So You Want to Be a Singer Part 1

 

  Mamma Mia! The Movie Soundtrack

By Talonda Thomas

To a singer, there are so many important factors that determine your career in music. Growing up, I believed that there was only one avenue to singing. That path was called stardom. Unfortunately, most singers will never become famous nor even have their voices heard in public. The most extraordinary voices are known to be the ones that are behind the scenes. 

 The real question is what type of singer are you? Are you the singer who performs in a choir at church or at school? Are you aspiring to sing on Broadway, sings classically in major concert halls, in a band on a late night show, or even a singer for commercial jingles? There are places in the world for all singers. Unfortunately, most singers belong in a karaoke bar.

What now? If someone tells you that you have no hope as a singer, do you melt down and never sing again? If you get turned down from American Idol, does that mean you have no singing capabilities? The answer is maybe. Some people are seeking a professional singing career without taking the baby steps that teach them to walk in greatness. Before you do anything in life, you must remember STEPS. Following the steps in any process require patience and understanding. You must first realize that nothing comes overnight. Most great singers did not learn how to sing overnight.

You must take the first step of admitting that you are probably not a fantastic singer. It’s almost like being in AA meeting, or any self help group for that matter. Recognize that there could be a problem. Majority of the time, we can fix our vocals habits and weaknesses. It is almost impossible to find the perfect singer. There are the very few gifted, and the very many who work hard to train their voices.

The next step after realizing that you may need to perfect some things vocally (as we all do), is to find a vocal coach or voice teacher. Some people ask if there is really a point in even taking lessons. What can they teach me that I haven’t learned from watching music videos and listening to the radio? The truth is that once you believe that you don’t need voice lessons, you have already taken 3 steps back.

1. You now believe that you are too good for lessons.

2. You do not think that you need improvements.

3. Even if you receive useful information from a voice teacher, you may not take it into consideration because you don’t believe that what they are teaching is useful.

Get over it! If you want to make it in any aspect of the singing business, criticism is the one thing that you must learn to accept. The reason why many singers get kicked off of singing competitions, don’t make it through auditions, and do not improve, is because they have friends and family willing to lie to them, telling them that their voices are amazing. 

 Something that you must remember, is that it is important to forget the family comments. You are working with the big dogs now. Our families love us and that sometimes may make them bias. I would pay a voice teacher just to tell me the truth about my talent!

The Voice Teacher
He or she can be your worse enemy or your best friend. They can be scary, and sometimes seem monstrous in their criticisms. They will either be your best friend or the reason you quit singing. Understand- Your job is to hunt for the right teacher. We choose friends in life who we get along with. Our personalities must match.

 Though you may be frightened sometimes of what a voice teacher might say, it is important to find a voice teacher that knows how to say it. Some people in the world our overly sensitive, but especially about their passion. We don’t want people to tell us that we are inadequate, or that something sounds like crap. We sometimes just want someone to lie to us, and tell us that we can go on living in a fantasy bubble that protects us from people who don’t like our singing. Well don’t worry! There are plenty of high paid voice teachers who will do that for you! We call them con-artists!

It should not be your goal to find someone overly friendly, who likes to chat a lot with you and keeps you feeling as ease. Your goal is to find a professional teacher, who takes their time and students very seriously. You do not want to be at ease all of the time. It is just like exercising. You must work yourself out hard to grow. You should find a teacher who will always challenge you in a supportive way. A healthy vocal teacher- student relationship, is the key to a healthy singer-fan relationship.

The first step to finding a voice teacher is to know what type of voice student that you are. If you are into singing Italian arias, you do not want to end up with a teacher who gives the best contemporary voice lessons for mainstream singers. This type of teacher is usually geared towards professional radio, television, and well known singers. If you are trying to become a pop star, you might want to go with that type of teacher.

The Contemporary Voice Teacher
This teacher will give you the basic information that you need on stage presence-how to keep your audience and choose repertoire. This teacher is great for a musician who has experience singing, but definitely not for beginners. You should never try and make a living out of your hobby unless you are willing to develop it. Developing your craft in singing, would mean understanding how to read it, hear it, and sing it.

 There are many steps and approaches that need to be used, in order to teach you the techniques of singing. You do not want to end up with a teacher who will not give you techniques and that it mostly giving you suggestions on how to sing. There are indeed some great teachers who will give you the tools of how to be a good performer. These are typically called vocal coaches. Be careful that these teachers are helping you to be able to sing, and not just perform well. Never believe anyone who tells you that you don’t have to be a good singer to be a professional singer. This person is setting you up to never increase your singing ability. It is not okay to be a mediocre singer and settle for that. You must be willing to work to develop your voice.

