significant time to analyzing Dylan’s early performances, reviewing archival interviews and live shows to grasp the subtleties of Dylan’s vocal style. Vetro emphasizes that while it may be simpler to imitate someone’s voice, genuine artistry lies in encapsulating the true essence of that voice without falling into mere mimicry.
This thoughtful methodology enabled Chalamet to channel Bob Dylan’s spirit, which extended beyond vocalization to the impactful delivery of his poignant lyrics that resonated deeply with an entire generation.
Angelina Jolie’s Transformation into Maria Callas
One of Vetro’s most demanding yet fulfilling projects involved casting Angelina Jolie as the renowned opera singer Maria Callas in the biographical film Maria. Jolie’s role necessitated a seamless integration of her voice with that of Callas, a challenging endeavour.
Unlike contemporary music, opera does not adhere to a consistent beat or click track, prompting Vetro to create a method that would enable Jolie to embody Callas’s vocal style while infusing it with her own interpretation. This undertaking required collaboration with three opera singers, who assisted Jolie in capturing the essence of Callas’s vocal artistry and emotional resonance.
Vetro articulates that Jolie’s interpretation of Callas was remarkable, as she successfully expressed both the fragility and strength inherent in the legendary singer’s voice. The film explores two pivotal phases of Callas’s life—the pinnacle of her career and her vocal deterioration during the 1950s.
Vetro underscores the significance of Jolie not only replicating Callas’s singing but also conveying the emotions and challenges that characterized Callas’s life. Through meticulous coaching and rehearsals, Jolie achieved a performance that was both technically proficient and profoundly moving.
Vocal Coach Eric Vetro: A Storied Career in Vocal Coaching
Eric Vetro’s path to becoming a vocal coach was not one he had originally envisioned. Although he participated in off-Broadway productions and collaborated with the Light Opera Company of Manhattan, he soon discovered that his genuine enthusiasm resided in educating others.
From an early age, Vetro was captivated by the notion of assisting individuals in discovering their vocal potential. He fondly remembers beginning in third grade, when he would instruct classmates on how to sing The Star-Spangled Banner and accompany them on the piano for school performances. His passion for music and teaching flourished over the years, ultimately guiding him towards a profession as a vocal coach.
Vetro’s relocation from New York City to Los Angeles in the early 1980s significantly influenced his career trajectory. He accompanied cabaret artist Samantha Samuels on the piano, and after securing an opening act for comedian Joan Rivers, he established crucial connections within the entertainment sector. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Vetro’s ascent, as he began coaching singers and actors for both live performances and film projects.
The Art of Coaching: A Personalized Approach
Eric Vetro distinguishes himself from other vocal coaches through his ability to customize his teaching methods for each individual client. He understands that every voice is distinct, and believes that the path to success lies in harnessing the natural talents and potential of each singer or actor. Whether working with Ariana Grande’s impressive soprano or guiding Timothée Chalamet in his portrayal of Bob Dylan, Vetro collaborates closely with his clients to help them realize the full capabilities of their voices.
Vetro’s approach to vocal coaching transcends mere technical instruction. He places significant emphasis on the emotional and psychological dimensions of performance.
By assisting his clients in forging a deeper connection with the material, he enables them to convey the true essence of the characters or artists they embody. This emphasis on emotional engagement is a hallmark of Vetro’s coaching, allowing his clients to deliver performances that are not only technically proficient but also profoundly impactful.
Expert Editorial Comment
Vocal Coach Eric Vetro has established himself as one of the most esteemed vocal coaches within the entertainment sector throughout his career. His proficiency in collaborating with a wide array of vocalists—ranging from Broadway stars to pop icons and renowned actors embodying legendary roles—has rendered him an indispensable figure in both film and music. His achievements reflect his unwavering commitment, enthusiasm, and exceptional skill in the field of vocal instruction.
As Vetro continues to mentor some of the industry’s most gifted artists, his influence on the entertainment landscape is certain to endure for many years. His contributions have not only refined the vocal abilities of his clients but have also played a crucial role in authentically and powerfully bringing iconic characters and musicians to life. For Eric Vetro, the essence of his work lies in empowering others to discover their unique voices and crafting performances that deeply connect with audiences.
Vocal Coach Eric Vetro: Shaping the Voices of Ariana Grande, Timothée Chalamet & Angelina Jolie