Dear Ms Arman,
Since I’m a child I loved God and Torah without beeing part of Israel and not even knew it.But I always knew deep inside of me some how that I was diferent in a certain way ,that there was a way for me to give a message and bless others.When I came here to europe to study bel canto singing from Buenos Aires and many teachers wanted me to give lessons because I was a phenomenon who was not knowing how to sing with a very high voice, but no one could reconnect me to the blue print and stablish a certain language with the instrument were the key is. Everybody wanted to hear the great castrati bel canto era through my voice?!.Of course I did not trust any “bel canto teacher” anymore.In those moments of presure and sadnesss I did loose my faith in God following in the slavery of the voice trying to find the light in the darkness by my self without in reality any candel.
“I know that you knew me,I know that you sensed my exodus and even that G-d showed you my voice”Thank you very much for the video in you tube,the book and the cd I can not express with words how much they are helping me.
My name is Hernàn,God bless me with an instrument perhaps rather similar to a soprano castrato voice .This means that my voice did not mutate when I was adolecent,I try to put it down ,to hide it but the glory of the instrument was allways there,Doctors said was genetic natural and actually are soprano vocal cords reforsed in a very especial way because are a part of a body that belongs to a men , God wanted it in this way.So since the moment I knew that was not a normal male voice but in an octave up my speaking voice every thing was there and not even a countertenor and for the love of singing I try to cultivate and took the responsibility of it in such a society but how?, every thing was closed for years, having cervical problems constantly ,some times showing its glory and waiting for the right time,the time of G-d to open and share the message.Well but just imagen what instrument can be in the reight place I can hear it in my brain rader comparabel to a lyric dramatic coloratur and is very interesting because when comes from that place comes perfectly the truth,every thing from the botton till the top is there!!!,of course toghether with music studies ,talent and artistry opened a huge campus for doing art and bless others in the musical world.After I recived the information that you share with the world .Little by little I’m understanding all and recover my faith which support the hole sistem but I’m still a baby of 4 months! This means that if there is someone who can really help me in this dessert it has to be you,a messanger of God and the prove of that is my faith.During years of trying to find a clear technic way where every thing is said ,connected and being free!!.
God bless you and waiting for the time to have some lessons some where so if you are coming to europe or switzerland I’d like to know it, at the moment I have a lot to work together with the book and the cd putting every thing in order just like it was at the very beginning when I was a baby sounds funny.Just dream with the day this glorious feeling the air free floating through my throat without any kind of cervical pain ,that I’m not full enough for certain notes beeing able to sing for hours in the holy place speaking the truth showing the real instrument that God gave me . If my recording is going soon I’ll send you a copy. Hernàn
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The Franklin Lakes Journal- Review of Riccardo's big concert
Foresi on Fire
By | Category: Local Events, Municipal News
The little town blues experienced by Riccardo in Monte San Martino, Italy are fading away, but the young singer who performed at the recent fundraiser for the Iron Matt Foundation is aware of the irony. Complaining in good humor that his hometown was boring and offered nothing but the beautiful sea, the mountains, and great food, he went on to transport the audience on a musical journey. His voice is a powerful force of nature, and it seems to reflect the surroundings of his hometown as the repertoire of songs exhibited an amazing vocal range of peaks and valleys, rising and sinking, showing like the sea a combination of strength and gentleness.
As mentioned in a previous article, Riccardo’s voice displays the skill and control of the classically trained, but the performance on Friday evening proved that his skills go far beyond the technical and he can deliver his music to the soul. Explaining how he came to be involved with the Iron Matt Foundation, Ricardo spoke of his belief that the connections we make in life hold hidden meanings, and he hopes his music adds to this wonder by communicating a shared love. He went on to prove his theory with song after song that merged the physical and the spiritual. Even some of the selections that were performed in Italian, the language barrier melted down and listeners could close their eyes and be transported to the shores of Italy or just feel the closeness of loved ones.
It was an exciting opportunity that all will remember in years to come when they utter that long sought after phrase, “I remember him when he was just starting out.” His amazing vocal range, and his movie star looks, provide avenues for success in both classical and pop genres. One can easily foresee his uplifting, soaring songs tinged with romance, heartache, and redemption being exploited for a Disney musical. But it’s safe to say that the same elements that give birth to those skills will also allow him to keep the down to earth qualities that help make that connection with the audience real. Riccardo and his manager, Emilio Capuano of Top40 Entertainment, are planning his first music video and are filming it back in Italy. They both believe that his inspiration comes from the people and place where he grew up, and it is important that his first video reflect these roots.
Portions of the performance in Franklin Lakes were filmed by Chris Kincade of CKinkProductions, so local residents might get an opportunity to see the artist perform. In the spirit of connectedness that Ricardo spoke about prior to his performance, The Journal learned through an earlier interview with Chris that he also has strong ties to the Iron Matt Foundation.
His mom, Kirsten Kincade, has organized many past fundraisers for the Iron Matt Foundation. Matt Larson struggled with cancer, but his spirit was, and is, an inspiration for many, including Kirsten who has dedicated her Ironman competitions to Matt. She recently won her age group, women 40-44, at the Couer d’ Alene to win a spot at the Hawaii world championship. Overall, she placed 194 out of the entire 2060 participants who managed to finish; respectfully leaving in the dust a long list of younger competitors from both sexes in the race which involves 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running. She will compete in October for Ironmatt again at the Hawaii event.
The fundraiser featuring Riccardo Foresi had a lot of helping hands, but special recognition goes to Terri Casaleggio who received an extra pleasant, but unexpected thank you from Riccardo for all her efforts. The work of Terri and the other volunteers, along with the generosity of the Indian Trails Club, provided a fun evening for a worthy cause. The Matthew Larson Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created by the family and friends of 7 year old Matthew James Larson, who lost a 5 year battle with brain and spinal tumors in April 2007. The Foundation hopes to ease the burdens on the children and families who are battling this horrible disease, while also funding medical and scientific research to find a cure.
The Franklin Lakes Journal- Review of Riccardo's big concert
Foresi on Fire
By | Category: Local Events, Municipal NewsThe little town blues experienced by Riccardo in Monte San Martino, Italy are fading away, but the young singer who performed at the recent fundraiser for the Iron Matt Foundation is aware of the irony. Complaining in good humor that his hometown was boring and offered nothing but the beautiful sea, the mountains, and great food, he went on to transport the audience on a musical journey. His voice is a powerful force of nature, and it seems to reflect the surroundings of his hometown as the repertoire of songs exhibited an amazing vocal range of peaks and valleys, rising and sinking, showing like the sea a combination of strength and gentleness.
As mentioned in a previous article, Riccardo’s voice displays the skill and control of the classically trained, but the performance on Friday evening proved that his skills go far beyond the technical and he can deliver his music to the soul. Explaining how he came to be involved with the Iron Matt Foundation, Ricardo spoke of his belief that the connections we make in life hold hidden meanings, and he hopes his music adds to this wonder by communicating a shared love. He went on to prove his theory with song after song that merged the physical and the spiritual. Even some of the selections that were performed in Italian, the language barrier melted down and listeners could close their eyes and be transported to the shores of Italy or just feel the closeness of loved ones.
It was an exciting opportunity that all will remember in years to come when they utter that long sought after phrase, “I remember him when he was just starting out.” His amazing vocal range, and his movie star looks, provide avenues for success in both classical and pop genres. One can easily foresee his uplifting, soaring songs tinged with romance, heartache, and redemption being exploited for a Disney musical. But it’s safe to say that the same elements that give birth to those skills will also allow him to keep the down to earth qualities that help make that connection with the audience real. Riccardo and his manager, Emilio Capuano of Top40 Entertainment, are planning his first music video and are filming it back in Italy. They both believe that his inspiration comes from the people and place where he grew up, and it is important that his first video reflect these roots.
Portions of the performance in Franklin Lakes were filmed by Chris Kincade of CKinkProductions, so local residents might get an opportunity to see the artist perform. In the spirit of connectedness that Ricardo spoke about prior to his performance, The Journal learned through an earlier interview with Chris that he also has strong ties to the Iron Matt Foundation.
His mom, Kirsten Kincade, has organized many past fundraisers for the Iron Matt Foundation. Matt Larson struggled with cancer, but his spirit was, and is, an inspiration for many, including Kirsten who has dedicated her Ironman competitions to Matt. She recently won her age group, women 40-44, at the Couer d’ Alene to win a spot at the Hawaii world championship. Overall, she placed 194 out of the entire 2060 participants who managed to finish; respectfully leaving in the dust a long list of younger competitors from both sexes in the race which involves 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running. She will compete in October for Ironmatt again at the Hawaii event.
The fundraiser featuring Riccardo Foresi had a lot of helping hands, but special recognition goes to Terri Casaleggio who received an extra pleasant, but unexpected thank you from Riccardo for all her efforts. The work of Terri and the other volunteers, along with the generosity of the Indian Trails Club, provided a fun evening for a worthy cause. The Matthew Larson Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created by the family and friends of 7 year old Matthew James Larson, who lost a 5 year battle with brain and spinal tumors in April 2007. The Foundation hopes to ease the burdens on the children and families who are battling this horrible disease, while also funding medical and scientific research to find a cure.
Riccardo's review of a big Fundrairer, sharing with you
Foresi on Fire
By | Category: Local Events, Municipal NewsThe little town blues experienced by Riccardo in Monte San Martino, Italy are fading away, but the young singer who performed at the recent fundraiser for the Iron Matt Foundation is aware of the irony. Complaining in good humor that his hometown was boring and offered nothing but the beautiful sea, the mountains, and great food, he went on to transport the audience on a musical journey. His voice is a powerful force of nature, and it seems to reflect the surroundings of his hometown as the repertoire of songs exhibited an amazing vocal range of peaks and valleys, rising and sinking, showing like the sea a combination of strength and gentleness.
As mentioned in a previous article, Riccardo’s voice displays the skill and control of the classically trained, but the performance on Friday evening proved that his skills go far beyond the technical and he can deliver his music to the soul. Explaining how he came to be involved with the Iron Matt Foundation, Ricardo spoke of his belief that the connections we make in life hold hidden meanings, and he hopes his music adds to this wonder by communicating a shared love. He went on to prove his theory with song after song that merged the physical and the spiritual. Even some of the selections that were performed in Italian, the language barrier melted down and listeners could close their eyes and be transported to the shores of Italy or just feel the closeness of loved ones.
It was an exciting opportunity that all will remember in years to come when they utter that long sought after phrase, “I remember him when he was just starting out.” His amazing vocal range, and his movie star looks, provide avenues for success in both classical and pop genres. One can easily foresee his uplifting, soaring songs tinged with romance, heartache, and redemption being exploited for a Disney musical. But it’s safe to say that the same elements that give birth to those skills will also allow him to keep the down to earth qualities that help make that connection with the audience real. Riccardo and his manager, Emilio Capuano of Top40 Entertainment, are planning his first music video and are filming it back in Italy. They both believe that his inspiration comes from the people and place where he grew up, and it is important that his first video reflect these roots.