The Classical approach
The teacher that is most recommended, will be the classical voice teacher. Classical music may not represent what type of a musician you are, but it will teach you the skills that you need to sing any type of music. The same techniques used in classical music, are to be used in contemporary music with modification. In fact, most classical teachers will also teach Jazz and other contemporary styles with a classical technique. The classical teacher will typically be giving you lessons in intonation, diction, vowel placement, breath support, and choosing repertoire that is right for you. Your repertoire is the list of songs that you sing. If at the very least a teacher is not offering you these services, then it’s time to find another teacher.

The Competitive Comparison
A vocal coach is willing to work with you in a less conventional manner sometimes. Vocal coaches are more often to attend studio sessions, and aid in musical productions than a voice teacher. A typical voice teacher will spend their time in a private setting, teaching a student to understand their voice.

 During rehearsals, a vocal coach can aid a singer or actor in developing audibility with or without amplification as dictated by the style or concept of the production. Moving from the rehearsal space into the theatre, the director may need to have an unbiased ear and the actors may need assistance or techniques to help adjust to the new acoustics.

 During technical rehearsals, the vocal coach can help with the balance of the production’s aural elements; working as a part of the design team, the coach can bring insight into the relationships between sound, lights, set and costume which enhance audibility.

Sometimes the best steps to learning how to sing are to take private voice lessons giving an in depth understanding of the correct way to use your voice, and then moving on to a coach that can help you perfect your performance. You may even do both at the same time-but never settle on not having a teacher that will train your voice.

Online Voice Lessons?
There is a new phenomenon called the internet! Have you heard of it? Well some think that it is fantastic and others feel that some people are going too far online. There is a fairly new idea about teaching voice lessons online. You will often see advertisements for online voice lessons and lessons over the phone.

 While this may be a nice idea for making extra cash, it is not a good idea for voice students. If you are looking for some entertainment and not to become a serious vocalists, you will really enjoy the online and over the phone experience.

Always remember this- there is nothing that you can learn as a professional singer online or on the phone. A teacher must be able to see you in order to see what things physically need to be corrected. Do not fall a victim to high priced vocal coaches online that say that you will be singing wonderful within a few hours.

 There is no way! It takes great time to be great. Do not fall for coaches saying that they will increase your vocal range in a short period of time. It takes awhile to really increase the range of the human voice. I went on one website, and a coach even had the nerve to advertise that he would have you singing five octaves.

 This would be the equivalent of saying that I can run from New York to California by this evening. It is not humanly possible. Those types of Coaches are uneducated, highly motivated scam artists. Keep you head up high and dig deep during your search. Do not settle for “the next” best thing.
Payment and Performance

There is no way that you are supposed to be doing all of the work in a voice lesson. Why else would you be paying for a teacher? It is expensive to learn a new instrument. You should at least get you moneys worth by having a well equipped teacher. Your voice teacher should have many necessary things.

These include:
1. An extensive understanding of what they are teaching. It is definitely okay to ask a teacher where they received their training. Find out what colleges they attended and make sure that the reason that they are not teaching in a school district or college, is not because they are under qualified. You have the right to know how much knowledge your teacher has.


2. The teacher should own a piano.How else does a student learn how to follow pitch if it is not being played on an instrument? The teacher must have the skills necessary to teach you how to sing in tune, and with an instrument. DO NOT settle for a teacher who tells you that you must pay and bring your own accompanist. This often means that they didn’t take the time to learn in school how to play a basic song on the piano (which all music colleges require music students to learn). Do not end up paying high costs for a teacher as well as paying a person to play the piano during your lessons.


3. The ability to teach- professionally
Do not settle for the teacher who cancels frequently, shows up late, and waste time talking on the phone to their sister during your lesson. That is your time and make sure that you get every minute of the time that you are due. By the same token, always be on time to your lessons.
4. A reasonable payment schedule and price

Teachers obviously vary in their prices for lessons. Depending on your location, stage in your musical studies, and the quality of your teacher the prices can go anywhere from $25- $150 per hour. Most lessons for voice are between 45 minutes and an hour.

