Professional Contemporary Voice Coaching

Quarterly Newsletter - Aug/Sept/Oct ‘10

So who does Djarts Teach?

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© Djarts 2010. All Rights Reserved. Permission is required to reproduce any information written herein.

Djarts ~ PO Box 1375 Carindale QLD 4152 ( (07) 3398 6758  *  singing@djarts.com.au

* Whilst Djarts seeks to maintain a high standard in all areas, Djarts does not accept any responsibility for items listed in the classifieds. Any individual involving themselves with any product, competition, audition etc does so at their own discretion.

If you have a gig you would like to advertise, some equipment that you are wanting to sell or you've heard of a great seminar coming up then email us your classified for review and inclusion in the djarts bi-monthly update*.

¶ AUDITION: Nuncrackers by Sunnybank Theatre Group. Auditions will be held on Sunday 8^th August from 10am. For more information, see our website.

¶ PERFORMANCE Opportunity: Are you, or do you know, the next Dylan, Hendrix, Lennon or even GaGa? Get a step up in the industry with fRETfEST 2010. 10 July to 4 September 2010 ~ Melbourne Street Green, QPAC. Register here.

¶ SINGERS WANTED: New Vocal Group is seeking singers with the hope of performing emerging Australian composers works. For more information email here. All voice types welcome.

¶ Volunteer Singers Needed: Would you like to gain some singing experience while you provide a community service? Contact (07) 3279 8119 to find out about singing in local nursing homes.

¶ OPEN MIC NIGHTS: Casablanca Cellar Bar. The night consists of singers performing tracks that have been either self written, or prepared to a backing track from another artist. For more information contact Emily Maher on (07) 3331 7710 or email here.

¶ CONFERENCE: ANATS National Conference. Brisbane, 30th September til 3rd October 2010. For more information visit the website. Download Registration Brochure here.

¶ PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY: Work with Live Band. Tuesday’s 7pm to 11pm (contact club for dates) singers will have the opportunity to sing with  a live band at Manly Trailer & Boat Club at Manly. Club website here.

¶ ENTERTAINERS NEEDED: If you are interested in performing live, and are multi-skilled in the entertainment industry, we'd love to hear from you asap! We are seeking multi-skilled entertainers for paid work across Brisbane and (sometimes) Gold Coast areas. Please call Sue-Anne on 3844 4182 for an interview, or email your details.

¶ MALE VOCALIST NEEDED: Brisbane based hard rock band Karmacode have agency representation, pre-production underway for their debut EP distributed through MGM records. They still require a professional vocalist to complete the line-up. Check out their MySpace here. Should you wish to audition, the bands management can be contacted on  0413 995 243.

¶ FEMALE VOCALIST NEEDED: Startup band is seeking Gold Coast-based female vocalist with interest in mixed styles of music. Someone with instrumental ability is also required. We’re going to focus on producing original and distinctive work & not performing too much in the way of covers. People with little or no band experience welcome.  You can contact Tony by email.

¶ CHOIR MEMBERS WANTED: Ignite - the Ignatians Musical Society choir. All voice types required for this     community choir. No audition necessary. Rehearsal weekly (excluding public holidays) on Wednesday nights at        7.30pm at St. Ignatius Hall, Kensington Terrace, Toowong. For more infor contact Daniel on 0434 145 881 or email if you'd like to join!

¶ PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY: fRETfEST at the Chalk Hotel. For more information contact Hotel Management on (07) 3896 6565 or visit the official website here.

¶ FOR SALE: Keyboard, Casio CTK - 731. As a keyboard for a piano student to practise on it would be unsuitable. However, as something for a singer, a second keyboard to solve the "it's my turn now" arguments in families, or as a keyboard to midi up to a computer music software programme, it would be fine. Only $300 or ONO. Interested? Contact Geoff Ashenden via email.

www.djarts.com.au

(07) 3398 6758

Our Vision

To facilitate professional voice instruction in a manner that is both progressive and practical to equip vocalists ranging in experience from amateur to professional with current contemporary technique.

Our Facilities

The studio is situated on a private premises in a purpose furnished teaching room with a range of facilities and features:

· Fully integrated computer run facilities

· Multi-media format amenities including CD, MP3, DVD, VCR, Minidisk, Midi, and Tape

· Teaching Aids including medical moulds and posters

· Vocal analysis software (Sing & See)

· Extensive library of music and vocal reference texts, including over 4000 backing tracks.

· Functional PA system for vocal performance during lessons.

· Clean, tidy and private learning environment with air purification for healthy learning.

more about Djarts...

more Singing Tips...

