THE Appropriate Age

Many mothers I have come across blatantly ask, if their child is old enough to receive singing lessons.  I often take a few steps backwards before answering that question, because every person with a voice is designed and structured genetically different of course. My response is, “ We can work on diction, articulation, breathing technique and sustaining proper posture, but gaining a higher range or stretching the tessitura is not recommended for children under the age of 12." Being that a child’s voice begins to change once puberty begins and that’s usually by the age of 11 or 12 years old. So there shouldn’t be any strenuous training or exercises towards the voice because their voice will change and need to be trained differently as the child grows and matures.

I currently teach a female child who is 11 years old. After listening to the type of voice she has, it would not be conducive to train her vigorously because she wouldn’t know how to apply the technique, especially when I ask her to sing a little stronger and give more of a forte dynamic. Her voice is not built to give a mature sound yet. Teaching children a song is one thing but training them how to sing with proper technique to create a certain ambience for an audience will be a task.

I never received vocal training as a child. I have been singing since my Mother put the microphone in my hand at the age of 2. Being in choirs, vocal ensembles, oratorical speaking competitions, acting classes, plays, and talent shows, I have watched my own voice change since the age of EIGHT. When I was 10 years old I remember standing in front of the dancing guru, Debbie Allen auditioning for a show. I sang “The Battle Hymn of Republic” and it was stated, I sounded like an older woman singing and that my voice was powerful and huge to be so young. I received the compliment, but didn’t understand what it meant, since I was a kid. So that is said to express this, that a child’s voice can sound a certain way like mine did but should not be intensely trained or should I state, “tamed” until there is a conscious conveyance in the training.

A vocalist should be engaged mentally, physically and emotionally when singing or speaking. This carries over into acting or speaking oratorically as well. It has been proven that most singers do not come into their true voice that will be apart of them for the rest of their life, until the age of  30.

RECOMMENDATION: Let your child be apart of a school or church choir where they are singing mostly in unison (all together on the same note or pitch), but none of the songs should be sung past c2 on the keyboard. Your child should be able to sing in a NATURAL WAY without pushing or shouting. This will help your child to understand the importance of taking care of their voice and not damaging the vocal chords at an early age.

Some other BLOGS to consider on this topic that I used as resources .

Cindy Shadrick

Petra Raspel

Rick Warren: A Life of Purpose

           I watched the web video on A life of Purpose, with Rick Warren as the speaker. Rick Warren has been considered as one of the world’s most influential and leading Christians. He is a pastor who has become a sought after advisor to world leaders and infamously known for writing the book The Purpose-Driven Life.  The video reflects on his own crisis of purpose in the wake of his book’s wild success. He explains his belief that, God’s intention is for us to use our talents & influence to do well.  Pastor Warren never intended on being a famous or even considered himself an author. He didn’t desire to be seen on television preaching either because he didn’t want to be a celebrity. He believes being a pastor, and author is all a service and good stewardship.

            Expressing how others would say they were living life when in reality they just existed shows how Rick Warren thinks. He lets the audience know that everyone was planned to be here by God. There is this inner desire and that no one is here on accident. “You matter; to God, to history, and to this universe.”, he says. We are wired and shaped for a precise action on earth. And living on purpose is required.

           

Pastor Rick Warren inspires me. He shows me consistency of a person with a purpose. Though he isn’t a singer or vocal coach, he definitely is a motivator. I learned that utilizing what was given to me: talent, background, education career, is my service to help others. I understand that I do not own anything during my existence on earth, all I’m required to do is willfully give of my self. So, now I have decided to take stewardship and service into the business I am building.  Using my influence, my identity and my income to make what I was given the abilities to do come to life.

Resource: http://www.ted.com/talks/rick_warren_on_a_life_of_purpose

Steve Jobs: How to Live Before You Die

The blog post discussion on Steve Jobs: “How to live before You die”

The one web video that stroked my curiosity was with speaker Steve Jobs; he spoke on “ How to live before you die”. The college drop out spoke on how he was put up for adoption and found what he loved to do at an early age. After sitting in a typography class he knew that was what he wanted to do since the age of 20. He thought typography was fascinating, and later included it into his computer programming on the new invented Macintosh.

Steve Jobs really inspired me with his simple speech of encouragement and optimism. After being fired from Apple he was able to create two companies that are world renown to this day. His company Next was bought by Apple and Pixar is the 1^st successful animated studio in the world. Expressing to the audience not to lose faith even when life hits you in the head with a brick is one statement that many leaders of a company could relate to. Jobs also stated that the one thing that kept him going was that he loved what he did, and that you gotta find what you love; that’s with work and with your lovers.

