Near the end of October, I had the privilege of seeing this lovely group live in Toronto for their CD release party of LIGHT A MATCH._ They are a band that consists of Alexa Dirks, Annick Bremault, Andrina Turenne (Ariane Jean-who has since left the band to pursue other endeavours), drummer Sascha Daoud and newcomer Benoit Morier. These women have had long vocal careers beginning in other vocal ensembles, and it definitely shows. The women know their voices extremely well, and their blend with each other is amazingly beautiful! I must attest it is a wonderful experience to perform with other musicians when your voices blend well. There is sort of this magical sound and experience that is created for the performers and the audience.
Have to say the concert was awesome! It took place in the dark, rustic, cozy back room of the Toronto landmark: The Rivoli Theatre . The opening act was David Newberry where just he and his guitar serenaded the audience with some wonderful original tunes. When Chic Gamine came on stage they started with the soulful groovy, bass heavy song, "All Night". A great song that definitely got the crowd pumped up and energized. Throughout the night they played songs from their new album and also a couple of songs from some previous albums. (City City, Chic Gamine). I encourage everyone to check out this wonderful group, because their harmony, contrapuntal background vocals, and layers of rhythm are a breath of fresh air, especially in this over-produced machine driven "pop" genre world of the music industry. Their sound is unique, their lyrics are captivating, their harmonies are outstanding and they sing in both French and English which is wonderful to hear! (especially for this budding bilingual woman ;-) Furthermore, as a voice teacher, I must encourage if you can learn another language, please do! It will only help your singing capabilities...how you may ask? Different vowel shapes, tones, wider repertoire to sing,etc, etc, etc. Having the fortune of meeting this group afterwards, I can also attest that they are incredibly down to earth, and enjoy speaking with their audience members afterwards. (something I can say that not all performers do.) If you get the chance to see this wonderful Canadian band (and what luck you are in, they are currently on a North American tour) please do! Check them out here You won't be disappointed. As always, happy singing/practicing! Rebecca -Gracenote Studios **Photo of Chic Gamine from their website www.chicgamine.com
0 Comments
A while back I had the opportunity to go to a workshop with a vocal coach named Tom Schilling. He is a well known coach within the US and Canada. I have to say that it is always fun going to different professional workshops because it allows me to gain new knowledge on different approaches to musical instruction! One thing I have consistently heard throughout my teaching career is that you never stop learning, and boy is that true! It is wonderful to be able to gain knowledge from some very talented people.
Tom's approach to singing, like other teachers I have gone to is about it being natural and fun....it's just how you get there that may be a little different. Tom discusses alot about having a relaxed jaw and just going for it! Something that I try to encourage my students to do. LESS IS MORE! Don't try to force anything, just sing naturally and usually my students discover that the voice works better. Tom works out of an old beautiful church in Hamilton, Ontario where an assortment of people from every age and background come out to have some fun. It is a very relaxed, safe and non-judgemental atmosphere where absolutely no recording is allowed. I like this idea because as I have mentioned in previous posts, singing/performing/playing a solo instrument can be a very vulnerable experience. However, if you don't take the leap and get out of your comfort zone, you will never discover different aspects of yourself that will enrich your musical potential. So, until next time, Happy Singing/playing. -Rebecca You've worked hard, practiced thousands of hours, now you want people to hear you. I hear from countless students how they want to 'be famous', they want to be a recording artist and they come to me for my professional opinion. Well, here is what I say, if you want to be a professional then go for it, BUT it requires hard work, dedication, professionalism and it's not all glitz and glamour. On average, most bands/singers spend a good 5-10 years performing before they 'make it big', IF THEY MAKE IT BIG. This time is usually spent taking private lessons, going to music school perhaps?, gigging for weddings, parties, special events and countless late night bar performances. This is not to dissuade, but rather let you know of the reality. These gigs are wonderful training grounds for you to experience what it is like to be a professional musician and it also helps you to build a fan base-this is crucial to getting your name out there. In today's world, word of mouth with the combination of technology is your best bet, this is what will help you to get noticed. However, I would highly stress that you better be at optimal form with your voice, as you don't want embarrassing videos of you on youtube showcasing it to the world.
Next step, FESTIVAL, depending on your genre, this is always a good way to continue the momentum of your fan base, attract new audiences and gain more experience. I would also suggest going to Music Colleges and Universities and see if they can offer any advice. I had the great fortune while attending music school to have a class facilitated by Serena Ryder's publicist Richard Flohil. He was very gracious to all of us budding musicians and it was very easy to get valuable advice on how to promote yourself as a starting artist. But, even if you are not attending school, call them up and talk to the Director or one of the Professors and see what advice they can give you, what have you got to lose? Networking-is key to publicity. As stated in a previous blog, the music industry may seem big, but it is actually a very small community. News travels, so start networking, give out business cards, send a demo, meet prospective owners of music venues, talk with people and that will help you gain momentum in making a name for yourself. Social Media-Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, use all these mediums carefully, cautiously and professionally. You are putting authenticity and what you can offer musically out into the world, not what happened to you last Friday at the cottage.....at least not until you are superfamous. There also happens to be some great music publicity books at Chapters or your local big city independent sellers-Check them out. There is alot that goes into publicity, but for the beginner to intermediate this is where I would start. It takes a lot of work and perseverance, but if you really want something go for it! If you have not heard of this woman than start! Joyce DiDonato is a power house Opera singer from Kansas City who started her career at the late age of 35! She is one of Opera's most highly sought after singers and has such an ability to coach up and coming singers. Recently, I had the opportunity to watch a master class on Medici.tv Please take a look at this resource as it contains wonderful educational components, tons of Classical music and intriguing documentaries. Whether you sing Jazz, Pop. or Musical Theatre, nothing compares to the solid foundation that Classical singing can provide. That does not mean you have to become an Opera singer, but it is highly advisable to have some sort of training in this area. So, why not unleash your inner Opera Diva...try out a lesson or two because there is always time to find your music within. Happy Singing....as always. -Gracenote Studios This video pretty much sums it up! There are so many benefits to music as you can see from this video.
I have always been a big proponent of Music Education (yes, a bias, BUT....) I am also a big proponent of the value of every subject in the school system and how they can all help the student to be a better learner. This is why the Arts should be valued even more! If ever you or others around say that 'music is not a life skill'-(a phrase I have heard over and over again), show them this video and hopefully they will have a different perspective. I have personally witnessed many benefits of music, not only in my life, but as a music teacher and from the Music and Medicine conferences I have attended in Toronto. There is alot of power within the Arts (Music, Dance, Art, Drama) and hope that you experience them, if not, why not start some music lessons today??! Happy Practicing! -Gracenote Studios. health benefits of listening to music....imagine what happens when we are the performers of it!12/29/2014
Isn't this fascinating! There are so many benefits to music, I love how science is trying to understand and discover the health benefits of this wonderful art. When you click on the poster it will direct to even more beneficial articles.
Why not take advantage of those New Year's resolution and make a healthy choice by taking up an instrument or diving into some voice lessons here at Gracenote Studios?! Start your year off fresh, relaxed and using all aspects of your brain! To Health, Happiness and Music in 2015!! -Gracenote Studios |
AuthorGracenote Studios- a professional music studio created by a woman passionate about teaching others to find their music within! Archives
September 2020
|