Portions of the performance in Franklin Lakes were filmed by Chris Kincade of CKinkProductions, so local residents might get an opportunity to see the artist perform. In the spirit of connectedness that Ricardo spoke about prior to his performance, The Journal learned through an earlier interview with Chris that he also has strong ties to the Iron Matt Foundation.
His mom, Kirsten Kincade, has organized many past fundraisers for the Iron Matt Foundation. Matt Larson struggled with cancer, but his spirit was, and is, an inspiration for many, including Kirsten who has dedicated her Ironman competitions to Matt. She recently won her age group, women 40-44, at the Couer d’ Alene to win a spot at the Hawaii world championship. Overall, she placed 194 out of the entire 2060 participants who managed to finish; respectfully leaving in the dust a long list of younger competitors from both sexes in the race which involves 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running. She will compete in October for Ironmatt again at the Hawaii event.
The fundraiser featuring Riccardo Foresi had a lot of helping hands, but special recognition goes to Terri Casaleggio who received an extra pleasant, but unexpected thank you from Riccardo for all her efforts. The work of Terri and the other volunteers, along with the generosity of the Indian Trails Club, provided a fun evening for a worthy cause. The Matthew Larson Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created by the family and friends of 7 year old Matthew James Larson, who lost a 5 year battle with brain and spinal tumors in April 2007. The Foundation hopes to ease the burdens on the children and families who are battling this horrible disease, while also funding medical and scientific research to find a cure.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
The Answers for Stephen- and more
Hello Stephen, and thank you so much for your letter.
I am placing it on my blog, which for week I have neglected due to a very long European and South American trip, but this is certainly a letter which should be placed on the blog and perhaps into my new book " Whatever Happened to great Singng" which is in its last edit. I will be moving to South America shortly and am wondering if we cannot arrange a vocal workshop in El Paso in your Academy before I go...an idea...
What you experience I have of course heard endless times and the results of the work, when it is done right and applied correctly are fantastic. Your soprano: be careful, very careful ...she is very young to move into the dramatic repertoire vocally...the voice will increase and grow, that is to be expected, the muscles behind the eyeballs and the space will grow, that too is to be expected, vibrations and overtones, harmonics increase dramatically , all correct...the dizziness should be just a few days if you keep the position...but if you constantly are pulling on those muscles then that feeling of faintness will last quite a time simply because the brain is being oxygenated to the max and there is constant movement.
The feeling is natural...but you should absolutely move with great caution...the muscles behind the eyeballs and the joints expand at incredible rate when worked this way, but in order for the vocal cords to adjust to the power you must go slow, very slow...or you will have a wobble in no time.
The physical adjustment of the instrument to the power of the space and the air is major..everything has to move slowly in order to make the necessary mental, physical and emotional adjustments - please!!!...keep her very very light and lyric..do not overpower...keep repertoire away from the dramatic, even though for the singer it seems more exciting at the moment..caution is the absolute responsibility of the teacher and guiding your student into a healthy instrument that lasts a lifetime is an awesome responsibility...
This my NCR Doctor...the site works, go into Neuro Cranial Reconstruction. No one except Dr. Arrandt knows about the work that I do with the voice and the NCR connection. I have worked with him exclusively and he has done the work with many many of my students. He is extraordinary and it is he who came to me to recognize the connection ..that began 1999 when the first book came out and we have been working even since. I go to him every eight weeks or so, for myself. He is grea t. In my new book I will publish his correspondence with the International Voice Foundation . He tried for them to let me speak at their forum, but they will not...so that's that...
Hope this serves you. I am here when you need me. Be well and take good care of yourself. By the way, I teach no matter where I am in the world over skype. A student has to have three physical hours with me so we establish our language and then we continue over skype with the most extraordinary results. Just for your information.
Be well.. and all the best
Miriam
Dr. Lewis J. Arrandt, DC
Dr. Arrandt's Website
10651 N. Kendall Dr. Suite 222Miami, FL 33176
Phone: (305) 279-0850
I am placing it on my blog, which for week I have neglected due to a very long European and South American trip, but this is certainly a letter which should be placed on the blog and perhaps into my new book " Whatever Happened to great Singng" which is in its last edit. I will be moving to South America shortly and am wondering if we cannot arrange a vocal workshop in El Paso in your Academy before I go...an idea...
What you experience I have of course heard endless times and the results of the work, when it is done right and applied correctly are fantastic. Your soprano: be careful, very careful ...she is very young to move into the dramatic repertoire vocally...the voice will increase and grow, that is to be expected, the muscles behind the eyeballs and the space will grow, that too is to be expected, vibrations and overtones, harmonics increase dramatically , all correct...the dizziness should be just a few days if you keep the position...but if you constantly are pulling on those muscles then that feeling of faintness will last quite a time simply because the brain is being oxygenated to the max and there is constant movement.
The feeling is natural...but you should absolutely move with great caution...the muscles behind the eyeballs and the joints expand at incredible rate when worked this way, but in order for the vocal cords to adjust to the power you must go slow, very slow...or you will have a wobble in no time.
The physical adjustment of the instrument to the power of the space and the air is major..everything has to move slowly in order to make the necessary mental, physical and emotional adjustments - please!!!...keep her very very light and lyric..do not overpower...keep repertoire away from the dramatic, even though for the singer it seems more exciting at the moment..caution is the absolute responsibility of the teacher and guiding your student into a healthy instrument that lasts a lifetime is an awesome responsibility...
This my NCR Doctor...the site works, go into Neuro Cranial Reconstruction. No one except Dr. Arrandt knows about the work that I do with the voice and the NCR connection. I have worked with him exclusively and he has done the work with many many of my students. He is extraordinary and it is he who came to me to recognize the connection ..that began 1999 when the first book came out and we have been working even since. I go to him every eight weeks or so, for myself. He is grea t. In my new book I will publish his correspondence with the International Voice Foundation . He tried for them to let me speak at their forum, but they will not...so that's that...
Hope this serves you. I am here when you need me. Be well and take good care of yourself. By the way, I teach no matter where I am in the world over skype. A student has to have three physical hours with me so we establish our language and then we continue over skype with the most extraordinary results. Just for your information.
Be well.. and all the best
Miriam
Dr. Lewis J. Arrandt, DC
Dr. Arrandt's Website
10651 N. Kendall Dr. Suite 222Miami, FL 33176
Phone: (305) 279-0850
One of many - Sharing with you!! Please read carefully
--- On Tue, 8/5/08, Stephen Jackson <scyo2@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Stephen Jackson <scyo2@yahoo.com>Subject: Praise, NCR, and Teaching (two questions and some comments!)To: musicvisions@aol.comDate: Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 2:26 AM
Dear Ms. Arman,
First, I must say that I cannot help but think that divine providence brought me to your information! I have been many things in this life, and music has pulled me back over and over again relentlessly until I gave over my will to use the gifts we are given at creation. I am 33 years old, and a baritone (as well as a composer): I was a mediocre (at best) singer for quite a long time. Because I have always felt an intense connection to the text and emotional content of the music I perform, I've been given many performance opportunities that I wouldn't have ever gotten based on the abilities of my voice alone. I did absolutely everything wrong for a number of years, and finally had the fortune to have a few small pieces start to click into place in 2000 and 2001.. I don't want to bore you with a long history as I know that you are very busy and must have time to recharge your own energy and vitality, but your works have touched my life in so many important ways.
I was asked to start teaching voice in 2003 by a small commercial studio that was familiar with my performance resume and temperament. I have been blessed with great patience and a strong belief that ANYONE who loves music and is willing to put their heart, soul, mind and time into the pursuit will come out the other side with a healthy and facile instrument. I had had at least 7 different voice teachers who ranged from complete lunatics to mediocre pianists with little to no knowledge of the vocal mechanism. Struggling through my own difficulties with the voice gave me insight into what many of my students felt (and feel) as they battle the many issues facing singers today. I have read voraciously and sought out as much information on practical and powerful vocal methods as I could with some good success over the years, but NOTHING prepared me for encountering your book! (then a bit later the First Lesson CD)
So many of the pieces clicked FIRMLY into place and the overall picture of what so many people had tried unsuccessfully to lead me to becomes more and more clear as I apply your ideas and technical skills to myself and my students. I am preparing several opera scenes for a production in a few months that I was dreading until recently, and was recently cast as Olin Blitch in Susanna for spring of 2009. I feel as though you've given me back my own voice instead of the constructed and manipulated sound that I had been encouraged to create for so many years. I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful work you have done and continue to do for the world.
The questions I have are as follows -
The ncr.net website is no longer functional, but I found several other resources about NCR on-line. However, none of them speak specifically about the voice. I am very interested in knowing more about what happens in NCR, and what results your students have achieved. There are no NCR specialists near me, and my current budget will not support visiting those closest to me for some time, but I would still like to know more. (I was diagnosed with stage 4 burkitt's lymphoma last April and would surely have been dead had it not been for another divine intervention in my life.. but that is certainly not the topic now!!)
My 2nd question involves something "odd" happening to one of my young sopranos the deeper we go into your technique. She is 18, with what had been seemingly moving toward a light lyric or even soubrette sound.. within the last several months however, the color, size, and intensity of the voice have grown almost exponentially to the point that I seriously thing she may be on the way to becoming a young full dramatic soprano!! When she places everything behind the eyes and creates space the way you specify, she gets dizzy, dry eyed, and even slightly faint as the level of resonance increases. The sound is glorious and free without force or strain, but she is concerned about the physical sensations she is experiencing. I recommended that she accept the new sensations as a "check list" that she is placing the voice correctly, but I wanted your advice here. I truly believe that she is doing everything "right" so far, and want to encourage her continued progress, but she is frightened by how foreign some of these feelings are.
Respectfully yours,
Stephen Jackson
Desert Moon Academy of the Arts
El Paso, Texas
.
From: Stephen Jackson <scyo2@yahoo.com>Subject: Praise, NCR, and Teaching (two questions and some comments!)To: musicvisions@aol.comDate: Tuesday, August 5, 2008, 2:26 AM
Dear Ms. Arman,
First, I must say that I cannot help but think that divine providence brought me to your information! I have been many things in this life, and music has pulled me back over and over again relentlessly until I gave over my will to use the gifts we are given at creation. I am 33 years old, and a baritone (as well as a composer): I was a mediocre (at best) singer for quite a long time. Because I have always felt an intense connection to the text and emotional content of the music I perform, I've been given many performance opportunities that I wouldn't have ever gotten based on the abilities of my voice alone. I did absolutely everything wrong for a number of years, and finally had the fortune to have a few small pieces start to click into place in 2000 and 2001.. I don't want to bore you with a long history as I know that you are very busy and must have time to recharge your own energy and vitality, but your works have touched my life in so many important ways.
