Next Big Thing

Vote (5 Stars!) for Kicking Daisies on Disney's Next Big Thing!

My students Duran, Caitlin, Carly (and lead guitarist, Ben) are the featured artists on Disney's "Next Big Thing" competition for the next two weeks.  During that time, I am asking you, their fellow vocal students and music fans, to give them 5 stars once per day on the web site and via text message.

There are five acts competing to become Disney's "Next Big Thing."  The winner gets a single released by Disney and plays a huge concert sponsored by Disney, with previous winner All Star Weekend.

You can text "NBT" to 347639 (once per day).  You will get a text back asking to rank KD from 1 - 5.  Please vote 5!!

To vote online (once per day): http://radio.disney.go.com/artists/nbt/2010/artist-kicking-daisies.html

Fun Fact: I make a brief appearance in one of the Kicking Daisies home videos on the Disney site!  If you know where I am, post to comments (but don't give it away)!

Also!  Post your practice experiences to comments here!

Peace and love,

M

If You Were King for a Day...

May I introduce you to... KING FOR A DAY! They have been playing all over the place for five years and have just started taking voice lessons with me to build three-part harmonies into their songs.

KING QUIZ - POST ANSWERS TO COMMENTS
1. What would you do if you were king for a day?
2. What band do you think has the coolest harmonies ever?
3.Tell the truth, are harmonies easy for you to figure out, create, learn, sing?  Or do they confuse the heck out of you?

Three Questions About You

MMVS

1. How often to you practice singing?

2. Do you play any instruments?

3. How many ideas can you come up with to complete these lyrics?

"I never want to thank you for the..."

Best Friends Forever

My BFF is Mike Falzone!

This post is dedicated to my student and great friend (nicknamed "BFF"), Mike Falzone.  Mike has the most outstanding musical work ethic I have ever seen.  He works to better himself as a guitarist, writer, and singer every day.  He does all of his own marketing, is a professional videographer, and still has time to be known as one of the nicest people in the music business (or any business).

Recently Mike's efforts have been rewarded and he has earned some amazing opportunities!  Perhaps one of the most exciting of these is his newly released single "Famous," produced by Grammy winning producer Mike Mangini.  I worked with Mike & Mike during their recording sessions.  Even though I heard it coming together I am still blown away by how cool this tune came out!  Hurrah for BFFs kicking butt!

Check it out and tell him I sent you.    Mike Falzone Band Page on Facebook

HOW IS YOUR MUSICAL WORK GOING?  WHO IS YOUR BFF AND WHY?  POST PRACTICE COMMENTS HERE!

The "Right Way" to Sing

Almost everyone comes to lessons looking for the "right way" to sing.  Yes, there are some rules that should be followed to allow you to be a healthy, consistent and unique singer.  But there is also the rule of balance.  I may ask you to work on getting your voice to resonate forward, in the mask of your face.  Or, I may just ask you to focus on containing the air and keeping the vocal cords closed instead of pushing the air "forward."  When it comes to this, it's about balance.  My cues for you are going to be based on your voice, your experience, your level of training, etc.  Don't focus on an absolute "right" or "wrong" answer.  Trust your coach.  Trust the process, and aim for personal excellence.

What are you working on right now?  Post your practice time, your exercises, and your singing goals to COMMENTS.

Love,

Mel

Expressing Gratitude

Mel & Blue hanging out at MMVS!

Finishing up a long day of teaching today and getting ready for OPENING DAY of MMVS in Fairfield tomorrow!  I'm so excited.

Here's the deal: I spend all day with creative people.  They talk to me, they sing to me.   They write amazing things and think hilarious things and say the most random things I've ever heard.  I love every minute of it.

I have been blessed with work that I find to be meaningful, fulfilling and so fun it feels like play time.  It's the best life ever.  This feeling is exactly what I wish for you: gratitude.

I am grateful for my role in life as a vocal coach and mentor to talented and creative individuals.

I am grateful for my loving, loyal friends and family.

I am grateful for my strength and health.

In addition to whatever your thoughts and questions are regarding this week's lesson, post THREE THINGS for which you are grateful to comments.  If one of them turns into a song idea, that would be cool.

xoxoxo,

Mel

Take it to the Next Level

So... I got to see most of you this week and introduce you to Mel's Vocal Program (MVP).    I was a little worried that this structure wouldn't be seen as a good thing by everyone.  I should have known better.  You guys ROCK!  I've gotten so many texts and emails from you telling me how excited you are to work on this program.  Haven't seen a lot of posts to the blog yet, but I know you'll get in the groove soon!

This program takes your vocal technique and performance to the next level by giving you a checklist to work on over the next few months.    Once you meet the Level 1 requirements you get to choose a pathway for Level 2.  There will be three Level 2 programs: Artist (future recording artists and bands), Academic/Musical Theater, and General.  Level 2 students are invited to special workshops, showcases and small group sessions designed to keep you inspired and informed while you work your butt off to reach your potential.

The Level 1 Requirements are posted in the menu bar to the right of this page.

Those I saw this week... POST YOUR PRACTICE TIME AND OTHER COMMENTS HERE!  Love ya!
M