Djarts Students

News

Djarts Students

Djarts Students

We are really proud of our fabulous student body - both current and past. Please feel free to read what a few of our students have to say about themselves, learning to sing with Djarts and what the future holds as their voices develop. Check out our students in action - View the ShowCase Gallery here.

Tamar James: Now at the age of 28, I have been singing for as long as I can remember, but had never taken the time to have lessons. I used to be almost a little bit proud about the fact that I had never had a lesson, but deep down I knew that my voice was pretty limited by the little knowledge that I had. I eventually got to the point where I knew that [if] I didn't invest in my gift I would be forever frustrated! It's been great being taken out of my comfort zone and facing some of my vocal 'fears' head on. I heard about Djarts when Daniel came to do a workshop with our creative ministries vocalists. He mentioned the fact that they were enrolling new students, and I had been thinking about getting some tuition, so I put my name down. I have now been with Djarts for about six months. I really love being able to convey an emotion just by altering my sound, in Church mainly, although I've done some studio work and backup for musical friends over the years. I also have had the honour of singing with Youth Alive and Planet Shakers for the last 3 years. Currently, my biggest goal is to improve my range, as well as to be able to get more consistency and strength out of my voice.

Jason Maynard: Jason who is 30 something started singing lessons with Djarts because he wanted to improve longevity and durability of his vocals, and hopefully increase upper range and strengthen what top end range he did have. Jason chose Djarts because he was recommended by Shelley Evans (old Djarts Student). When asked what he loves about his singing Jason writes, “I think the one thing I actually like about my voice is that I have a distinct sound/tone (or so I’ve been told), and I think it records really well, and when it is on the money, I am happy with it - is that vain? On the downside, my voice is fickle, and can misbehave at times - mostly mental I’ve come to learn, and I really wish I had another 5 useable frets of top end range...no fun being a baritone trying to sing top 40 tenor stuff...” At the moment Jason does most of his singing in pubs and clubs. You can visit Jason’s myspace at www.myspace.com/jasonmaynardmusic.

^ back to top ^

Matty Bateson: Hi! I am aged 30 (and I believe that 1977 was a very good vintage, (ha) I am currently managing & performing as a guitarist and backing vocalist in a Cover Band called Punchline working 3 - 5 nights per week. Last year I developed nodules which really effected my singing. I did some speech therapy with Patricia Baldock who was very good and she also recommended I get singing lessons from Daniel who I was told is the best. And rightly so. I have been receiving singing lessons fortnightly since January and also had a couple late last year. I am certainly improving a great deal but am aware I have a long way to go. Still the results so far are very motivating. My range is so much better already. I love singing anything melodic and hope eventually I'll be able to do the occasional solo gig. My short term goals are mainly to improve the way I sing so I never develop nodules again and to keep improving my range and tone. You can check out more details on www.punchline.net.au and www.myspace.com/punchlineband.

Matty Bateson

Jason Maynard

Hi, I’m Kristie. I’m 34 years young and have been having lessons with Clancy fortnightly since February. I have always enjoyed singing and thought it was about time I looked into improving the quality of my voice, building my repertoire and I guess even build my confidence. I researched teachers and schools on the internet and found Djarts; they sounded professional, were not too far from where I live and offered competitive pricing. I really wanted a contemporary voice school so my choice of music was not limited and I really like the studio; access to many backing tracks and also having the ability to practice with PA facilities. Music makes me feel great (especially when I do it well) and is a way I can express myself, I like to sing everywhere – at my lessons, in the car, in the shower, mostly I guess in a room at home that I have set up as a music room. My short term goals are to increase my range and the quality of my tone/dynamics and to gain confidence when singing in front of an audience. I just really enjoy music and would love to find people to jam with also. Long term, who knows.

Kristie Weaver

Everyone Can Sing

‘

Contemporary Singing Lessons

'I’m Anna Parton and I’m 21 yrs old. I started lessons with Daniel this year and haven’t looked back! I attended a workshop of Daniel’s a few years back, and ever since have been hanging out to get lessons! So finally I decided to take the plunge and its so worth it! I love how music encourages people to express themselves and bring others joy and inspiration.

