Meet the Founding Members: Andreas Grussl

Today in our meet the Founding Members series I'd like to introduce you to Andreas Grussl, our Director of Legal Affairs and IVA Manager:

Do you only teach voice?

Besides running a very successful voice studio in my hometown of Graz, the second biggest city in Austria, I also have a legal background. After working at the Institute for Tax Law at the Law School of the Karl-Franzens-University in Graz, I am now working for a law firm that specializes in business and corporate law. I also lecture on constitutional and governmental law at the University of Technology in Graz. Last year I started to do some vocal producing as people began to ask more and more frequently to produce their music or help them deal with the recording companies.

What's your musical background?

In my family music - especially classical music - was always around. That's why I fell in love with Mozart, Beethoven and Bach at a very young age. From then on I knew that music would always play an important part in my life. I started playing the piano at the age of eight and the guitar at the age of 12. My passion for singing was actually influenced by the rock music of the 70s, 80s and 90s of the last century, but really started after I discovered the great classical singers of the past. I was captured by the pure beauty that they could express with their voices. 

What's your favorite part of being a voice teacher?

My favorite part is definitely that I can help people enjoy singing. And when I have the privilege of working with talented artists and even experience being part of their careers, that is more than I could ever ask for.

What is your vision for IVA?

I want IVA to be a place where teachers can grow to their maximal potential while receiving all the support and education that they need in an open-minded and caring environment. I also see IVA as an institution that carries on the tradition of great singing that began in the 17th and 18th century at the Schola Cantorum in a way that is applicable to all styles of music. 

Any words of wisdom for budding singing teachers out there?

Every beginning is difficult! Don't be afraid to make mistakes. All of us have made them and since nobody is perfect we are still making them every now and then. If you are willing to study and work on yourself as a teacher, just follow your passion and the rest will take care of itself.

In conclusion, let me also say that I'm really looking forward to work with the amazing team that we have.