I was asked to start teaching voice in 2003 by a small commercial studio that was familiar with my performance resume and temperament. I have been blessed with great patience and a strong belief that ANYONE who loves music and is willing to put their heart, soul, mind and time into the pursuit will come out the other side with a healthy and facile instrument. I had had at least 7 different voice teachers who ranged from complete lunatics to mediocre pianists with little to no knowledge of the vocal mechanism. Struggling through my own difficulties with the voice gave me insight into what many of my students felt (and feel) as they battle the many issues facing singers today. I have read voraciously and sought out as much information on practical and powerful vocal methods as I could with some good success over the years, but NOTHING prepared me for encountering your book! (then a bit later the First Lesson CD)
So many of the pieces clicked FIRMLY into place and the overall picture of what so many people had tried unsuccessfully to lead me to becomes more and more clear as I apply your ideas and technical skills to myself and my students. I am preparing several opera scenes for a production in a few months that I was dreading until recently, and was recently cast as Olin Blitch in Susanna for spring of 2009. I feel as though you've given me back my own voice instead of the constructed and manipulated sound that I had been encouraged to create for so many years. I cannot thank you enough for the beautiful work you have done and continue to do for the world.
The questions I have are as follows -
The ncr.net website is no longer functional, but I found several other resources about NCR on-line. However, none of them speak specifically about the voice. I am very interested in knowing more about what happens in NCR, and what results your students have achieved. There are no NCR specialists near me, and my current budget will not support visiting those closest to me for some time, but I would still like to know more. (I was diagnosed with stage 4 burkitt's lymphoma last April and would surely have been dead had it not been for another divine intervention in my life.. but that is certainly not the topic now!!)
My 2nd question involves something "odd" happening to one of my young sopranos the deeper we go into your technique. She is 18, with what had been seemingly moving toward a light lyric or even soubrette sound.. within the last several months however, the color, size, and intensity of the voice have grown almost exponentially to the point that I seriously thing she may be on the way to becoming a young full dramatic soprano!! When she places everything behind the eyes and creates space the way you specify, she gets dizzy, dry eyed, and even slightly faint as the level of resonance increases. The sound is glorious and free without force or strain, but she is concerned about the physical sensations she is experiencing. I recommended that she accept the new sensations as a "check list" that she is placing the voice correctly, but I wanted your advice here. I truly believe that she is doing everything "right" so far, and want to encourage her continued progress, but she is frightened by how foreign some of these feelings are.
Respectfully yours,
Stephen Jackson
Desert Moon Academy of the Arts
El Paso, Texas
.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Matthew Quek - from Singapore with Blessings
Dear Miriam
I am back at work in Singapore again. Still cannot get over the fact that I could not get to have a lesson with you.
There are so many things I would have liked to ask you;especially pertaining to the GIRO and the use of SPINGING. You have no idea how the GIRO and EE vowel through spinging have really helped me thus far. As you know, I looked through all the videos you put up in youtube and took note of everything you said. I find the part you mentioned about the air coming in through the PUPILS and the air going up and back while the formation of the vowel is formed (video 12 and 13) is VERY HELPFUL. That is the highest point for the voice and I think the EE vowel through the SPINGING helps to further enhance this upward movement. As I prepare for two upcoming major performances, I hope to utilise what you have taught me over the past years well.
When is your second book coming out? I can't wait to get it. There is so much I have to learn from you. Meanwhile I present to you a video clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU7EXrQ-9Q0
of my performance from You tube. It is far from perfect and it was taken some years ago. However, I dedicate this song to you. It is called "better than I" It is about how in the midst of disappointments, God is in control and He does what is best for us. So even though I could not see you this time, He knows better and maybe, there could be chance when I can learn from you again.God bless
matthew
I am back at work in Singapore again. Still cannot get over the fact that I could not get to have a lesson with you.
There are so many things I would have liked to ask you;especially pertaining to the GIRO and the use of SPINGING. You have no idea how the GIRO and EE vowel through spinging have really helped me thus far. As you know, I looked through all the videos you put up in youtube and took note of everything you said. I find the part you mentioned about the air coming in through the PUPILS and the air going up and back while the formation of the vowel is formed (video 12 and 13) is VERY HELPFUL. That is the highest point for the voice and I think the EE vowel through the SPINGING helps to further enhance this upward movement. As I prepare for two upcoming major performances, I hope to utilise what you have taught me over the past years well.
When is your second book coming out? I can't wait to get it. There is so much I have to learn from you. Meanwhile I present to you a video clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU7EXrQ-9Q0
of my performance from You tube. It is far from perfect and it was taken some years ago. However, I dedicate this song to you. It is called "better than I" It is about how in the midst of disappointments, God is in control and He does what is best for us. So even though I could not see you this time, He knows better and maybe, there could be chance when I can learn from you again.God bless
matthew
Friday, June 20, 2008
The new Book, the Summer, Thoughts
Well, the book is a bit delayed due to 'technical' snags, but on the way well enough to be able to say that hopefully by September we will be published. I am including much more information this time, including comments of people who have written to me over the past number of years and institutions who basically have snubbed their noses at me and who will not all me their forums. The new book also serves as an accusation of all those out there who are 'abusing' their students and who are portraying themselves to be something they are not and charging tens of thousands of dollars for 'nothing'. I am braking myths and unblocking all the doors. I have had it with the teachers who charge lesson ahead of time to make sure they get their money, with those who promise 'big careers' and fulfill nothing and worst of all hound their students to come back to them. IWhen all is said and done, we will launch the book though Amazon.com and I expect great to make a great difference.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE MASTERCLASS ON EITHER YOU TUBE OR MY SPACE, I VERY STRONGLY SUGGEST :
A: PLEASE DO NOT WATCH INDIVIDUAL SEGMENTS OF THE CLASS. THEY WILL MAKE NO SENSE AT ALL OUT OF CONTEXT.
BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING AND GO THROUGH EACH SEGMENT OTHERWISE YOU WILL GET MIXED UP AND THIS WILL ONLY SERVE TO CONFUSE.
B: I URGE YOU TO LEAVE COMMENTS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO IDEA OF WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. RATINGS WITHOUT FULLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS BEING TAUGHT ARE USELESS AND ONLY MISLEAD AND THAT I DO NOT WANT, SO PLEASE, I AM COUNTING ON YOU TO B, AS ALWAYS, STRAIGHT FORWARD AND RESPONSIBLE. THANKS.
Many of you are leaving for the summer. Enjoy and come back refreshed and ready for work. I am going to be in Europe for about 10 days, but will spend most of the summer here. I expect finish everything regarding the book and give some of the out of town and out of the country students some time to work together. I am here for anyone if they encounter questions during their travels. You can always contact me on www.skype.com : magicvoice9999...if I am not on, leave a message and I will get back.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER AND KEEP IN TOUCH PLEASE
IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE MASTERCLASS ON EITHER YOU TUBE OR MY SPACE, I VERY STRONGLY SUGGEST :
A: PLEASE DO NOT WATCH INDIVIDUAL SEGMENTS OF THE CLASS. THEY WILL MAKE NO SENSE AT ALL OUT OF CONTEXT.
BEGIN AT THE BEGINNING AND GO THROUGH EACH SEGMENT OTHERWISE YOU WILL GET MIXED UP AND THIS WILL ONLY SERVE TO CONFUSE.
B: I URGE YOU TO LEAVE COMMENTS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO IDEA OF WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. RATINGS WITHOUT FULLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT IS BEING TAUGHT ARE USELESS AND ONLY MISLEAD AND THAT I DO NOT WANT, SO PLEASE, I AM COUNTING ON YOU TO B, AS ALWAYS, STRAIGHT FORWARD AND RESPONSIBLE. THANKS.
Many of you are leaving for the summer. Enjoy and come back refreshed and ready for work. I am going to be in Europe for about 10 days, but will spend most of the summer here. I expect finish everything regarding the book and give some of the out of town and out of the country students some time to work together. I am here for anyone if they encounter questions during their travels. You can always contact me on www.skype.com : magicvoice9999...if I am not on, leave a message and I will get back.
HAVE A GREAT SUMMER AND KEEP IN TOUCH PLEASE
Friday, May 23, 2008
Back Home and Ready for All of You
It's been six weeks, an incredible trip that proved an eye opener in many ways.
There have been miracles and there have been things that have brought me to a point of utter desperation...and then there are my students and my friends who continue to be my strength and support and who really have given me courage in this very difficult period in my life.
You know teaching is not a "job" you do, it's not something you just pick up, teaching is a life thing...you either are born to it or not...
Its a lot like singing....singers are born, they are not made and the voice is demanding and needs to be heard and so is teaching.
It is at times like this that you know who is WHO...who stays in touch, who sends messages, who cares and is not just only on the receiving end, but on the giving end as well.
I have learned not to expect anything from anyone anymore, but it's such a wonderful feeling when those you care about, also care about you and let you know that you mean something in their lives. I am always grateful and appreciative of that special show of feelings.
Those who care are the real people, the real singers and the ones who make careers. They are the same ones that give to the audience and the viewer responds...
Thank you to all who care ...onward and upward...we are on the road again!!!
much love
There have been miracles and there have been things that have brought me to a point of utter desperation...and then there are my students and my friends who continue to be my strength and support and who really have given me courage in this very difficult period in my life.
You know teaching is not a "job" you do, it's not something you just pick up, teaching is a life thing...you either are born to it or not...
Its a lot like singing....singers are born, they are not made and the voice is demanding and needs to be heard and so is teaching.
It is at times like this that you know who is WHO...who stays in touch, who sends messages, who cares and is not just only on the receiving end, but on the giving end as well.
I have learned not to expect anything from anyone anymore, but it's such a wonderful feeling when those you care about, also care about you and let you know that you mean something in their lives. I am always grateful and appreciative of that special show of feelings.
Those who care are the real people, the real singers and the ones who make careers. They are the same ones that give to the audience and the viewer responds...
