The 20th Anniversary Recital

This past Saturday evening was the 20th Anniversary Recital of my voice studio.  What a fun night!  There were so many students from the past who showed up to share their talents, along with a great group of "newbies."  It gave me a great opportunity to think back on all the wonderful people I've gotten to know these past 20 years.  I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to work with all these unique individuals.  It has been so exciting to see them grow and develop into the intriguing performers they have become.  So many doing such a variety of entertainment!  Some into opera, some on the equity circuit on the East Coast, some doing jazz, some R&B, some TV, some movies, original musicals ...  Yahoo to all of you!  Thanks for sharing your lives with me!  It sure has been fun so far!!!  Stay tuned...

WomenSing knocks me out...

I just saw another performance by WomenSing (www.womensing.org) today.  They are wonderful!  Why am I writing about them in my blog?  Because it's the kind of singing that is purely beautiful.  We have so many different kinds of performers these days, in so many different genres of music, it's unusually refreshing to get to hear a group of people who blend so beautifully while making it seem effortless to ring on the dead center of the pitch.  Don't get me wrong - I love any good performance, no matter what the genre!  But to hear simple purity in singing is becoming, well, less easy to find... There is something transcendent about singing that is right "above the head" in it's purity.  Kind of a healing, inspirational feeliing.  I found myself smiling from ear to ear as I listened to one beautiful selection after another.  The repertoire they perform is varied.  Some classical, some ethnic, some modern composers - but each selection is extremely beautiful.  If you want to continue to expand your vocal discernment, you owe it to yourself to include programs like this in your musical experience.  There is singing on pitch, then there is singing on the dead center of the pitch...Oh, my, what a world of difference...!

How to Select Your First Voice Teacher

There are many, many voice teachers out there.  How do you know which one is the best fit for you when you've never worked with any voice teacher before?  If I could give you one precise answer to this, I'd be hailed as a guru in this business.  Unfortunately, the answer is that it's mostly trial and error.  BUT - there are some guidelines that can definitely help you in narrowing the field.  First, if you can, get some recommendations from people you know who sing well.  It doesn't mean their recommendation will be the right fit for you, but it's a good place to start. 

When you contact a teacher ask about that person's training and experience as a teacher and/or performer.  Does this person have experience in the genre of music that you are interested in?  Has this person worked with beginners?  with professionals?  Are there any success stories to share about this person's students? Lots of experience working with various voice types usually expands a teacher's understanding of vocal production and how to get results from various "starting points."

When you get to the studio, do you connect with this teacher?  Do you understand what he/she is trying to explain to you?  Do you get any "Aha!" moments?  Do you feel any vocal discomfort (a bad sign!).  Do you sense that this teacher is capable of keeping your voice healthy as you progress?  And, a simple one...do you like this person?  These are practical points for assessing a teacher in the beginning.  There's more, though...

DON"T keep going to someone just because your friend likes him or her.  You're the one who has to develop your own relationship with your voice instructor.  And, believe me, you've got to trust the person you share your vocal development with.  You will be working closely with this person for a good period of time.  You need to feel safe and confident that this person knows you well and sees beyond even what you can imagine for yourself.  Does this person inspire you and help you stay on the path to your goals?  Are you richer for the experience?  These points give some definition to the difference between a really good voice teacher and a great one.  You'll remember things a great voice has taught you all your life.

We'll continue with this topic.  It's a good one - but these are some of the first questions for you to consider when you are looking for a voice teacher.  Good luck!

Summer Voice Lessons

So you want to sing?

Come join me and receive dynamic vocal instruction that speeds your ability to be able to deliver a song the way you always wanted to. I welcome all ages - Children through Adults – you'll start progressing from your first lesson.

My students get rave reviews in Musical Theater, Opera, Rock, R&B. They get the roles. They get the invitations to perform.  And they have fun too!

Call my studio at 925-933-1126 if you’d like to find out more.

Greeting Card Videos

I've collaborated with my good friend, and former student, Michael O'Dell to produce a series of very engaging greeting card videos. We have started a line of videos that you could send to your friends or family members on any special (or not so special) occasion. Here's the link to view some of them... enjoy, and post your comments!

Greeting Card Videos>>  http://www.youtube.com/user/thehinotebylucia?ob=0&feature=results_main

If you're on Facebook, check the page for The Hi Note!  You can see them all there, too!