Beach alumnus soars as a vocalist but stays grounded by giving back
He started as a biology major at Cal State Long Beach because that was the safe, practical route. But his instructors at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music convinced him to follow his passion for music instead – a turning point that paved the way for a thriving career as a vocalist in the music industry.
VJ Rosales ‘10 has gone on to compete in NBC’s “The Voice,” making it to the blind auditions. He co-founded a Filipino American a cappella singing group called The Filharmonic, which has recorded three studio albums, and made it to the semi-finals of NBC’s “The Sing-Off” with that outfit.
The Filharmonic appeared in the movie “Pitch Perfect 2,” toured the U.S. and Asia, and eventually landed a spot as the in-house backup singing crew on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” Rosales served as music director of a recurring segment called “The Riff-Off.”
Recently, he has been teaching at regional music conservatories and working as a vocal coach on Fox’s “The Masked Singer,” where he has guided talents such as Neo and Keyshia Cole, and icons such as Long Beach native Billie Jean King.
Through it all, he credits The Beach for offering him the training, guidance, community and hard-work ethic that have propelled him to a successful situation today.
“I would not be able to do my job now if it weren’t for Cal State Long Beach,” said Rosales, who obtained his bachelor’s degree in choral vocal education and jazz studies performance. He occasionally returns to campus to mentor music students and provide vocal coaching. “Also, the music department at Cal State Long Beach is so underrated. I learned so much from going there.”
Rosales received a full scholarship to CSULB, graduating 100% debt-free. He cites Christine Guter, director of vocal jazz at The Beach, as a major influence and guide.
“She was one of my greatest mentors in life and music,” he said. “I wouldn’t be the musician I was today without her.”
Rosales recalls meeting Guter way back in high school, while she was doing outreach for CSULB’s music department. “I didn’t know Long Beach had this amazing vocal jazz program,” he said.
“She’s very, very integral in my makings as a musician, and throughout the five years (at CSULB), she mentored me. And we had private lessons; she taught me a lot about vocal technique, a lot about music. She helped me understand my gift a little bit more.”
The admiration is mutual.
“VJ demonstrated a maturity of style, showmanship and how to connect with an audience even at the very beginning of his studies,” Guter said of her former student. “Despite his natural talent, he also had an amazing work ethic – he never ‘skated’ on his talent alone. Those two things combined really propelled him into a solid music career.”
Rosales – whose sister Rose (Rosales) Buado ‘03 also graduated from CSULB – cherishes the community that was built around making and singing music at The Beach.
“I was meeting other people who were doing the same thing I was. And then keeping in touch with them after all of these years – that’s been amazing. When we went, there was this sense of positivity. It’s all about growth.”
Over the years as a vocal coach and music director, he has worked with notable talents such as Usher, John Legend, Smokey Robinson, Shawn Mendes and Lizzo.
His first session on “The Late Late Show with James Corden” was with actress Anna Kendrick, whom he later worked with on “Pitch Perfect 2.”
“I was explaining the arrangement and then I thought, ‘Wait, you’re famous and you’re amazing. And I’m teaching you?’ That blew my mind. Of course, I was screaming the whole time in my head. But I had to keep it professional as well.” He had a similar experience with Motown legend Robinson.
Rosales has made it a point to give back to his alma mater. He started another a cappella group at The Beach, has written music for the music department, conducted clinics for students, even worked as a caller, and ultimately a supervisor, for the annual Beach Fund. In 2024, he appeared in an online 49er Industry Chat about making it in the music industry.
“He continues to support us in coming to our concerts and events,” Guter said. “He has and continues to make ‘the family’ proud! It means so much that he continues to stay connected to his Long Beach family.”
Rosales says he’ll do “anything for my alma mater,” and still feels growth from his experiences as a student and mentor.
“It fueled me a lot. I’m taking that feeling and expanding it to the rest of the world, from Cal State Long Beach. I’m feeling that vibe and extending the vibe outwards.”
