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
Friday, June 20, 2008
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
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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