 A voice doesn’t need to be worked for much longer than that each lesson. In paying a private teacher, the rule of thumb is that you will pay approximately 30 dollars for the first half an hour and one dollar a minute after that. Some teachers will offer payment plans but most expect their fees up front. Be expected to pay a fee for standing up a teacher if you do not cancel in time. You are their source of income. Imagine if your check didn’t arrive for as much as you had hoped it to be this week.

Below you will find a list of resources that might help you find a voice teacher. Remember, finding a teacher can be as easy as talking to local music students and parents. Always feel free to call local colleges and Universities. Sometimes the best music teachers in an area are teaching college music students how to sing.

 Talonda Thomas is the owner of the New York Musician Center, a renowned music school for gifted music students. Talonda is a vocalist, author, and voice teacher that has performed with and taught many famous performers. 
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Bestseller in Broadways & Vocalists

Linda Eder Debuts "Now"

 

  Rock Of Ages

By Emily Cary

Few vocalists are more admired than Linda Eder. Inspired as a child by Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand and opera singer Eileen Farrell, she began performing cross-country, then spent time as a lounge singer until a 12-week win on the television show "Star Search" beckoned her to Broadway. For her starring role in Jekyll & Hyde, she won the Theater World Award for Best Actress in a Musical, as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations.

Fourteen solo albums later, she introduces "Now," her latest CD. All the songs were composed by Frank Wildhorn, her former husband, who writes with her artistry in mind. The styles range from beautiful, emotional Broadway ballads to big band pop numbers.

The intimate, thought-provoking lyrics were crafted by several of Wildhorn's regular collaborators, including Leslie Bricusse, Don Black and Maury Yeston. Although most of the songs are new; several from past Wildhorn's musicals fit nicely into the mix. They include "No Finer Man" from Cyrano de Bergerac, "The Heat of the Night" from Waiting for the Moon and "Mad Hatter" from Wonderland.

Eder used to choose songs that are more melody-based, but confesses that today she looks to lyrics that are intelligent and meaningful. The lyrics of "No Finer Man" touch her deeply because they remind her of hr father, a wonderful role model. She also loves the simplicity of 'Ordinary People' and the drama of 'What's Never Been Done Before'

Having heard Wilder talk about his show Wonderland, she was familiar with the song 'Mad Hatter' and liked it a lot. She chose "Heat of the Night" for its big band swing type that suits her naturally. She works thoughtfully. After Wilder has composed a melody, he gives it to her and they talk about it. When he next chooses a lyricist, all three work back and forth until it seems right.

Eder is very selective about her engagements. At this point in her life, she limits them to weekends and relaxes on her 80-acre horse farm during the week to be a full-time mom to her son, now 12. Wherever she performs, such as her recent gigs with her friend and frequent colleague Michael Feinstein at his cabaret in New York's Loews Regency, her fans arrive in droves to partake of her lush voice and dramatic presentations. They are so devoted that she produces an official fan newsletter called The Voice. The June issue contained a lyrics guide to "Now" that they can follow as they sing along with Linda's recording.

Like Feinstein, she has always gravitated to the American songbook standards, but happily takes chances with pop, country and jazz. "Now" takes her in a new direction without forfeiting the full tones and flexible instrument that are her signature.

Emily Cary is a prize-winning teacher and novelist whose articles about entertainers appear regularly in the DC Examiner. She is a genealogist, an avid traveler, and a researcher who incorporates landscapes, cultures and the power of music in her books and articles.

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Hot New Releases in Broadway & Vocalists

Legend Vega Releasing New Pop CD

Live

By Scott Richards

Legend Vega is scheduled to release her newest CD this summer, Personal Space. Fans characterize Legend's style as a cross between Mariah Carey and a female version of Ricky Martin. She was born under the lights of Broadway in New York City but raised to the beat of Salsa and Merengue on the hot sands of Puerto Rico. Legend Vega is an experienced singer, songwriter, and model. She has just finished recording her newest CD with all of her own material. Her mainstream pop style and her Latin background make her an excellent crossover artist for the U.S. market. Her album features a broad mix of pop music recorded in English but with many Latin influences.

Legend has sung in a variety of venues from Caribbean resorts to outdoor festivals, and even on Broadway. She has performed with famous artists such as Elton John as an opening act at the Conquistador. On Broadway she performed as the lead vocalist in "Tony and Tina's Wedding" where she sang 32 songs nightly under director Larry Pellegrini. She has also exhibited her vocal skills as a duet partner and backup singer on various CDs for other artists.