Thank you to all who care ...onward and upward...we are on the road again!!!
much love
Sunday, May 11, 2008
From Delia on MYSpace - All the way from Japan
From Delia
Subject: Thank You
Date:
May 9, 2008 7:42 PM
I am a new student of yours even of you dont know it yet. I would like to thank you for being and for revealing this etraordinary informations about singing. I am a spiritual person just like you and i am also a leo..... and i belive that you apear in a exact perfect moment in my life. You just cant imagine how much your words helped me, i can say in a moment. I could asimilate almost everything . Ofcourse i know is just a new begining for me and from now on i have a lot to work but at least i know that this is the right method for me. I didnt read your book yet becouse here its hard to get it. I live in Japan now and i am romanian and i listened to your words in english but still they went straight to my heart. I remember saying while i listened to your words-"o my god i love this women, i love you" and" thank you, thank you". So i couldn..t stand without sanding this thank you words directly to you. You are a wonderful person and i think we are blessed just to have you around us. I am sorry i didn..t say yet anything about me- I love opera and since childhood i study music- first piano, after that flute and finally my love opera but i didnt have enough money to rezist and to be accepted in this world. My country past a dificult time and at that time everybody wanted to be rich over night. Being rejected everywere didnt stop me to practice more just in case. One day i had a chanse to come and visit Japan and a miracol united me with my actual husband who is japanese and now he suport me with my canto lessons. MY teacher is japanese and he doesn..t speak english. And i dont understand japanese verry much but i am trying to do my best. I realized that 90% is just my work and his teachings dont matter so much... but now i found you and i realized that my work would be nothing without such amazing teachings that came from you just a wile ago. Again i thank you from all my heart and i hope sometimes i can change messages with you. Delia (please forgive my english and spellings)
Subject: Thank You
Date:
May 9, 2008 7:42 PM
I am a new student of yours even of you dont know it yet. I would like to thank you for being and for revealing this etraordinary informations about singing. I am a spiritual person just like you and i am also a leo..... and i belive that you apear in a exact perfect moment in my life. You just cant imagine how much your words helped me, i can say in a moment. I could asimilate almost everything . Ofcourse i know is just a new begining for me and from now on i have a lot to work but at least i know that this is the right method for me. I didnt read your book yet becouse here its hard to get it. I live in Japan now and i am romanian and i listened to your words in english but still they went straight to my heart. I remember saying while i listened to your words-"o my god i love this women, i love you" and" thank you, thank you". So i couldn..t stand without sanding this thank you words directly to you. You are a wonderful person and i think we are blessed just to have you around us. I am sorry i didn..t say yet anything about me- I love opera and since childhood i study music- first piano, after that flute and finally my love opera but i didnt have enough money to rezist and to be accepted in this world. My country past a dificult time and at that time everybody wanted to be rich over night. Being rejected everywere didnt stop me to practice more just in case. One day i had a chanse to come and visit Japan and a miracol united me with my actual husband who is japanese and now he suport me with my canto lessons. MY teacher is japanese and he doesn..t speak english. And i dont understand japanese verry much but i am trying to do my best. I realized that 90% is just my work and his teachings dont matter so much... but now i found you and i realized that my work would be nothing without such amazing teachings that came from you just a wile ago. Again i thank you from all my heart and i hope sometimes i can change messages with you. Delia (please forgive my english and spellings)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
ELIN...Truth is greater than Fiction - THE STUFF REALLY WORKS
The show last night was fabulous, Really!
I have to say it was one of the first times that I've sung an entire concert (2 sets) and experienced my voice as totally outside and above my head! JOY TO THE WORLD!!! And to you, my friend, for sticking with me through my ups and downs for almost an entire decade! Only to finally end up in this wonderful place that you knew existed all along.
I will say that I'm not "totally in the clear yet" meaning that whatever has not been put in 100% (or 110%, which is what we're really striving for) shows. So here and there I did have to catch myself to not "do the wrong things" because as you and I both know, my voice can no longer take it. Not a smidgen. So here and there I did feel that if I wasn't careful I might "croak." Not pretty to say, but the truth. And even if it would have been only for a second, on a note here or there, it would've thrown me off for the rest of the night. I couldn't allow that.
So I did monitor myself whenever I "felt" something that I shouldn't have...It was also incredibly interesting to note things that are becoming clearer and clearer to me since I've been intensively working on my own (now that you're not around to guide me from week to week.) It's meant that I've had to develop this very intimate relationship with my voice and the work, and through that I've discovered things that I wasn't really getting to the bottom of before. Such as "sounds moving upward and backward"...hello! That's like the basis of your whole teaching. :-)
But for whatever reason, I was still stuck in my unconscious pattern of pushing or subconsciously thinking that sounds are moving forward!
I just realized how that's been true through all these years and I'm finally REALLY grasping – consciously AND subconsciously – what it really means that sounds are moving upwards and backwards!
And another very beautiful thing that I noticed as I was singing last night, is how I have still been tending to push – instead of SPEAK – on so many songs...out of old habits. And it applies to songs we've worked on 100 times, just as much as it does to songs we haven't worked on that much. But it was fascinating to observe it (as if from somewhere in the back of my mind, or as if from outside the "balloon") as I was actually singing these songs... Partially it was just my old habits and subconscious "beliefs" that sounds move forward and need to be "pushed out." And partially it was habits I've kept alive on certain parts of songs, like long notes at the end of a phrase or song, or high notes (especially long ones) like at the climax of a song.
I clearly saw these old habits for what they are basically because whenever any pushing started happening (from an old habit) I would start feeling it and feeling that I wasn't going to be able to hold it. A very strong and obvious feeling that I wouldn't be able to see the note through unless I focused on the word and intention – on SPEAKING it – instead of the sound (which engaged my old habits of pushing)! Very, very interesting.
But again, all in all the concert shocked me, and wowed my audience. I sold every CD I brought last night. And I kept hearing the praises of everyone there, from people I'd just met, to my friends & family, to the organizers of the event...and even from my musicians! Which is always extra special. :-) But most importantly, I heard my own praises that THE WORK DOES PAY OFF!!!!!
This stuff not only works, but it is the most magical approach to singing I've ever encountered. And it leaves you feeling like you've connected to a place you don't even know where it is, but you do know it's magical. And you do know it's the right place. You know that it holds the secret.
Love you,Elin
PS Get better so we can take this work (and this voice) to the next level!!!! Where a STAR is born...
I have to say it was one of the first times that I've sung an entire concert (2 sets) and experienced my voice as totally outside and above my head! JOY TO THE WORLD!!! And to you, my friend, for sticking with me through my ups and downs for almost an entire decade! Only to finally end up in this wonderful place that you knew existed all along.
I will say that I'm not "totally in the clear yet" meaning that whatever has not been put in 100% (or 110%, which is what we're really striving for) shows. So here and there I did have to catch myself to not "do the wrong things" because as you and I both know, my voice can no longer take it. Not a smidgen. So here and there I did feel that if I wasn't careful I might "croak." Not pretty to say, but the truth. And even if it would have been only for a second, on a note here or there, it would've thrown me off for the rest of the night. I couldn't allow that.
So I did monitor myself whenever I "felt" something that I shouldn't have...It was also incredibly interesting to note things that are becoming clearer and clearer to me since I've been intensively working on my own (now that you're not around to guide me from week to week.) It's meant that I've had to develop this very intimate relationship with my voice and the work, and through that I've discovered things that I wasn't really getting to the bottom of before. Such as "sounds moving upward and backward"...hello! That's like the basis of your whole teaching. :-)
But for whatever reason, I was still stuck in my unconscious pattern of pushing or subconsciously thinking that sounds are moving forward!
I just realized how that's been true through all these years and I'm finally REALLY grasping – consciously AND subconsciously – what it really means that sounds are moving upwards and backwards!
And another very beautiful thing that I noticed as I was singing last night, is how I have still been tending to push – instead of SPEAK – on so many songs...out of old habits. And it applies to songs we've worked on 100 times, just as much as it does to songs we haven't worked on that much. But it was fascinating to observe it (as if from somewhere in the back of my mind, or as if from outside the "balloon") as I was actually singing these songs... Partially it was just my old habits and subconscious "beliefs" that sounds move forward and need to be "pushed out." And partially it was habits I've kept alive on certain parts of songs, like long notes at the end of a phrase or song, or high notes (especially long ones) like at the climax of a song.
I clearly saw these old habits for what they are basically because whenever any pushing started happening (from an old habit) I would start feeling it and feeling that I wasn't going to be able to hold it. A very strong and obvious feeling that I wouldn't be able to see the note through unless I focused on the word and intention – on SPEAKING it – instead of the sound (which engaged my old habits of pushing)! Very, very interesting.
But again, all in all the concert shocked me, and wowed my audience. I sold every CD I brought last night. And I kept hearing the praises of everyone there, from people I'd just met, to my friends & family, to the organizers of the event...and even from my musicians! Which is always extra special. :-) But most importantly, I heard my own praises that THE WORK DOES PAY OFF!!!!!
This stuff not only works, but it is the most magical approach to singing I've ever encountered. And it leaves you feeling like you've connected to a place you don't even know where it is, but you do know it's magical. And you do know it's the right place. You know that it holds the secret.
Love you,Elin
PS Get better so we can take this work (and this voice) to the next level!!!! Where a STAR is born...
TENORINO -Life is a Miracle...The VOICE is always FIRST
Just got a note from a very old friend...someone from, it seems another life, another time, someone I cared about deeply and always considered a friend...someone with the sweetest voice ...he did not identify himself, but I think I know...Ciro, am I right??? How sweet you are always....I am in Argentina for another two weeks...then home again...
Great things are happening on YouTube and MYSpace...people are watching, they are connecting and they are getting it!!...and it is making a difference. I just got a wonderful email from someone in California who has wanted to take lessons for quite a while now. He had read the book, listened to the CD but things just have not yet work out yet to meet personally - but they will, when the time is right.
So he started to view the master class, using the information and his "teacher" actually complimented him on his progress.
Things take time, I always have known that and it has taken me years to finally take on the whole world, but here we are and as I always believe and continue to do so: When the time is right, everything comes together. The Universe has its own cycles....it's own designs. It is now time for people to understand that the stuff that has been taught for the past 30/40 years has nothing to do with great singing - nothing! Wait till the new book comes out - as the song says: 'GET READY WORLD - HERE I COME!!!!"
The years of personal difficulty and strife have left their mark on me physically, that is for sure - my health is not what it should be and unfortunately I have no time to go and enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires since I am in the clinic about seven hours inland. At the moment I have another lung infection and taking incredibly strong anti-biotics - the second relapse in two months...however...notes and letters and comments and so much love from my students are giving me the strength as usual and soon I will be back again and there for all of you. The best is - with all of it - I feel so blessed and so happy and so strong and so lucky to be doing what I am doing and making a difference in peoples lives. The VOICE IS THE MIRACLE.
Share the wealth in the meantime...please blog and please review the Master Class over and over again...you will find a million little things that we have talked about and done...when you hear it again, it may well make a new impression..."blink, light bulb ON!!
Love to everyone I miss you terribly!!!
Great things are happening on YouTube and MYSpace...people are watching, they are connecting and they are getting it!!...and it is making a difference. I just got a wonderful email from someone in California who has wanted to take lessons for quite a while now. He had read the book, listened to the CD but things just have not yet work out yet to meet personally - but they will, when the time is right.
So he started to view the master class, using the information and his "teacher" actually complimented him on his progress.
Things take time, I always have known that and it has taken me years to finally take on the whole world, but here we are and as I always believe and continue to do so: When the time is right, everything comes together. The Universe has its own cycles....it's own designs. It is now time for people to understand that the stuff that has been taught for the past 30/40 years has nothing to do with great singing - nothing! Wait till the new book comes out - as the song says: 'GET READY WORLD - HERE I COME!!!!"