I’m involved in a group with my older brothers and sister… music with an acoustic feel and a bit of a Capella. We sing at various functions and Christian concerts. I help out leading the worship at my church, I play guitar and love writing songs. I hope to record an original CD one day. With djarts I can’t wait to gain more vocal strength, quality, uniqueness and a broader range. I love Daniel’s humour, quality, honesty & encouragement in keeping on bettering myself. I thought my voice was forever small, but I am gaining more volume and quality than I never imagined was within me! ‘Woohoo for djarts!' :) View Anna’s Music MySpace here.

Anna Parton

ABN: 20 194 810 709

| Best Viewed in IE 5.0+

Emma-Kate Knezevic: I have been singing with Daniel for the past two terms after a referral from another singing teacher. I feel very comfortable and supported at Djarts. I have had quite a few singing teachers in the past and was relieved to gel with Daniel instantly.

It had been years since I had sung properly having studied music previously and enjoyed performing lots when I was younger. (I am currently 26) My main focus was just to reestablish a connection to my voice…a longing I just couldn’t let go of! I also wanted to expand my repertoire. Since singing with Daniel I would now really like to get my act together...pardon the pun! I am setting a goal to start gigging by mid 2009. How exciting!

Emma-Kate Knezevic

Rachael Sheffield: At the tender age of 33, I'm currently taking singing lessons to gain more confidence vocally; to enhance my volume and delivery; to understand the best way to take care of my voice and to improve microphone techniques. I was recommended Djarts by a classical singing teacher whom I contacted initially for singing lessons and she thought Djarts would be better able to meet my needs. I have been impressed with the quality of teaching - practical tips that work with solid theory underpinning it. I love singing! I find it very therapeutic - a great release - fun - and have found that it is a very important part of who I am. I'm currently in an original pop/folk outfit called "Ragu". My husband and I write the songs for the band. We have performed in many Brisbane bars/pubs and have recently completed a tour of Melbourne and Sydney. You can listen to some of our tunes at www.myspace.com/raguband.

Rachael Sheffield

Martin Gibbons: As of last Saturday I'm 35 years old. I heard about Djarts from speech therapist Patricia Baldock. I know she is well respected and she spoke highly of Daniel and the way he works. I've been having lessons at Djarts for one term and I'm really enjoying it. It's hard to say what I love about singing but its something I think I'll always do. I run a website (www.behindthenotes.com) where we interview great musicians about how they do their thing. I find the whole process a fascinating and rewarding journey.

I play guitar as well as singing and I perform at a range of venues around Brisbane. My immediate goals with singing are to improve my versatility and the quality of my tone. The better it feels and sounds to me, the more positive I feel within the performance and I think that really comes across to people.

Martin Gibbons

Amber Epp: It’s great to hear what past students are doing...here’s a recent email from a proud mum…

“Back in 2004 our family had the pleasure of spending a year in Brisbane while my husband did a teaching exchange. For part of that year my daughter Amber had singing lessons with you (Daniel). Because of your ability to keep her interest in music she checked out post secondary options & applied to study music at one of our local universities that had just started a jazz studies program. (She was actually accepted into 2 programs & had to choose which area to focus on. Her options were classical piano or vocal jazz. She went the vocal route). Amber pursued vocal studies, worked on her piano chops & trained as a percussionist as well. She graduated this past June as the University Gold Medalist (highest award they give out). She has a busy performance schedule as well as teaching privately. She has a great love of Latino music & plans to study in Cuba starting in January. If curious here are a couple links of the music she has been recorded doing. http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/cod/concerts/20090117mambo See track 3, 8 & 11 for music that highlights Amber. (#8 Sabor a Mi is my favourite). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyFtkx6x_O4 (below) for a Brazilian sound and a few sound bites at http://ca.myspace.com/ambereppjazz & more if you type in Amber Epp in a youtube search.”

