Saturday, March 31, 2018 by Patti Barrow | General

"Singing lessons" often means vulnerability, and I promise you I completely understand that.  Every voice teacher is difference, and with me you are in a safe place to explore, discover, get creative and express!  Singing is as much an art form as it is a science, and I got you!  The emotional side of singing is powerful, we all have that ONE song that we sing when we are happy, sad, lonely, angry... and oh, those ear worms! LOL ("It's a small world a-fter aaaall"... you're welcome).  Singing can be freeing, healing, honest and beautiful! Let your heart soar upon it's vocal journey. I can be your guide.

10 Things your Voice Teacher wants you to know about Singing lessons
(shout out to dear friend and voice colleague Nikki Loney of TheFullVoice.com)

1. Voice Teachers are not interested in changing your “sound”. Every singer has a unique sound.
We want to help you discover your entire voice, develop it and learn to care for it.

2. Make a commitment. If you want to see results, you need to commit to lessons for at least 6 months.
Taking only a couple of lessons with any teacher will leave you confused and frustrated. Change and improvement take time. There are no shortcuts. (What benefit would going to 3 yoga classes be? Would your body change in only 3 sessions?)

3. Perform. Have an outlet to use and hone your new skills. Join a choir, sing at church or perform karaoke with friends. Without performance related goals you have absolutely no reason to practice. Your progress will be slow and you will soon quit lessons.

4. Technique is never perfected. Ever. Even for professional vocalists. There will always be small corrections to make which help you sing and perform better. Explore your sound and your vocal ability with an open mind.

5. You want correction (See #4). Correction does not mean you are a bad singer. If you are serious about being a great singer, you want your voice teacher to offer as much correction as possible. Do not leave your lesson without something new and challenging to work on. Explore your sound and your vocal ability with an open mind.

6. We need to hear mistakes. The notes you can’t sing very well. The exercises that you struggle with.
When we can identify the weaknesses, we can work on them effectively.

7. You need to sing out without hesitation. We need to hear all of your voice. This includes the bad notes and sounds that make you uncomfortable. When you can sing out without fearing mistakes, your vocal lessons will get interesting (and effective.)

8. Challenge yourself. Singing only songs you like is fun in the beginning. Try singing something completely out of your comfort zone. That is how you grow, improve and learn.

9. Make Peace with Your Voice. If you honestly “Hate the sound of your voice…”, don’t bother with lessons. We won’t be able to help you. (See #4, #5, #6, #7)

10. We want to work with you – not against you. Trust that we are trying to help you as best we know how. Are you willing to work with us? Will you listen to us and apply the suggestions we are offering? Are you ready for singing lessons?

Friday, March 30, 2018 by Patti Barrow | Uncategorized

The American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) is the labor union that represents artists from numerous disciplines that create America's operatic, dance, and choral heritage. Whether our members are soloists, choral singers, actors, ballet dancers, or production staff, our union is a strong force in guaranteeing that our nation's artistic institutions adhere to fair labor practices, securing both gainful employment and quality of life for our artists.

https://www.musicalartists.org/news/

Friday, March 30, 2018 by Patti Barrow | Uncategorized

The Actors' Equity Association (AEA) and Young Performers

*click here for a young performers overview for parents*

Actors' Equity is committed to the protection and welfare of young performers working in the theatre. Under most Equity agreements, there are special provisions for juvenile performers (under the age of 16) which provide for proper security, supervision and education while the young performer is rehearsing, performing or on tour in an Equity production.

Equity will:

• Ensure a safe and sanitary workplace environment for your child
• Enforce the terms and provisions of your child's contract
• Respond to questions you have about your child's contract

Equity also publishes a National Guide for Parents of Young Performers which can be found in the Document Library.

In 2004, the New York State Child Education Performers Trust Act (CEPTA) became law. Click here for more information

More information about Child Labor Laws can be found at: www.youthrules.dol.gov

For further information, contact 212.869.8530 or your local Equity office.