· Who Does Djarts Teach

· New Resolution

· Classifieds

· Student Profile

· Vocal Tip:

“Classical vs. Contemporary”

In this Issue...

We are often asked by prospective students, “So...who have you taught?” Admittedly this question always makes us a little uncomfortable. Why?

Well I guess we could boast about the hundreds of professional giggers that we have trained, or highlight the touring music theatre performers that utilize Djarts services when they are in Brisbane. We could also talk about the Australian Olympic Gold Medalist who polished her wedding songs under our instruction or even Miss Australia who chose Djarts to help her improve her overall vocal presentation. We might even be tempted to declare how a number of Brisbane’s Speech Pathologists and ENT’s refer singers with damaged voices to our care; not to mention the music institutions and church groups across Australia who call upon our services for workshops and seminars. Finally we could talk about the many students who have commenced their lessons with Djarts in order to fulfill a dream of recording their own CD or obtain entry into Tertiary institutions Australia wide...and many of them realize that dream under the close direction of the Djarts staff.

We could mention all of the above, but ultimately this is all insignificant when the enquiring singer steps into our studio. At that point it doesn’t matter who we have taught! At that precise moment the most important person to us is the individual directly across the room. Sure, our experience with other students is bought to bear on the new student’s lessons; but the focus is very much on the unique student and their chosen pathway.

Regardless of your level of vocal prowess, beginner to professional, Djarts has the expertise and experience waiting, ready to assist you in your vocal development. We want you to join the 1000+ singers who have enjoyed the Djarts difference.

New “Financial” Year Resolution

We recently asked members of the ‘Djarts Facebook Fan Page’ what they would like Daniel to write on for the Djarts Singing Tips and Leanne Day requested an article on the differences between Classical and Contemporary voice training. So Leanne…this article is for you – and the hundred’s of other people who will read it also!

“If you want to learn how to sing then you need to have classical singing lessons…then you can sing anything!” If this statement sounds familiar, I’m not surprised. I’ve heard it more times than I care to remember, but sadly this all too familiar misconception is still widely and, ignorantly held to in the wider community.

Robert Edwin, internationally acclaimed contemporary voice teacher writes, “Our naïve colleagues who say, “‘Singing is singing. If you have a solid classical technique, you can sing anything’ are inviting vocal disaster if they impose classical vocal technique and sounds on the [contemporary] style of singing…” (1998, p. 61). Both classical and contemporary singers are vocal athletes, but each task requires specific skills. If you required an athlete training for the pole vault to develop her skills by only running a 400 metre hurdle her ability to achieve the desired goal will be seriously thwarted. And vice versa. Both tasks require running and jumping, but they are very different disciplines. So it is with learning to sing. It is not enough for students of contemporary singing to simply sing contemporary repertoire – Pop, Rock, Jazz, etc. – on a classical technique. “Contemporary style has its own unique problems and challenges for the voice” (Dawson, 2005, p. 58). This is not to suggest that one style is more difficult or even superior than the other. They are simply different, requiring different skills and, as a result, different training.

Opponents of this view often argue that contemporary singing is potentially hazardous to the voice. Actually, any form of singing done carelessly is open to voice damage, whether it is Opera or Heavy Metal. Leading voice scientist Robert Sataloff warns, “It is neither helpful nor scientifically justified to dismiss any particular genre (including hard rock) as medically unacceptable. With sufficient understanding, patience, voice team skill and patient compliance, a vocally ‘right way’ can be found to do almost anything” (Robert Thayer Sataloff, Baroody, Emerich, & Carroll, 2006, p. 285).

So how do you know that you are receiving vocal training appropriate to your vocal style? The following points will help you discern that your voice training is task specific:

· Breath Management: Classical teachers often encourage their students to develop an increase in their volume of air. This in turn leads to an increase in pressure directly beneath the vocal folds. The increase in pressure, whilst necessary for the classical voice, will ultimately lead to the contemporary voice constricting. Contemporary singers should be encouraged to develop a breath management system which enables an even flow of air without unnecessary increases in sub-glottal pressure.

· Lower Register Shortener Dominant: Classical singing teachers will generally encourage the development of the upper register (especially in female voice) with a lengthener dominant sound (Read this for more information on Registration). Alternatively, the teacher of contemporary voice will focus their student’s vocal development towards a lower register, shortener dominant sound. Ultimately both disciplines use the whole voice, but they are habitually orientated differently.