The years of personal difficulty and strife have left their mark on me physically, that is for sure - my health is not what it should be and unfortunately I have no time to go and enjoy the sights of Buenos Aires since I am in the clinic about seven hours inland. At the moment I have another lung infection and taking incredibly strong anti-biotics - the second relapse in two months...however...notes and letters and comments and so much love from my students are giving me the strength as usual and soon I will be back again and there for all of you. The best is - with all of it - I feel so blessed and so happy and so strong and so lucky to be doing what I am doing and making a difference in peoples lives. The VOICE IS THE MIRACLE.
Share the wealth in the meantime...please blog and please review the Master Class over and over again...you will find a million little things that we have talked about and done...when you hear it again, it may well make a new impression..."blink, light bulb ON!!
Love to everyone I miss you terribly!!!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Verena's Story
OK are you ready for this: I went to do a show and was supposed to go on at 10 pm sharp.
I get there and not a soul at the place..(only a grumpy bartender unwilling to open the bar to the arriving guest)
About 25 friends of mine show up (ON TIME) and nobody else in the club and NO SOUND GUY!!!
So then, AT MIDNIGHT, the sound guy shows up but can't make the PA system work....so now we have a sound guy and no sound!!!!
But I had 20 people there waiting since 10 pm to see me play and I was determined to give them a show!!!
My guitar player happens to have a little amp in his car and gorilla style we plug in cello, guitar and my mic and play with the tiny amp and no sound mixing and the people LOVED IT!!!! They say I sounded AMAZING (thanks to YOU my loving friend and teacher) under the WORST of circumstances and conditions....I basically had a karaoke sound and made it work. People were going WILD!!!! Clapping like nuts and I felt just great!! I did a lot of talking and thanking and I think the fact that this was so unplugged and rough really helped me to come out of my shell. I felt so grateful that these people were willing to sit in an EMPTY club for 2 HOURS that I felt I just really had to give them all I got :)
So there you go!!
Oh, and did I mention I had a sore throat? I was so worried about that before but then I just thought hey, what the hell!! Let's give these people what they came for!!!!!
Hehehe!!!
I am getting raving phone calls and texts as we speak!!!
So are you proud???
Love you!!
Verena
Here is the new music video on My Space:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWbORRvUXE0
I get there and not a soul at the place..(only a grumpy bartender unwilling to open the bar to the arriving guest)
About 25 friends of mine show up (ON TIME) and nobody else in the club and NO SOUND GUY!!!
So then, AT MIDNIGHT, the sound guy shows up but can't make the PA system work....so now we have a sound guy and no sound!!!!
But I had 20 people there waiting since 10 pm to see me play and I was determined to give them a show!!!
My guitar player happens to have a little amp in his car and gorilla style we plug in cello, guitar and my mic and play with the tiny amp and no sound mixing and the people LOVED IT!!!! They say I sounded AMAZING (thanks to YOU my loving friend and teacher) under the WORST of circumstances and conditions....I basically had a karaoke sound and made it work. People were going WILD!!!! Clapping like nuts and I felt just great!! I did a lot of talking and thanking and I think the fact that this was so unplugged and rough really helped me to come out of my shell. I felt so grateful that these people were willing to sit in an EMPTY club for 2 HOURS that I felt I just really had to give them all I got :)
So there you go!!
Oh, and did I mention I had a sore throat? I was so worried about that before but then I just thought hey, what the hell!! Let's give these people what they came for!!!!!
Hehehe!!!
I am getting raving phone calls and texts as we speak!!!
So are you proud???
Love you!!
Verena
Here is the new music video on My Space:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWbORRvUXE0
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
From Argentina with love
Here I am...as if really could relax...I am getting emails from people who are watching the master class video on You Tube and My Space and I could not be happier with the response. Things here are very interesting and as usual I am always amazed of how life works and how you definitely always are at the right place at the right time and how G-d moves the pieces of the puzzle for all of us, whether we desire It or not. It is important to keep a good look out for the sign posts so that we are aware of what happens and how to react.
The first person that I met was a singer, who told me that she had asked to find the right person to help her find the voice and the interesting thing is, that she knew immediately that it was me. I will be giving her lessons in Mar Del Plata where I am right now and we will begin our work together. She will come to Crown Heights and will begin the work.
It miss my students, I miss teaching and I miss voices....but I also know that I have to rest and take it easy for a while in order to be able to do the work that is coming up in the future...I know that many new things are going to happen and I know that I must and will make a big difference. In the meantime I am sending everyone love and blessings.
The first person that I met was a singer, who told me that she had asked to find the right person to help her find the voice and the interesting thing is, that she knew immediately that it was me. I will be giving her lessons in Mar Del Plata where I am right now and we will begin our work together. She will come to Crown Heights and will begin the work.
It miss my students, I miss teaching and I miss voices....but I also know that I have to rest and take it easy for a while in order to be able to do the work that is coming up in the future...I know that many new things are going to happen and I know that I must and will make a big difference. In the meantime I am sending everyone love and blessings.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
FROM ELIN - I THINK THIS MIGHT BE OF ITEREST TO ALL - I WILL COMMENT ON IT....AND SO CAN YOU
I hope you're having a fantastic time already! There are many things to reflect on in life and I hope you're finding the time, the space, and the environment to connect with your higher self and have a direct and intimate conversation with God. One thing I can say with certainty is that although I do not know how it all works, I completely believe there is a divine plan & path and that I'm on it...the Universe is guiding me, for sure. It's all a mystery to me, but amazing things are happening, and simultaneously "bad" things are happening...but it's all part of the plan, and I'm definitely trying to figure it out and "work" it, like one of your "babies" was saying in that last email you sent... ;-)
I've been wanting to write you for days now, and I may not get everything out in this email...but I'll do my best.
My show on Monday night was awesome. Really. I started out feeling kinda hoarse, like my voice was thick, perhaps because I didn't practice enough earlier in the day. Nevertheless (I know you're beating me with your stick right now..), as the night went on my voice just went more and more and more in, as if it was "warming itself up." By the end of the night I couldn't believe how great I sounded and how easy it was to sing! It REALLY surprised me, and it shouldn't, but the work really is working. And the voice just knows where it wants to be, more and more, and it's mostly thanks to the egg, aka "Miriam-in-absence." :-)
Of course I've been working, but just that particular day hadn't done a lot of it...and so, of course, I felt really "guilty" and worried as I was nearing my performance (although the place is very low-key and intimate). I was trying my best to disperse that and just connect with the music, the lyrics. It was 3 sets, and I was worried about getting through it since I've had some close calls in the recent past... That is almost 3 hours of singing, after all. A true test of where the voice is. As the night went on, the musicians and I connected more and more, and it became magical. Towards the end, I found the voice just flying and flowing on its own. Of course, I was still too nervous to just "go with it" and stop thinking, since I thought maybe then I'd start pushing. So it was almost impossible to let go, but I did find that every time I wasn't thinking and instead just connecting to the music, the voice was flying more and more out of my control and more and more into the perfect place. The intangible place where I have no control. Magical...and scary. :-)
Again, whenever I found that happening, I kept catching myself and worrying that I was going to start pushing unless I remained conscious of "coming in" and "making the turn." So for better or worse, I stayed focused on that a lot, although there were plenty of times the unconscious crept in and the music and lyrics just took over and I was singing "unconsciously" and marvelously beautifully! Haha. I know you know what I'm talking about... I honestly haven't had it happen in so long that I forgot it DOES happen! It was like I wasn't ready to trust it...but it was definitely there. No mistaking. It really would've been interesting to see if I'd just trusted it and gone with it, to see what the results would've been... Would I have gotten "hoarse" or would my voice just have gone more and more "in" and the magic just happened more and more...? That is the question.
I've been wanting to write you for days now, and I may not get everything out in this email...but I'll do my best.
My show on Monday night was awesome. Really. I started out feeling kinda hoarse, like my voice was thick, perhaps because I didn't practice enough earlier in the day. Nevertheless (I know you're beating me with your stick right now..), as the night went on my voice just went more and more and more in, as if it was "warming itself up." By the end of the night I couldn't believe how great I sounded and how easy it was to sing! It REALLY surprised me, and it shouldn't, but the work really is working. And the voice just knows where it wants to be, more and more, and it's mostly thanks to the egg, aka "Miriam-in-absence." :-)
Of course I've been working, but just that particular day hadn't done a lot of it...and so, of course, I felt really "guilty" and worried as I was nearing my performance (although the place is very low-key and intimate). I was trying my best to disperse that and just connect with the music, the lyrics. It was 3 sets, and I was worried about getting through it since I've had some close calls in the recent past... That is almost 3 hours of singing, after all. A true test of where the voice is. As the night went on, the musicians and I connected more and more, and it became magical. Towards the end, I found the voice just flying and flowing on its own. Of course, I was still too nervous to just "go with it" and stop thinking, since I thought maybe then I'd start pushing. So it was almost impossible to let go, but I did find that every time I wasn't thinking and instead just connecting to the music, the voice was flying more and more out of my control and more and more into the perfect place. The intangible place where I have no control. Magical...and scary. :-)
Again, whenever I found that happening, I kept catching myself and worrying that I was going to start pushing unless I remained conscious of "coming in" and "making the turn." So for better or worse, I stayed focused on that a lot, although there were plenty of times the unconscious crept in and the music and lyrics just took over and I was singing "unconsciously" and marvelously beautifully! Haha. I know you know what I'm talking about... I honestly haven't had it happen in so long that I forgot it DOES happen! It was like I wasn't ready to trust it...but it was definitely there. No mistaking. It really would've been interesting to see if I'd just trusted it and gone with it, to see what the results would've been... Would I have gotten "hoarse" or would my voice just have gone more and more "in" and the magic just happened more and more...? That is the question.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
MASTER CLASS NOW ON YOU TUBE AND MY SPACE
Hi all,
One of my dear and very dedicated students has spent hours and managed to put the entire master class which I did for the "SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL and the Jacksonville Harmony in Jacksonville Florida" on You Tube and My Space...
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GO TO THE SITES AND LOOK FOR:
One of my dear and very dedicated students has spent hours and managed to put the entire master class which I did for the "SWEET ADELINES INTERNATIONAL and the Jacksonville Harmony in Jacksonville Florida" on You Tube and My Space...
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS GO TO THE SITES AND LOOK FOR:
MASTER CLASS BEL CANTO
AND ALL 18 SEGMENTS WILL COME UP....ITS AWESOME!!!! The links are posted on the blog as well.
This is a major job and I am so grateful for his work and dedication to getting the Voice out there. Please watch it, comment, send it to friends...We need to get the message out into the world and I count on you to help me do that.
Your comments and views will be greatly appreciated of course.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Andrea
About a year and a few months ago, I got a telephone call form a singer from the Washington DC area....obviously a mature person, obviously someone who really wanted to study and was willing to make the trip from DC to NY almost every week...and the times that she does not come here we work most successfully on the Internet.
Andrea is one of those people who had studies with other teachers - I don't remember how many, but one thing is for certain - a mezzo she is not!! Her voice was set so far into the throat that it seemed she was going to choke on it. Her speaking voice of course was not much better - On top of that a southern drawl - simply wasted years. On the other hand, nothing is ever wasted...for all things there are reasons.
