Author: R. Earl Harville

Renwick Earl Harville was born in Chicago and raised in Gary, IN- the birthplace of the Jackson dynasty. He grew up hearing the soulful voices of Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Teena Marie, Jeffery Osborne, and Labelle, amongst many others. At age 10, the power of music would become even stronger once this child became active in the Children's Choir of his church. Earl was placed up in front of the group to begin directing and discovered that this was a natural place to be. He fell in love with the piano during that time and longed to learn the instrument. During his high school years, Earl taught himself to play keyboards and began exploring his voice in earnest. Inspired by such greats as Prince, Luther Vandross, Angela Winbush, and Alexander O'Neal, he searched to find what his instrument was capable of creating. His first year of college was a time of huge musical growth as he began singing with the Voices of Inspiration under the direction of the late Philip Gordon Freeman. Earl discovered power in his singing that he didn't realize he had. He also began performing in several Northwest Indiana R&B bands as a vocalist, keyboardist and songwriter. At the urging of his music instructors, he decided to change his major to music and was accepted to the Berklee College of Music. Though finances kept him from attending, there was no turning back. Music was his calling and he had to follow his bliss. Earl Harville also realized he had a great desire to share his love of music with others through teaching. His goal then became to be both a performer and a vocal trainer. He went on to become a school teacher in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. He brings 14 years of experience to teaching singers of all ages. He taught music in public and private schools from grades pre-K through 8 and has been involved in church music as a director, keyboardist, and soloist. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Columbia College Chicago in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music Education degree form VanderCook College of Music. Students appreciate his passion for teaching and singing, as well as his knowledge of the vocal instrument. He shares with his students the skills that will allow them to function as fine vocal athletes. Earl has been greatly influenced by such vocal teachers as Seth Riggs, Brett Manning, Mark Baxter, Roger Love, John Henny, Lisa Popeil, and his longtime coach Randy Buescher. He is also a performing singer and songwriter currently recording a new CD project. Earl Harville has developed into an artist of great range. He has developed a style that draws on his love of R&B/soul, gospel, pop, and classical music. He is still active as a performer and songwriter.