· Vowels and Consonants: Typically, classical voice is vowel dominant, while contemporary singers orientate to the consonants. Stylistically the consonants will enable the contemporary singer to develop the groove whilst maintaining a clean vocal line. This in turn helps the contemporary singer to avoid utilising the vocally demanding glottal attack to achieve the groove.

· Microphones: One of the contemporary singer’s main tools is the microphone. Some ignorantly suggest that the use of a microphone displays a weakness of technique in producing volume. Not true! Whilst one of the jobs of a microphone is to amplify, it also enhances ‘quite’ voice enabling the contemporary singer to develop vocal effects and ambiance. If your singing teacher claims to be a contemporary voice teacher and they don’t have a microphone in their teaching studio…ask them why not!

The above points are by no means exhaustive. We could talk about using foldback, learning from lyrics as opposed to transcribed sheet music or even the difference in vocal demands between classical and contemporary singers. Again, it is not about which skill or accompanying technique is superior. Simply make sure you are learning to sing using the techniques appropriate to your vocal activity.

 

References

Dawson, A. (2005). Voice training and church singers: The state of vocal health of church singers of contemporary commercial styles in charismatic evangelical churches. Unpublished Dissertation, Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University Brisbane, QLD.

Edwin, R. (1998). Belting 101: Part two. Journal of Singing, 55(2), 61–62.

Sataloff, R. T., Baroody, M. M., Emerich, K. A., & Carroll, L. M. (2006). The Singing Voice Specialist. In R. T. Sataloff (Ed.), Vocal health and pedagogy: Advanced assessment and treatment (2nd ed., Vol. 2, pp. 271–289). San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing Inc.

Singing Lessons from $65

“Both classical and contemporary singers are vocal athletes”

Current Available Lesson Times

Djarts Product - Healthy Singer’s Starter Pack!

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While we are on the topic of email updates; we’d love to hear your feedback about what you would like to see or see more of in the updates in 2010. What parts of the updates have you really enjoyed? What would you like to see more of? Email Jodie with your suggestions— Jodie will send the first 2 insightful suggestions one of the new flash Djarts sling bags, just for having your say!

At the age of 28 I decided it was time to hone my vocal craft the best I could, but I had never taken vocal lessons before. Nick Hatch, The drummer in my band (Benjamin Hooper Trio), is a colleague of Daniel Kay and he highly recommended I try lessons at Djarts! It’s the best decision I ever made! I currently do most of my singing at live music venues and bars, I also spend a lot of time singing gospel/praise songs at St Andrews Anglican Church evening service (also known as Goodwill Christian Fellowship). I want to be able to sing with a clear, articulate tone as well as develop a greater vocal range and sense of phrasing. Ideally this will help me connect better with my audience!

I have recently returned from New York City, NY where I performed at the Redeemer Church InterArts showcase. It was a great time of listening to many talented artists from NYC. I have just released a new album called “Free Your Mind”. To listen to this and find out about all other things Benjamin Hooper go to www.benjaminhooper.com.au or Ben’s Myspace. You can also download Ben’s music on iTunes.

more about Djarts lessons...

Ben Hooper

20,000 words down...only about 40,000 to go! It’s a slow road, but the doctorate is coming along nicely! Thank you to all those students who continue to take an interest in the process.

In the meantime—“Perspectives on Teaching Singing” is nearly ready for release. Daniel has written a chapter on the teaching of Contemporary Worship Singers, and joins 18 other Australian pedagogues in writing on topics varying from singing Australian repertoire to teaching contemporary voice. You can obtain a copy by emailing Australian Academic Press—and for a limited time only you will receive a 20% discount off the RRP of $54.95.

more about Djarts Staff...

The colder months are well and truly upon us...and it’s always a challenging time for singers and their vocal health. Djarts to the rescue...with the ‘Healthy Singer’s Starter Pack’.

For only $45 you receive: Entertainers Secret, Bosisto’s Vapour Inhaler, 40 pk Propolis Lozenges + BONUS water bottle.

This pack is available in the studio or online...save $5.

Also available—website special only—purchase any product online during August and receive a FREE pack of Propolis.

Many of us wait until December before reflecting on the year. For some December will be a great time...a time when  they survey the year passed and smile as they consider all the things that they have achieved. For others December will be a frustrating time as they realise that many of the 2010 ‘New Year’s Resolutions’ that they set in January, like getting singing lessons, have not been attempted.

Good News! You don’t have to wait until December to assess you goals for 2010. Those singing lessons that you said you would have during 2010 are still here waiting for you. There is no need to have a miserable December. Make a New “Financial” Year Resolution and call Djarts on (07) 3398 6758 to book your lessons now.