When I heard this fantastically big instrument relegated to the small spaces of the throat, I immediately recalled the story I read a few months ago of why we do not have big voices anymore and how teachers do not know what to do with them. So, here is the great challenge and the progress we have made in the time we are working together is stunning...a long ways to go yet , but one thing is for sure, this is going to be a dramatic soprano to be reckoned with. Interstingly enough Andrea will tell you that she always knew the voice we are discovering.
Andrea is not bothered by the fact that is not 25 anymore..she quite understands, that when you have to"goods" age does not matter. Our work is all encompassing. She is diligent and knows that this is the way and through her blogging and sharing with you, much will become clear to her as well as to you.
I suggest you follow this fascinating journey and please feel free to comment, question and share...this is your blog and our experiences hopefully will open the doors to your own explorations.
Andrea is one of those people who had studies with other teachers - I don't remember how many, but one thing is for certain - a mezzo she is not!! Her voice was set so far into the throat that it seemed she was going to choke on it. Her speaking voice of course was not much better - On top of that a southern drawl - simply wasted years. On the other hand, nothing is ever wasted...for all things there are reasons.
When I heard this fantastically big instrument relegated to the small spaces of the throat, I immediately recalled the story I read a few months ago of why we do not have big voices anymore and how teachers do not know what to do with them. So, here is the great challenge and the progress we have made in the time we are working together is stunning...a long ways to go yet , but one thing is for sure, this is going to be a dramatic soprano to be reckoned with. Interstingly enough Andrea will tell you that she always knew the voice we are discovering.
Andrea is not bothered by the fact that is not 25 anymore..she quite understands, that when you have to"goods" age does not matter. Our work is all encompassing. She is diligent and knows that this is the way and through her blogging and sharing with you, much will become clear to her as well as to you.
I suggest you follow this fascinating journey and please feel free to comment, question and share...this is your blog and our experiences hopefully will open the doors to your own explorations.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
American Idol - An offer
Last night my dear friend Roxanne Peri, one one countries great handwriting analysts called me. She was on her evening walk and we had time for a chat. She asked if I had been watching American Idol and what did I think. I told her that I cannot stand to watch, that I cannot listen to really beautiful voices screaming and belting and tearing themselves to threads and listen to the audience getting crazy about it. What bothers me the most though is that the world, or perhaps America thinks that this is what singing is all about and if you get on American Idol than it must be good, right, extraordinary, exciting etc.
In my opinion this is false....the voices selected are " the best" of what they can find out there. That is pitiful. I understand why we, the singing industry as well as the listening public, are in trouble.
A few months ago an "opera" Singer won in England. Pavarotti ( may he rest in peace) would turn over in his grave to have that kind of singing called "opera" - a dilettante, an amateur with terrific potential yes, but certainly nothing that could be put up as an example to millions of young people who strive to become professional singers. There is no line, no expression, there is no technique to stand on - an instrument must be tuned properly to be able to play at it's best.
It is a real shame to have the public duped into thinking that in order to make a career you have to sound like that. I would take a voice like that, put it on TV and then get a teacher, a good one to work with this singer and six months or a year later show what can really be done with appropriate teaching. To me that is reality!! That is taking a vocal potential and giving it a real chance. Then get a contract, than make money, then be called GREAT...not to put the cart before the horse.. Let the public realize that voices need to last a lifetime...the whole idea of a few years, lots of money and then gone is like a facial tissue that you use once and then throw away.
Unfortunately that is the world we live in - plastic, use it and throw it out - no respect for the instrument, no respect for creation. Where this one came from, there a a hundred standing in the wings waiting to take their spot. The idea is the moment - the now - Use it, abuse it and good bye. Well, not to me!!!
I am going to contact American Idol and make them such an offer. Let's see what happens.
Would love to hear your feelings about this.
MJA
In my opinion this is false....the voices selected are " the best" of what they can find out there. That is pitiful. I understand why we, the singing industry as well as the listening public, are in trouble.
A few months ago an "opera" Singer won in England. Pavarotti ( may he rest in peace) would turn over in his grave to have that kind of singing called "opera" - a dilettante, an amateur with terrific potential yes, but certainly nothing that could be put up as an example to millions of young people who strive to become professional singers. There is no line, no expression, there is no technique to stand on - an instrument must be tuned properly to be able to play at it's best.
It is a real shame to have the public duped into thinking that in order to make a career you have to sound like that. I would take a voice like that, put it on TV and then get a teacher, a good one to work with this singer and six months or a year later show what can really be done with appropriate teaching. To me that is reality!! That is taking a vocal potential and giving it a real chance. Then get a contract, than make money, then be called GREAT...not to put the cart before the horse.. Let the public realize that voices need to last a lifetime...the whole idea of a few years, lots of money and then gone is like a facial tissue that you use once and then throw away.
Unfortunately that is the world we live in - plastic, use it and throw it out - no respect for the instrument, no respect for creation. Where this one came from, there a a hundred standing in the wings waiting to take their spot. The idea is the moment - the now - Use it, abuse it and good bye. Well, not to me!!!
I am going to contact American Idol and make them such an offer. Let's see what happens.
Would love to hear your feelings about this.
MJA
Monday, March 31, 2008
Riccardo at the Blue Note in Manhatten
Just wanted to share with you that my dear student Riccardo Foresi will make his official New York debut at the BLUE NOTE in Manhattan next week...will let you know exactly when - ( There is nothing like starting on the top)
How that all came about just a couple of days since his demo was completed, I cannot exactly tell you, but join him, he would be so glad to have you there.
As I have always said, when it's meant to be, it's meant to be.
The showcase will be at midnight...auspicious hour!!
How that all came about just a couple of days since his demo was completed, I cannot exactly tell you, but join him, he would be so glad to have you there.
As I have always said, when it's meant to be, it's meant to be.
The showcase will be at midnight...auspicious hour!!
Clarifications
Just wanted to make sure that everyone who arrived at this blog, students of mine or guests, understand that they are free to comment on all comments and articles alike.
As time goes on, I will start Postings for different student who have expressed the desire to blog under their own names and perhaps under different articles of particular interest to them as well.
Wherever you feel you want to comment, feel free to do so...no restrictions.
I do invite you to read all the entries...there is a wealth of information.
As time goes on, I will start Postings for different student who have expressed the desire to blog under their own names and perhaps under different articles of particular interest to them as well.
Wherever you feel you want to comment, feel free to do so...no restrictions.
I do invite you to read all the entries...there is a wealth of information.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Chuna ( Aaron) - an ongoing dialogue
As you must have gathered by now, I have some very special and extraordinary students... and not just from a singing point of view.
It stands to reason, at least in my mind, that if a person has the great desire to sing, which is the purest and highest form of G-dly expression- that this desire so strong, which literally moves his soul, comes directly from the 'source" and spurs him on to fulfill it from a 'soul level".
I have never met a student of mine who was not "different from the crowd"...it comes with my territory. No one "arrives" to study with me unless they are SENT!!!..and that, in more ways than one. I am difficult, demanding, a perfectionist, I go for the gusto and only desire the greatest output of potential. I cut no slack to anyone - my mission is to give and achieve 100% - all the time. That applies to every student and in that relationship (not to be confused with life that happens) I expect 100% in return. I expect the same dedication, demand for 'perfection', work ethic, integrity, loyalty and devotion from my students that I give to them. I am out for YOUR good and I am going to get it....and as long as you are my student, you are deserving of my personal and professional best.
The reward in it for me therefor is incredible - so ultimately I am selfish.
Chuna is a skeptic, difficult, incredibly talented, highly volatile, - but a real seeker and a great challenge, highly spiritually advanced, has a gorgeous voice. Hi is a sweet, giving and caring human - father of two beautiful children. Working with him, I feel appreciated. I can say that for most of my students, but he demonstrates his feelings for our work in some extraordinarily creative ways, which of course appeal to my sensibilities.
He always thought of using the voice for one thing (Rap etc.), but is more and more becoming aware, that there is much more there than he actually thought. Perhaps he will find his way into another form of expression. Whatever he chooses will be right!!
We are going to blog while I am in Argentina and I think that his comments and awareness's, his insights and communications will result in interesting pieces of development in what will, no doubt, become a stupendous instrument and career
It stands to reason, at least in my mind, that if a person has the great desire to sing, which is the purest and highest form of G-dly expression- that this desire so strong, which literally moves his soul, comes directly from the 'source" and spurs him on to fulfill it from a 'soul level".
I have never met a student of mine who was not "different from the crowd"...it comes with my territory. No one "arrives" to study with me unless they are SENT!!!..and that, in more ways than one. I am difficult, demanding, a perfectionist, I go for the gusto and only desire the greatest output of potential. I cut no slack to anyone - my mission is to give and achieve 100% - all the time. That applies to every student and in that relationship (not to be confused with life that happens) I expect 100% in return. I expect the same dedication, demand for 'perfection', work ethic, integrity, loyalty and devotion from my students that I give to them. I am out for YOUR good and I am going to get it....and as long as you are my student, you are deserving of my personal and professional best.
The reward in it for me therefor is incredible - so ultimately I am selfish.
Chuna is a skeptic, difficult, incredibly talented, highly volatile, - but a real seeker and a great challenge, highly spiritually advanced, has a gorgeous voice. Hi is a sweet, giving and caring human - father of two beautiful children. Working with him, I feel appreciated. I can say that for most of my students, but he demonstrates his feelings for our work in some extraordinarily creative ways, which of course appeal to my sensibilities.
He always thought of using the voice for one thing (Rap etc.), but is more and more becoming aware, that there is much more there than he actually thought. Perhaps he will find his way into another form of expression. Whatever he chooses will be right!!
We are going to blog while I am in Argentina and I think that his comments and awareness's, his insights and communications will result in interesting pieces of development in what will, no doubt, become a stupendous instrument and career
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Master Class - The Challenge!! on YouTube and MySpace
GREAT NEWS!!!!
I CHALLENGE THE WORLD!!!!!
You will now be able to view the Master Class on YouTube and Myspace and of course on the blog.
In a few days the whole thing will be up and you will have basically four hours of my teaching. I have decided to make this available to the world and with it I am finally offering my knowledge not only through my books, not only through the First Lesson CD, but now on the broadest level that I can think of internationally.
You will now be able to view the Master Class on YouTube and Myspace and of course on the blog.
In a few days the whole thing will be up and you will have basically four hours of my teaching. I have decided to make this available to the world and with it I am finally offering my knowledge not only through my books, not only through the First Lesson CD, but now on the broadest level that I can think of internationally.
I have FINALLY pulled out all the stops.
With it, I challenge the world of Voice Teachers, Vocal Coaches, Speech Pathologists, Ear Nose and Throat Doctors etc. around the world to demnd, finally that they wake up to the difinitive, unknown/untold truths of the vocal production of the greatest Singers/Speakers of the Century and beyond .