Amber Epp

Nikki deBruyn: At the age of 34, I decided that I had hit a glass ceiling with my vocal technique. I realised it had been a while since I’d had lessons and felt I had probably fallen into some “survival” habits that needed ironing out. I also knew that I needed a ‘technician” to help me identify them and create better habits. I had heard that Daniel Kay was a brilliant coach and technician, and upon researching the website was excited to know that djarts engage Adult Learning theories (with Jodie’s help!) to engage the student and help them to learn to their fullest potential. I have been with djarts over a year now and have seen so much improvement in the way I prepare and perform. I’m really blessed to be able to sing at my local church regularly and I love encouraging other vocalists to reach their potential. I have just commenced the “Student Teacher” course that is now offered and am enjoying it thoroughly (even the assignments!) I am learning many skills to help me become a Vocal teacher and am constantly challenged to be a better vocalist myself. The best part about singing is that your instrument is always with you! As a mum of young children, I love that I can develop my children’s gift of singing and show them how it can uplift their spirits anytime because they always have their voice with them! We have lots of fun with singing and they enjoy it just as much as I do!

Nikki deBruyn

^ back to top ^

Ben Hooper: 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.

Ben Hooper

Philip Hancock: I have received singing lessons from Daniel Kay for almost two years now and have noticed an incredible improvement in my singing. After finishing high school, I began studying a Bachelor of Music Production at QUT and was looking for a contemporary voice teacher to coincide with my music studies. I was recommended Daniel Kay by numerous people and it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made.

I am a singer/songwriter and have been writing pop songs for six years. Recently I have been performing at live venues around Brisbane, and over the next few years, I am looking to build a career from my music and tour all around Australia. I aim to continue improving my vocal ability and get it prepared for the difficult but thrilling road ahead. Watch Phil’s latest single below...
www.myspace.com/philhancockmusic

www.facebook.com/philhancockmusic

Philip Hancock

Melanie is 25 years old and has lived on the Sunshine Coast most of her life. She works as a full-time Pastor and heads up the music Team in her Church. One day Melanie got sick and lost her voice. But instead of resting her voice and waiting long enough for her voice to recover, Mel continued to practice and perform in a Christmas concert and to sing weekly at Church. As a result, she developed unhealthy and incorrect vocal habits which affected her vocal health for the next year and a half. “I was constantly either losing my voice or having a husky voice. I heard that a healthy singer should be able to sing for about 3 hours. I could barely do 1.” As her job carries a large vocal responsibility including singing, public speaking, and setting an example for other singers in her Team, Mel decided she had to do something about it. “Getting singing lessons has really turned my vocal health around. Today my vocal chords are stronger, can handle a lot more, recover a lot quicker after becoming tired from a big weekend, and my singing ability is continuing to grow.” Melanie sees singing lessons as an investment into her career and future.

Melanie Gordon

^ back to top ^

Chris Palmieri: After spending at least a couple of years trying out different vocal teachers, I had essentially given up of figuring out how to sing in a way that wouldn't leave me feeling sore and without a voice. At the age of 20, I came across Daniel's website and decided to give his lessons a go. The regular vocal analysis sessions was a big part of me choosing Djarts, and I have found them to be valuable in tracking my progress, as well as helping to regain a better focus during practice and generally along the journey of unlocking my potential as a singer. Currently the majority of my singing takes place at Uni and at home, but as I see myself finding it easier and easier each week to sing with volume and clarity, I am planning to get back into busking and eventually some open mic's. After now taking lessons with Daniel for approximately 8 months, I am finding myself to be a much more confident singer, and I can now say I truly enjoy doing it!

Chris Palmieri

Todd Ross is an 18 year old composer, arranger, pianist and in the last few years, singer. Since his kick start in the music industry at the age of 15, Todd has performed in a range of venues from clubs, bars and piano bars through to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, QPAC and Riverstage. After working professionally for about a year it became clear that singing tuition was a necessity. Todd found his way to the Djarts singing studio through industry professionals who gave the studio and Daniel Kay glowing references. Now Todd has been with Djarts for almost 8 months and looks forward to many more in the future to further his knowledge of his voice! Feel free to check out Todd's website at www.toddrossmusic.com.au.

Todd Ross