How fun would it be to sit down for an hour with the associate musical director on American Idol for 16 seasons? SO FUN! You’re in for a treat, because my guest on the Hometown to Hollywood podcast is Michael Orland. Michael is a pianist, arranger, vocal coach, and musical director, and yes—is best known for his work for 16 seasons on American Idol.
We talk about passion, music, fame, vocal coaching, American Idol, what’s truly important for success in the entertainment industry (it’s not what you think!) and so much more. Kristin Chenoweth's ears are probably burning because she comes up a number of times. :)
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
• “You have to have a work ethic in this business.”
• “I worked in piano bars from 9pm to 4am, six nights a week.”
• “The biggest thing I do as a coach, and especially on American Idol, is to build confidence in people.”
• “You can have five notes in your range. If you can make me feel something, then you’re perfect.”
• “When you do the work it pays off.”
• “You have to find out who you are.”
• “The challenging thing is to help people find their own voice.”
• “You have to be a team player. Everyone has to get along with you.”
• “The most beautiful thing to see is a performer who’s not selfish, and just acknowledges everybody.”
• “Know what you can control, and the rest is out of your hands.”
• “There are so many ways to get in the door now… you can do anything and be anything and go viral.”
• “It makes my heart warm and gives me goose bumps when I see parents that are supportive of their kids.”
• “Having confidence in that audition room is everything.”
Follow Michael Orland HERE:
Twitter: @michaelorland
Instagram: @michaleorland
Broadway Theatre Project
Michael’s story reminds us that a passionate person with a dream can create an amazing life if they pursue that dream with faith and drive.
If you want some guidance on how to get started building an acting career, consider investing in a consultation with me over Skype or in person in LA. In just one session, you can get peace of mind and a detailed action plan.
Remember: the future belongs to those who believe in their dreams.
EP 132: Kenny Ortega
EP 131: Jillian Clare, Actor, Director, Producer
EP 130: Jody Margolin Hahn, Director
EP 129: Mike Manning, Actor & Producer
EP 128: Sherry Kayne, Talent Manager
EP 127: Patrick Fabian, Actor
EP 126: Steven Vincent, VP Music & Soundtracks at Disney Branded TV
EP 125: Dave Thomas Brown & Amelia Bay, Broadway Actor & Hair Artist
EP 124: Matthew Del Negro: Actor, Author, Podcast Creator
EP 123: Jerome Butler, Dialect Coach
EP 122: Sydney James Harcourt, Actor
EP 121: Howard Meltzer, Casting Director
EP 120: Sheila Russo, Talent Manager
EP 119: Aufiero/ Horn Casting
EP 118: Kira Kosarin, Actress & Singer
EP 117: Studio Teacher Cheryl Diamond
EP 116: Jordan Fisher, Multi-Talented Artist
EP 115: Audrey Whitby & Victoria Moroles, Actresses and Founders of Acting with Actors
EP 114: Jessica Marie Garcia, Actress
EP 113: Anthony Meindl on Artists and Social Justice
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