With his focus on students and collaboration, Dr. José Holland-Garcia was the perfect choice for the position of Assistant Professor of Practice of Voice in Musical Theatre & Commercial Voice.
Dr. Holland-Garcia—Joey—grew up moving around with his military family before settling in San Antonio, Texas, where he graduated high school and attended the University of Texas – San Antonio. After graduation, he began his teaching career alongside his high school choir director. On a whim he applied to many of his dream graduate school programs with the thought, “If it happens, it happens; and if not, I love where I am.” When he was accepted by them all, he chose the University of Michigan, and it turned out to be an experience of a lifetime.
While receiving his master's and doctorate degrees, he traveled to Italy to sing, performed at the Kennedy Center and, most importantly, studied with renowned opera singer Shirley Verrett. He not only learned “how to really sing” but also how to be a mentor.
Verrett taught him that “singing is not as important as being a good person.” She shared her incredible talent and demonstrated generosity, grace, and poise.
“She was a diva,” said Joey, “in the real sense of the word. A celebrated woman of opera. She was greatness and kindness and shared that with others.”
As a woman of color, she was also a lesson in the importance of representation in the classroom. In fact, it was at Michigan where Joey was first taught by professors of color. This experience cemented his desire to be that representation for others. He always knew he wanted to be a teacher, and after his amazing experience in Michigan, he couldn't wait to get in the classroom.
His first job took him to Millersville University in Pennsylvania. They were looking for a voice professor to create a program from the ground up and Joey was just the person for the job. While his training was in classical opera, he was very interested in musical theatre and commercial music. He knew building this type of multifaceted vocal program would be a destination for future vocal performers. After building this voice program and watching it succeed and grow, he took a step back from education to spend time with his husband and son and plan his next move. Teaching was still his passion, but he was looking for just the right spot to continue his educational journey. That's when he discovered the opportunity at Texas Tech.
“It was the perfect job for me and checked every one of my boxes.”
Joey wants to cultivate a relationship with his students to help them grow vocally and as people and performers. With his passion and experience, he is excited to train the next generation of performers and educators, carry on the legacy of his mentor, and be the representation for students of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
Dr. José Holland-Garcia works with the musical theatre program in the School of Theatre & Dance and is building a commercial music program in the School of Music, increasing the collaboration between the two schools. Given his previous success, Texas Tech is extremely lucky to have him here.