I am ready to take on anyone, in any forum and prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there is only one way to reconstruct the voice to it's fullest potential once it has been taken out of it's original, natural habitat. I will go anywhere, anytime...it's time for great singing !!!!!
With it, I challenge the world of Voice Teachers, Vocal Coaches, Speech Pathologists, Ear Nose and Throat Doctors etc. around the world to demnd, finally that they wake up to the difinitive, unknown/untold truths of the vocal production of the greatest Singers/Speakers of the Century and beyond .
I am ready to take on anyone, in any forum and prove, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that there is only one way to reconstruct the voice to it's fullest potential once it has been taken out of it's original, natural habitat. I will go anywhere, anytime...it's time for great singing !!!!!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Lesson with Gary
Gary is one of my very special students worth sharing with you. He is a highly spiritual being, brilliant scholar and tone deaf...at least so he thought when we began out work together four years ago. We have not worked for a full four years because of various time lapses, but perhaps in his comments he can tell you just how many lessons he has actually had. For certain not enough to make up a full month of a usual 40 hour work week which actually means 160 hours. ( Imagine achieving a voice is less than a month of work hours on a normal job...quite amazing if you look at it that way).
We have certainly proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that his 'tone deafness' is a non-existent myth and no more than a disconnect from the instrument and that what he actually heard when singing in the 'shower', was not what really his tue voice. Once the connection was re-established, what he hears 'inside' and what actually manifests 'outside' becomes one - the sounds are completly on pitch.
Since the voice is a highly demanding mental process which ultimately controls the physical, being brilliant is great in one way because 'getting it' intellectually is easy, but all the same, because of the real ' simplicity' of it the true 'complexity' becomes self evident.
Yesterday we made an incredible breakthrough. Gary has no idea of how big his voice really is. From the very 1rst lesson I told him that this is major, large instrument and I think he thought I was totally crazy. Today it made itself evident to such a degree that it actually blew him away and all of our conversations came back to haunt him.
It's interesting for me to see how the human psyche works in conjunction with the voice. They are intricately connected to each other and one does not do well without the other being supportive. In other words, the mental, psychological and emotional self has to merge in order for the entirety of the instrument to become 'visible' and 'audible'.
Most singers have no idea about that because they actually never get to hear and listen to their REAL instruments playing. What you think you have, is certainly not what comes out once the actual instrument is connected to the player, the speakers and the resonator. To find out what that means, you have to know the work, sorry, but in Gary's case we made huge strides in achieving the final connection - which will ultimately change his whole being.
This work is transformational in every way with all of my students. " When the voice comes together, your life comes together"...and that's the way it is.
We have certainly proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that his 'tone deafness' is a non-existent myth and no more than a disconnect from the instrument and that what he actually heard when singing in the 'shower', was not what really his tue voice. Once the connection was re-established, what he hears 'inside' and what actually manifests 'outside' becomes one - the sounds are completly on pitch.
Since the voice is a highly demanding mental process which ultimately controls the physical, being brilliant is great in one way because 'getting it' intellectually is easy, but all the same, because of the real ' simplicity' of it the true 'complexity' becomes self evident.
Yesterday we made an incredible breakthrough. Gary has no idea of how big his voice really is. From the very 1rst lesson I told him that this is major, large instrument and I think he thought I was totally crazy. Today it made itself evident to such a degree that it actually blew him away and all of our conversations came back to haunt him.
It's interesting for me to see how the human psyche works in conjunction with the voice. They are intricately connected to each other and one does not do well without the other being supportive. In other words, the mental, psychological and emotional self has to merge in order for the entirety of the instrument to become 'visible' and 'audible'.
Most singers have no idea about that because they actually never get to hear and listen to their REAL instruments playing. What you think you have, is certainly not what comes out once the actual instrument is connected to the player, the speakers and the resonator. To find out what that means, you have to know the work, sorry, but in Gary's case we made huge strides in achieving the final connection - which will ultimately change his whole being.
This work is transformational in every way with all of my students. " When the voice comes together, your life comes together"...and that's the way it is.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Riccardo's NEW DEMO / Listen
Dear Friends,
When I work this morning I just knew it was a great day....three in one/ tripple play...here is Riccardo's new DEMO....a big contract is waiting and a great new star is definitely rising!!!!...so proud of you...what a difference from the first set, you are really coming into yourself to become the "Singer/Artist" you dreamed of being.
From Italy they arrived knocking at my door three and a half years ago....wait til you hear from Benedetta his "amore" , what a voice that is....opera...
I love you both and am so proud of all your hard work, commitment...your artistry....it's hard, but nothing in life that is worthwhile comes easy...the doors are opening wide and you my dears will walk through...
When I work this morning I just knew it was a great day....three in one/ tripple play...here is Riccardo's new DEMO....a big contract is waiting and a great new star is definitely rising!!!!...so proud of you...what a difference from the first set, you are really coming into yourself to become the "Singer/Artist" you dreamed of being.
From Italy they arrived knocking at my door three and a half years ago....wait til you hear from Benedetta his "amore" , what a voice that is....opera...
I love you both and am so proud of all your hard work, commitment...your artistry....it's hard, but nothing in life that is worthwhile comes easy...the doors are opening wide and you my dears will walk through...
Verena's new CD
Well, today is a really wonderful day for me....
just received Verena's new CD " Something Real" ...and so it is...listen to this, it's really beautiful...words and music and such a beautiful voice...I don't think there is anyone who can sing or has a voice like her, so high, so individual and such an ethereal sound.
I am so proud of her accomplishments...now the world has to discover her and we are on the way!!!
The joys of motherhood!...birthing a voice I think is harder than the actual delivery of a baby ...it certainly takes longer, takes much more effort and lasts a lifetime.
Congrads my dear...onward and upward and into greatness!!!
just received Verena's new CD " Something Real" ...and so it is...listen to this, it's really beautiful...words and music and such a beautiful voice...I don't think there is anyone who can sing or has a voice like her, so high, so individual and such an ethereal sound.
I am so proud of her accomplishments...now the world has to discover her and we are on the way!!!
The joys of motherhood!...birthing a voice I think is harder than the actual delivery of a baby ...it certainly takes longer, takes much more effort and lasts a lifetime.
Congrads my dear...onward and upward and into greatness!!!
Fantstic News from Miami and Peru
Just received an email from my student Elin who last week sang at the Miami Jazz Festival in Dolphin Stadium opening for George Benson, Chaka Kahn etc. ...TV and interviews and great happenings....from there she immediately left for the Jazz Festival in Lima, Peru and there again incredible successes.
It's very interesting to follow the goings on in one career, right from the beginning...when she and I met 9 years ago her chances for making an international career were all but non-existent. With very diligent work and commitment on both our parts of course, we have reconstruced the voice, built a beautiful instrument and it's amazing to hear the response of people when they hear her. They think, of course that she is great, no doubt about that, but they KNOW something is different about her singing, but they do not know what...and that, my dears is the secret of what I teach my students.
Everyone has a different instrument of course, some better than others,....but it's not about that..it's taking each individual instrument to the maximum potential of what it can achieve and bringing out the best in the Artist. If you have to worry about the voice, you cannot be free...and it's all about freedom and greatness....and Jazz is such a wonderful medium to express....Elin, it's time for a new CD!!!!!!!!!!! The world has to hear you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Important Chapter finished
"What Ever Happened to Great Singing" obviously is the title of my new book which I hope will be available by May. My first book "The Voice: A Spiritual Approach to Singing, Speaking and Communicating" - and the final The Revealed Version (three editions) tells much, but this one pulls out all the stops and brings to light the real technical secrets which made Enrico Caruso the phenomenon he was.
For those of you who do not know Caruso or who think of him only as an Opera Singer, I really suggest that you listen to him and familiarize yourself with some of his recordings. It is important to realize that here we are talking about an artist who did not have "digital potential" to make the voice sound like something...he had a megaphone, a horn if you will...what you hear is what you get...no editing in the sense that we are used to in toady's mode of recording. This is real singing. Truthfully, we cannot even comprehend the reality of his voice, because the recording techniques were only in infant stages, but can you imagine, if he sounds like that under those circumstances, how he must have really sounded ?
Well I have studied his voice for years, his and so many other great singers....They all have one thing is common: The vocal line is perfect and the throat is uninvolved in the production of sound. The instrument is seemingly floating on air and the possibilities are endless.
There is really a hierarchy of voices and for me it goes like this : Caruso, Bjoerling, Gigli...(tenors)and that is the top...everything after that is a slightly different conversation...for the women...Lili Pons, Renata Tebaldi, Joan Southerland(sopranos) ....then Ponsell, Lehman, Bidu Sayau...when you hear the quality of this kind of singing, what we have today blanches.
Yes to early Pavarotti and later Domingo, definitly Alfredo Kraus who never gave into the jet age pressures or mentality, he sang his repertoire and that's it...but a definite no to today's Renee Fleming, Bel Canto Diva extraordinaire - for me that just is not it...
Lili Pons sang at the Metropolitan Opera for 30 years and she left a DIVA, where are the singers of today after some years in the "business"?
What is the point of a great potential of a voice at the onset which after a few years fades into a wobbly mezzo soprano or baritone and then dies away?? Here, listen to some real singing and then tell me please who sings like this today????
Listen to Joan Southerland's "Lakme" and totally understand how the low notes and high notes are in the same place, listen to the incredible height of Lili Pons, savor Tebaldi's Mimi coupled with Bjorlings Rodolfo...
Whether you appreciate Opera or not is of no consequence to me, but the Voice...you have to be able to tell the difference between one and the other, between what you hear popular today and that which was considered the "standard" in the golden age....you have to be able to hear a throat based instrument and one that is sitting in the stratosphere....you have to take responsibility for your instrument and I as a teacher have to make sure that you achieve it all!!
Well, that is what this book is all about...
Genre does not matter, whatever you want to sing has to have a tune, healthy, non-forced instrument - work it to it's highest potential - find the appropriate niche vocally and be the best you can be - that what this book and my life's work is all about.
I invite your questions and comments.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
What is great about my students
First of all, I invite all who view this blog to read all the comments and express yourselves anywhere and everywhere.
The reason for this blog is to get to know each other and to share experiences.
I am very fortunate, as I think I mentioned before, that I have students from all over the globe and in all walks of careers...it is so great to hear from them...even if they are not around the corner, we are always in touch and are able to continue working. I teach on Skype and we progress incredibly well together.
Since I do not "sing" during lessons and my hearing guides me, seeing the person in front of me is not necessary. I hear the slightest sound change, a mouth that is too open, a push forward, everything ...thank G-d I know exactly how the system is working without having to "see" physically . My seeing is enirely iternal. It's great to get to know each other eyeball to eyeball in the beginning, but after about three hours of personal interaction, we have learned the new language which constitues the pre-reauisite of our learning and we can go from there. It is always good after a time of working log distance to return for a few lessons in person, but for the most part we can be apart for a year or more without seeing each other.
While working on the new book, I came across so many letters from people form so many different parts of the world and am now asking for permission to publish their notes to me.