Your Work is going to fill a large art of your life and the only way

To be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.

And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.

If you haven’t found it yet keep looking and don’t settle.

As matters of the heart you’ll know, when you find it,

 And in like any great relationship

It just gets better and better

 as the years roll on

So keep looking

Don’t Settle.

- STEVE JOBS

I am inspired by the message Steve Jobs sent through the web video. He makes me not want to stop pursuing brand identities or strategies to create a culture that will stick from decades to a lifetime of generations. He really helped me want to overcome adversities when they come, because if he could be fired from the company he started then rehired that means, everything happens for a reason and a season. I won’t be trapped by dogma; which is living with the results of other people’s thinking or will I let the noise of others’ opinions drown out my own inner voice. Honestly Steve Jobs speech helped me development a deeper knowing on what I need to do as a CEO. I must “ have the courage to follow my heart and intuition because they somehow already know what I truly want to become. Everything else is SECONDARY”. I want to be hungry and foolish for greatness and substantial success.

Resources: http://www.ted.com/talks/steve_jobs_how_to_live_before_you_die

Benjamin Zander: The transformative power of classical music

The word Classical has strong connotation, conjuring up the art and philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome along with their ideals of balance, proportion and disciplined expression. The composers of the early Classical period changed direction, writing music that was much simpler in texture.

Some might assume that Classical music is a dying genre in the music industry while others would exclaim that “you aint seen nothing yet”, but it will live on forever in the hearts, ears, and eyes of many especially in Benjamin Zander. Benjamin Zander, has been the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic since 1979. He usually conducts seminars for leadership but in this particular case he was sharing the transformative power of classical music. He played a little Chopin and gave different perceptions of the same piece as if he was a child who was learning how to play the piano and continued to grow and succeed in perfecting the piece.   Before he played the piece he asked listeners to catch ahold of the essence of someone that was missed or adored to become present again through memories while he expounded Chopin’s masterpiece.

As I watched and listened to conductor, speaker, and teacher Benjamin Zander convey his expression and passion for classical music though a little bit of Chopin, it inspired me.  This man showed a sincere passion for the art of Classical music like no one I have seen in a long time.  He broke down how some people do not mind classical music, a large group of people never listen to classical music and only a selection of people believe they’re tone deaf. With a hint of humor behind his presentation, he tells the audience that no one is tone deaf! He expresses that if we were tone deaf we couldn’t change the gears on a car, we couldn’t tell the difference between a person from Texas or a person from Rome, or even distinguish the voice of a person on the telephone and what kind of mood they’re in. So basically every one can hear tones, which is exciting.

I saw that the audience was astonished at Zander’s enthusiasm. As a conductor, he doesn’t make a sound, but he depends on his power of ability to make others powerful. He stated that his job was to awaken the possibility in other people, and its shown by the shining of eyes. Zander asked the audience and listeners, Who are we being, as we go back into the world? So I asked myself, Who am I being, that my children’s eye’s are not shining? It really makes a difference of what we say, the words that come out of out mouth. “I would never say anything that couldn’t stand as the last thing I’ll ever say”.

I was impressed by his definition of success. He exclaimed that it wasn’t wealth, and fame and power, but how many shining eyes we have around us. I interpreted that its not the money, or fame, but it’s the impact you have on everyone you encounter on the path of destiny.

Memoirs of a Worshipper...Byron Cage

I am a huge fan of Gospel music and what it stands for. Being a fan of gospel music helps me recognize, admire and follow those who bring forth the messages of the Gospel of Christ through praise and worship songs. I am totally enlightened when I hear the gospel music artist Byron Cage sing. He isn’t called the “Prince of Praise” for nothing.  He just released a new album titled “Memoirs of a Worshipper “that expresses worship in a finite way. I enjoy listening to Byron Cage’s Praise and Jubilee songs but this album really displayed his true love and passion for worshipping The I Am that I Am.  The one song that keeps me on my feet is "My Refuge, My Strength". This extortion of praise really encourages me, as a worshipper and lyricist, to continue writing exaltation and affirmation to God with grace, eloquence and intensity.

