Meet Ayrian Gridiron | Music and Singing Instructor/Vocal Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ayrian Gridiron and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayrian, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Growing up I grew up singing in a gospel church choir. I absolutely loved being a part of the St John Missionary Baptist Church Youth and Combined choir. In college I minored in Music. I was a member of the CSUB University Singers as well as the Chamber Choir. Being involved in these two singing groups opened my eyes to many things I had not learned in my gospel choir experience. I found myself sharing these techniques and methods when asked to speak at local gospel music workshops. One time I was asked to come to a choir rehearsal. The youth choir had a lot of new members who were not as advanced in singing. One of the directors asked if I could teach them exercises that could help develop their voices. I left the rehearsal wanting to find more ways to help them because one rehearsal was not going to be enough. I knew that I could not be at all of their rehearsals so I told my husband I would record some exercises for them to practice daily at home. He replied, “if you are gonna record, why don’t you do it for real, there are probably more people out there who could use your exercises too.” This is how Exercising with Ayrian Gridiron came about. My desire to help others develop their voices has evolved to where I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Exercising with Ayrian Gridiron began in 2011. This is a space for lovers of music to explore and grow in their singing and music skills. My mission is to provide music and singing classes for youth and adults to improve their singing & music skills, develop music literacy, and acquire performance skills. In my early years I started the business to provide singing lessons for singers who wanted to develop their voice. I produced a vocal warm-up cd, Exercising with Ayrian Gridiron: Vocal warm ups for Every Singer. I also had the opportunity to speak at church choir workshops on vocal technique and vocal health. I then expanded my services and had singing and story time with Ayrian through the Holloway Gonzalez Library. Reading and music goes hand in hand. Some students are able to grow in literacy when music is involved. This service allowed me to work with the Bakersfield City School District. I began working as a Choir Activity leader where I taught 1st -6th graders how to sing and enjoy music through various activities. I added more services to include learning how to play the recorder, keyboard, and ukulele. I currently am a music consultant for Chavez Elementary, where I provide music and singing classes to the After school Extended Learning Program for 1st-6th graders. Participants are able to choose a class and learn how to play the keyboard, ukulele, recorder, or explore the elements of music through my music play class. I also provide music classes to Valley Oaks Charter School students and Heartland Charter Students, and give private lessons. Youth and adults interested in singing and musicianship have the opportunity to grow in their skills here.

I thank God my business has thrived and continued to evolve. I think what has helped me is realizing the need in my community and adapting to where my skills could be best served. I never would have imagined that I would be here today but I am thankful. It has not always been easy and I have spent many nights praying & seeking God on if this is what I am supposed to be doing, or am I still needed in this area. Many times I didn’t get an answer, but I kept writing and kept developing ideas. So many doubts and fears, but my faith strengthened me and I am thankful for all those who God sent to encourage me along the way. I encourage all those with business ideas to not give up, take your time. I see so many students who struggle with reading music and so many who don’t have the help or patience to guide them on how to learn how to play an instrument. Many have not explored our wonderful world of music. I am happy to be able to provide these services to others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of my favorite places to eat in Bakersfield is Salty’s BBQ, Victors Mexican Grill, Barrington’s Jamaican Kitchen, Luigi’s Restaurant and Delicatessen, Sorella Ristorante Italiano, and Handel’s Homemade Ice cream.

If you love musicals visit the Stars Theater or any of our local theaters in town. On weekends downtown has many activities going on. Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra offers concerts throughout the year.

Visit the Rio Bravo Ranch for Olive Oil Tasting.

If you enjoy hiking visit Windwolves Preserve.

If you have children, visit the CALM living museum, Murray Family Farms, Flight Adventure Park, MB2 Entertainment, Bolero Bowling, Johns Incredible Pizza, The McCurtey Aquatic Center, or The BLVD.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am the second child of 10 children. I grew up in a singing household. My love for music started here. My parents, Charles and Linda Moore who are singers and musicians themselves, would blast gospel music throughout the house. We would dance and sing along. My love for music grew even more when I joined the church’s children’s choir. My cousin Walter Mary Walker heard me sing and gave me my first solo. As I grew up the church music directors Don Hicks and Don Factory were instrumental in me developing and defining my voice. I am grateful for my music college professors who helped me understand the fundamentals of music. Other key people in my life are is my siblilngs Timothy, Miriam, Zachary, Charlin, Veronica, Ceth, Caxon, Criston, & Hailey, my cousin Carrie Sandles, Kenny & Dannette Kemp, EJ Callahan, and church family. The skills I learned from working with them have shaped my work ethic and grew my capabilities. I am forever grateful.

Website: https://ayriangridiron.net/

Instagram: @ayriang, @exercisingwlayriang

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ayrian-gridiron-b7a789170

Facebook: Ayrian Gridiron

Youtube: Ayrian Gridiron

Image Credits
Headshot photo: Jeremy David Creative