The time we live in is amazing...the world is free and open and what was impossible a few years ago is well within the realm of possibility now.
Please feel free to contact me and interact...I so appreciate your comments.
Be well
MJA
The reason for this blog is to get to know each other and to share experiences.
I am very fortunate, as I think I mentioned before, that I have students from all over the globe and in all walks of careers...it is so great to hear from them...even if they are not around the corner, we are always in touch and are able to continue working. I teach on Skype and we progress incredibly well together.
Since I do not "sing" during lessons and my hearing guides me, seeing the person in front of me is not necessary. I hear the slightest sound change, a mouth that is too open, a push forward, everything ...thank G-d I know exactly how the system is working without having to "see" physically . My seeing is enirely iternal. It's great to get to know each other eyeball to eyeball in the beginning, but after about three hours of personal interaction, we have learned the new language which constitues the pre-reauisite of our learning and we can go from there. It is always good after a time of working log distance to return for a few lessons in person, but for the most part we can be apart for a year or more without seeing each other.
While working on the new book, I came across so many letters from people form so many different parts of the world and am now asking for permission to publish their notes to me.
The time we live in is amazing...the world is free and open and what was impossible a few years ago is well within the realm of possibility now.
Please feel free to contact me and interact...I so appreciate your comments.
Be well
MJA
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A great day, but Oh...
Hi all,
When I got up this morning, I had an email from one of my students. He is a great guy, and has been one of my cantorial students for about three and a half years on and off, depending on his travels. He hears something on UTube and he shares it with me...well, this morning was no exception and of course, I plunged right in. But Oh, to listen to what he sent me at 7:30 am was just too much.... here is the link, I share it with you and perhaps you'll understand why I was so upset....and if not, if anyone wants to know, I will explain it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv2ZYG1a4wk...the worst of it all is the last singer...15 years old I think...I wonder what everyone else thinks about this...would love to hear some comments.
MJA
When I got up this morning, I had an email from one of my students. He is a great guy, and has been one of my cantorial students for about three and a half years on and off, depending on his travels. He hears something on UTube and he shares it with me...well, this morning was no exception and of course, I plunged right in. But Oh, to listen to what he sent me at 7:30 am was just too much.... here is the link, I share it with you and perhaps you'll understand why I was so upset....and if not, if anyone wants to know, I will explain it...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv2ZYG1a4wk...the worst of it all is the last singer...15 years old I think...I wonder what everyone else thinks about this...would love to hear some comments.
MJA
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
My students
As a teacher I am my quite attached to my students. Since I do not have a family of my own, my students are my family, my reason for getting up in the morning, the the primary reason for my very life as well as my mission in life.
Sounds pretty dramatic I suppose, but in reality that is what it is. The reason I am moved to write about this is because I just received a lovely gift from Verena and on the card she expressed senitiments which touched me so deeply. We all love to receive compliments and appreciation for work done, but it's a little different when someone goes out of their way to do something really special. A lot of work goes into a voice - it is such joy for me to receive such a beautiful gesture on a rainy and cold day...A bear hug from a student who is on the road to really becoming a star.
Thank you my dear
MJA
Sounds pretty dramatic I suppose, but in reality that is what it is. The reason I am moved to write about this is because I just received a lovely gift from Verena and on the card she expressed senitiments which touched me so deeply. We all love to receive compliments and appreciation for work done, but it's a little different when someone goes out of their way to do something really special. A lot of work goes into a voice - it is such joy for me to receive such a beautiful gesture on a rainy and cold day...A bear hug from a student who is on the road to really becoming a star.
Thank you my dear
MJA
Sunday, February 24, 2008
A New Bright Star
THIS IS AN ONGOING WEEKELY CONVERSATION BETWEEN TEACHER AND STUDENT AND I AM SURE YOU WILL FIND THE OBSERVATIONS VERY INTERESTING.
EACH WEEK I WILL PUBLISH MINE AND MY STUDENT WILL PUBLISH HERS. THERE WILL BE NO EDITING IN HER WRITINGS.
I am very busy and had made up my mind some weeks ago that I would not take on any new students. However, there is always room for me to change my mind ( it's a female thing).
A very special young woman entered my studio today and I have the feeling that her star will shine very brightly. Both of us decided, that we would keep the blogging her progress openly for all to share. It will give us both an opportunity to share our working together.
The first thing of course was to find out where she was vocally...as I suspected, a tiny voice, but looking at her physiology, I am quite sure that the voice is a big, high and beautifully resonant instrument.
The ideas she presented as to her own knowledge of the voice were no more than very basic thoughts which she had picked up " around and about" which really have no bearing on the work I do. So the beginning is to record what she sounds like today, so in the near future, when everything begins to change, her memory of "who and what she was" will be preserved. I record absolutely every lesson I teach...a prerequisite. There must be a strucutre of the lessons and will serve as a personal history of the voice and of our work - and last but not least, there must be proof of the work and it's results.
The body and the mind have an amazing way of forgetting...( sound and muscle memory are imperative in our process). In some instances that loss of memory is good, in others not so good since, after all is said an done, you forget what you sounded like and are only aware of "how great you are". That ego-centric attitude is a general concept which is prevelent but really does not apply to her. She is bright and open and understood things instantly, connecting straight away to her "birth knowledge" when presented with how her "thinking" should be structured.
I am already looking forward to next week.
It is always exciting for me to to work with a voice that really has not been trained by anyone else. I generally (about 90%) get students who have been to many many teachers and who have the most incredible notions - very difficult to get all those bad habits out of their voices - It takes time, great effort and patience on their and of course my part to wade through the muck pf the past. It is because of hundreds of students like that, who have suffered greatly, that I decided to write the new book and that is what basically started this blog.
It is an extraordinary opportunity for me to work with a really untouched instrument and start from scratch. She plays the flute...that too is going to get much easier once she applies what she learns through our work.
Will keep you informed of our progress.
MJA
EACH WEEK I WILL PUBLISH MINE AND MY STUDENT WILL PUBLISH HERS. THERE WILL BE NO EDITING IN HER WRITINGS.
I am very busy and had made up my mind some weeks ago that I would not take on any new students. However, there is always room for me to change my mind ( it's a female thing).
A very special young woman entered my studio today and I have the feeling that her star will shine very brightly. Both of us decided, that we would keep the blogging her progress openly for all to share. It will give us both an opportunity to share our working together.
The first thing of course was to find out where she was vocally...as I suspected, a tiny voice, but looking at her physiology, I am quite sure that the voice is a big, high and beautifully resonant instrument.
The ideas she presented as to her own knowledge of the voice were no more than very basic thoughts which she had picked up " around and about" which really have no bearing on the work I do. So the beginning is to record what she sounds like today, so in the near future, when everything begins to change, her memory of "who and what she was" will be preserved. I record absolutely every lesson I teach...a prerequisite. There must be a strucutre of the lessons and will serve as a personal history of the voice and of our work - and last but not least, there must be proof of the work and it's results.
The body and the mind have an amazing way of forgetting...( sound and muscle memory are imperative in our process). In some instances that loss of memory is good, in others not so good since, after all is said an done, you forget what you sounded like and are only aware of "how great you are". That ego-centric attitude is a general concept which is prevelent but really does not apply to her. She is bright and open and understood things instantly, connecting straight away to her "birth knowledge" when presented with how her "thinking" should be structured.
I am already looking forward to next week.
It is always exciting for me to to work with a voice that really has not been trained by anyone else. I generally (about 90%) get students who have been to many many teachers and who have the most incredible notions - very difficult to get all those bad habits out of their voices - It takes time, great effort and patience on their and of course my part to wade through the muck pf the past. It is because of hundreds of students like that, who have suffered greatly, that I decided to write the new book and that is what basically started this blog.
It is an extraordinary opportunity for me to work with a really untouched instrument and start from scratch. She plays the flute...that too is going to get much easier once she applies what she learns through our work.
Will keep you informed of our progress.
MJA
Miracle
It is amazing how when you go beyond your own nature, things just are shown to you that under normal circumstances would never happen...so with my students...I have a student who came six lessons ago who basically was not able to speak without loosing his voice after the second sentence...he had pain and at 19 not being able to communicate is a terrible thing...not that 19 is different from any other time...Well six lessons later, he is not only speaking a thousand percent better, but he has begun actually producing sounds and shows potential for a real beautiful baritonal cantorial voice. You can imagine the excitement, not only him, but his whole family.He has no more pain and does not sound horse. Not that the situation is totally remedied - it will take quite some time before his new way of speaking will become instinctive, but we are on the way. When I took him on, I knew it would not be easy...he is nervous, anxious and has no self confidence....the need is so great...we are working hard and I am certain we will succeed....Thank G-d for the miracle !
Friday, February 22, 2008
THE VOICE: WHATEVER HAPPENED TO GREAT SINGING????
THE VOICE:
A SPIRITUAL APPROACH TO SINGING, SPEAKING AND COMMUNICATING
http://www.musicvisionsintl.orgTHE FIRST LESSON CD
both are available on Amazon.com
THE NEW BOOK IS COMING OUT IN MAY AND GIVES YOU WHAT YO HAVE BEEN WAITNG FOR:
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO GREAT SINGING????
Real Answers,
Real Technique
Real Truth
by the Author of " The Voice: A Spiritual Approach to Singing, Speaking and Communicating
Miriam Jaskierowicz Arman
Hi everyone!
Well, I finally did it ... I created a blog...not that I know what it's all about but what I do know it is that it is neccessary to have it so I can commuicate with my students, my readers and the world of Singing as a whole. After "The Voice: A Spiritual Approach to Singing, Speaking and Communicating first came out in 1999, there has been tremendous interest from all over the world about waht I am doing. In the last edition " The Revealed Version" I let go of many secrets which over the years have been afforded me.
All the years of my teaching around the world, I always thought that I had to remain in the studio and teach and not really venture out into the "op" with all of what I know and what has helped hundreds if not thousands of singers over the years. I was always very concerned about "the other teachers" who I thought were doing their best to make it happen.
I do not feel that way any more. So much is happening on the singing scene, so much really horrid stuff going on, that I simply cannot sit by anymore and let it happen. In the new book I take them all on...and I mean it: anytime, any where and in any forum. It is time that the real truth be known and that singers get a real chance again to develop their instruments. The Voice has to be heard and it is up to me and to you to make that happen.
So many students come to me with utterly destroyed voices...they come with real vocal problems, vocal cord nodules, real concerns that need to addressed and I do. What we do in my studio works, all the time, not sometimes and not with the best voices, but with everyone. It takes total dedication and endless patience and deep knowledge. Where all this comes from is what the first voice books tells and if you are interested, I suggest you read the book.... On the other hand, get all of it and wait until the new one comes out.
Let this be the beginning of a fruitful relationship...we have a lot of work to do and I hope that many of you will become involved, write and share your experiences with what I teach. Only that way can we change the world of singing and make a difference.
Miriam Jaskierowicz Arman
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