In addition to her talents on stage, she also enjoys writing songs. She identifies themes, composes the lyrics, and develops the melody for all of her works. She has also been very involved in the arrangements of each of the songs on her new album. She has completed a multitude of songs in a wide variety of styles (Pop, Rock, Romantic Ballads, Salsa, etc.)

"What I really love about singing is being able to reach into someone's soul and touch their life in a special way. By writing my own music, I feel that I can do this even better - it's as if I am having a very personal and intimate conversation with each of my listeners." -- Legend

Legend has an energetic and alluring on-stage presence as a dancer. She has performed concerts in styles ranging from classical ballet to Brazilian samba. She has performed solo dance shows and sang with artists such as world renowned flute player Nestor Torrez.

"My real passion is singing. For me, dancing is just the way my voice r

adiates its influence through my body. Dancing is a natural extension of the sound of my music." -- Legend

In addition to her musical and dance talents, she also has the physical look necessary for mainstream pop marketability. She is an experienced and successful model. She has appeared in print ads (perfume, hair, clothing, etc.), television commercials (beer, hair, etc.) and live fashion shows (Victoria Secrets, etc.). Although modeling is not her main focus, her style and appearance is a plus to her on-stage audience appeal.

Legend has a bachelor's degree in TV and film production, and has also studied classical opera and composition at the Conservatory of Puerto Rico. She has hosted a television series about music topics (House of Rock) and produced a pilot for her own music show (Latino Connection). She has also had small cameo appearances in a variety of other television programs.

Her new album features a variety of pop songs. The music was recorded in San Juan under the leadership of Grammy award winner, Ramon Martinez. Legend co-arranged and co-produced most of the songs with Joaquin Fernandez. The instrumentals feature such well known musicians as Januse Bakun (bass player for Ricky Martin and Mark Anthony), Reynaldo Torres (drummer for Luis Fonsi), Rey Reyes (singer for Menudo), Joseph Fonseca, Aldo Mata, and many others.

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Hot New Releases in Broadway & Vocalists

Hot New Releases in Broadway & Vocalists

 

  Evita - New Broadway Cast Recording (Highlights) [+digital booklet] 

  Hot New Releases in Broadway & Vocalists

Beginning Blues Guitar - The History of Blues Music In America and Why It Is Important

 

  Dave Brubeck's Greatest Hits

By Ryan Gilliam

The blues music became popular in America during the early 1900's. Guitar, piano and harmonica were the basic blues instruments. Blues style had started with mainly the instrumental type of music but later singing also played a key role in most blues songs. This music was mainly originated by the African-American community in the southern United States. The origin of the style is also closely related to the religious music of the African-American community. The original blues songs were played by slaves and poorer white people mainly conveying sorrow and defiance. Later the style developed into various forms such as country and played a great role in development of rock and roll.

The blues music became popular in America during the early 1900's. Guitar, piano and harmonica were the basic blues instruments. Blues style had started with mainly the instrumental type of music but later singing also played a key role in most blues songs. This music was mainly originated by the African-American community in the southern United States. The origin of the style is also closely related to the religious music of the African-American community. The original blues songs were played by slaves and poorer white people mainly conveying sorrow and defiance. Later the style developed into various forms such as country and played a great role in development of rock and roll.

This style of music got the name "Blues" in 1925. The name "The Blues" which meant sadness came from the one-act farce "Blue Devil" by George Coleman. The "Dallas Blues" was the song given by Hart Wand which was attested and became the first copyrighted blues composition. The style blues can be further subdivided ranging from country to urban blues. Delta, Piedmont, Jump and Chicago Blues styles are the most popular forms of the blues music form. The style transformed from acoustics to electric blues and by 1970 a new form called Blues-Rock came in.

By 1900 the music moved from group performances to more of individualized styles. A few characteristics remained common in all forms of blues music. However things like call-and-response shouts were present long before the creation of modern blues. From a vocal music of slaves, the blues developed to a wide variety of styles in United States. However, no specific African-American music can be identified as the single ancestor of the blues. The recorded music of blues can be found from as back as 1920's.

The history and music of blues remains to be very important for America. The songs and guitar playing styles given by the Blues were adapted by different other music. The Blues singing and guitar methods became the heart of American musical culture. The guitar techniques and vocal phrasings are still being followed in most of the styles of American modern music. All the American music is rooted in the Blues.