Today as a Gospel artist, many might assume that getting out there and making a name for yourself is next to impossible. There are many musicians, singers, worshippers, and praisers that are all over the world in churches and studios preparing to be FAMOUS per se, but I believe if its meant for the messages of proclaiming God's love and his astounding acts to the nations there will be enough room in the Music Industry for me as well. Byron Cage is a worshipper at heart.  On Fox 5 Morning news he expresses how this newly released album is his 9^th recording and that it was created to point worship back to God. He is a very articulate yet swift speaker who explains his purpose of recording this album and exclaims the worship through a live performance of his single “Throne”.  This televised performance showed that Cage truly loves God and isn’t ashamed to declare his love of Christ to anyone. I truly recognize and admire such an act.

What's Poppin' in the music Industry

The Music industry is always BANGIN; whether through new sounds of music, trends of style updated cultures or competitive earnings! Pursuing a singing career in the music industry is hard work but if pursued correctly success can be obtained.

This year, young artist in the music industry under the age of  30 are making a name for themselves through their music, entertainment and amount of cash earned annually.  At age 22 Taylor Swift made $57 million and is considered the highest paid musician and entertainer under the age of 30 this year. 18-year-old Justin Bieber received and estimated $55 million from his concert movie “Never Say Never” and maybe could’ve made more by album sales. 24 year old, Rihanna, made $53- million, Lady Gaga at age 26 made $52- million, Katy Perry at 27 made $45- million, 24 year old Adele made $35- million while Lil Wayne at 29 made $27- million.

My focus is the Gospel music genre. I’m not sure how much gospel artist make a year but by the awards given I’m sure it’s a pretty big penny.  I am so encouraged when I see gospel artist minister live. Recently at the 2012 BET’s Celebration of Gospel Kirk Franklin and Mali Music conveyed a performance of new song titled “Gimme That” so simple but powerful that showed assurance and confidence.

I really look up to certain artists and performers who many have seen on television or heard via radio. The gospel artist who are poppin’ in the Gospel industry are Mary Mary, Deitrick Haddon, Kirk Franklin, Kim Burrell, Tye Tribbett, Mali Music and Shirley Cesar, just to name a few. These artists have all put in years, sweat, hard work and patience regarding their careers in music.  They all are icons who I look up to and study regarding creativity, music, modesty, drive, business and hustle; pursuing their dreams with tenacity and motivational momentum.

The Impact of Voices of a Lifetime

I have been singing professionally for over 10 years enjoying lead, quick understudy, chorus line and background vocal positions. I wouldn’t have had the confidence or synergy of being on stage if I weren’t encouraged by or had examples to model, such as two vocal recording/ performing icons of all time. Aretha Franklin And Whitney Houston has impacted me as a performer throughout my career in singing. Their stage presence and approach to music is like a bull dozer charging into a building. When they both come on the stage anything or anyone in their way will be demolished or astonished. This is the impact and attention of the world these two ladies have upheld since they’ve stepped on the scene in the music industry. I have a mandate to emulate these women in my own distinct way.

Aretha Franklin   is considered the “Queen of Soul and the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is a singer of great passion and control whose finest recordings define the term soul music in all its deep, expressive glory”, exclaims American Music Masters. The Co-founder of Atlantic records, Ahmet Ertegun noted, “I don’t think there’s anybody I have known who possesses an instrument like hers and who has such a thorough background in gospel, the blues and the essential black music idiom”. He also stated that, “she is blessed with an extraordinary combination of remarkable urban sophistication and deep blues feeling…the result is maybe the greatest singer of our time.”

Whitney Houston was noticed at the age of 16 by Gerry Griffin, who acknowledged, “I hadn’t seen an artist like her since Aretha. She had a command of the voice. She was comfortable, at 16 years old at being on the stage. She had a presence at that age, something that she has developed since the first time I saw her. I was just knocked out by this young, beautiful- she was actually a model at that time- and the command of her voice and the song and the lyric. It was just amazing.”

She has been praised and awarded with love from today’s vocal icons like Mariah Carey and American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson. She is considered the greatest singer!

I am totally driven by these two women. I am considered a crossover singer and Aretha was also, she “was never averse to the idea of crossover music, being a connoisseur of pop and show tunes, but she needed to interpret them in her own soulful way.” Jerry Wexler, Aretha Franklin’s producer for a longtime, observed that she “was continuing what Ray Charles had begun- the secularization of gospel, turning church rhythms, church patterns and especially church feelings into personalized love songs.” Aretha and Whitney both were Grammy award winners in their time. They've upheld many spotlights in the Music Industry. Though Whitney is deceased and Aretha is much older now, they both have paved the way for many singers to become just as great as they were.

Who do you believe has the voice of a lifetime?

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