The Blues songs have become very important to of American music. Many new guitar players start by listening to the blues and by listening to famous artist like B.B. King, Bo Dudley, Eric Clapton, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson. All these are the legends of the blues and their music wins the hearts of many Americans still today. A history of Blues illustrates the important points about American popular culture. 

Even the music is playing an important part in education and schools systems in the United States. Remember that Blues evolved into many other forms of music and shaped the American music to what it is today.

Want to become a legendary blues guitarist?
Becoming a great blues guitar player is not an easy ordeal. It takes time and patience! When beginning blues guitar there are many methods to help you learn. Learn the tricks and techniques used by the classic blues men.

If you'd like to play like the old masters read on at http://TheBeginningBluesGuitar.com.
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A Delight To All Senses.: Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde Movers and Shakers in MP3 Albums

 

  Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde Movers and Shakers in MP3 Albums

 A Delight To All Senses. 

Saw this album being touted as the best Metal album of 2007. So I listened to the tracks posted on You Tube by fans. Then ordered it immediately. It is composed by the French Black Metallist Niege, and represents reflections of another world, a 'Sidhe' world he experienced contact with when he was a teenager.This is certainly not the usual concept for a (Death) Metal album, and the music is more Cocteau Twins than Morbid Angel.It is a remarkable work. A melodic 'wall of sound' that overwhelms and engages; ghostly Gothic, innocent and fey.'Souvenirs D'un Autre Monde' is something altogether different, an album to be cherished

Prepare to let your dreams take you by the hand and sweep you away on the crest of a wave as Alcest FINALLY release a debut album entitled 'Souvenirs d'un autre monde'. Its been several years since the release of the bands first demo, way back in 2001 and us fans have been urging Alcest to put all the ideas together and create the masterpiece the metal world has been craving to hear. Its about time that we have the pleasure of being able to stick this record on at any stage we desire during the day.

Souvenirs d'un autre monde is bound to receive mixed reviews. I try not to let my emotions take over me when I read negatives about Alcest because with so much hype before its release, people were bound to be disappointed with the outcome. That's life. Not everything can live up to expectations. The trick is, even if it is incredibly difficult, not to enter into something with expectations. Disappointment can only be achieved if you do. Given the direction 'Le Secret' was heading I suppose its no great surprise that Souvenirs d'un autre monde is completely different to anything Alcest have released prior to this full-length. Shoegaze, a relatively new genre to me, is in the foreground for this record.

Neige has opted for a far more dream like and naturally stunning soundscapes, as oppose to going back to his vicious and raw black metal roots, which many still enjoy to this day. Alcest combines acoustic sections, clean vocals and softer passages to near perfection. Neige's vocals are the most impressive improvement. Back in 2001 they were raspy, fairly ordinary and largely substandard. Neige's clean vocals are beautiful and compliment the music superbly. They stand side by side with one another. If Alcest were a picture, they would be the most beautiful picture you had ever seen. Alcest are beyond boundaries. Never afraid to set new achievements and explore unknown musical realms.

As aforementioned, soundscapes is important to this piece. Its the images and emotions this full-length conjures that makes it so special. Images of beautiful and tranquil landscapes. Emotions of a quiet sorrow ebbing through your veins and taking control of your heart. The celestial atmospheric nature doesn't detract from what is going on. Despite the fact that Souvenirs d'un autre monde has the ability to take control of you and transport you into other world's, the music is always present. You never lose sight of what Alcest is doing. Everything is in its rightful place and nothing is overbearing. its quite common for a listener to get caught up in the music and become unable to fully grasp what's going on and how everything does its job, but not in this instance.

There are several areas people may find with this record, however. Song lengths. Perhaps the fact that there are brief intermissions in songs may be off putting. It detracts from the song overall. It doesn't help the listener get into the right mood when a song cuts out in the middle for no real reason. The vocals may also be a down point. Given Neige's past record with vocals, people may be disappointed by the clean vocals, claiming that they are not true to what Alcest first laid down. Progression is sometimes hard to take. Musically this progression may be too much for some. Alcest are not now what they once were, the initial shock could and probably has caused some outrage. The soothing and relaxed nature is not to everyone's liking. Souvenirs d'un autre monde certainly cannot be drawn into question over its innovation and creativity. Neige is well known for that. As far as notable highlights go, I simply suggest listening to the whole thing in its entirety.

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