• This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Displaying posts tagged with: castle hill

What a Vocal teacher learnt whilst singing with Martin Nievera

“Consistent sold out venues”, “Brilliant energy from start to finish”, “Incredible voice” these are just some of the feedback Martin Nievera had during his Sydney concert last Friday 8th of May, 2015.  It was certainly one to remember. I had the honour to sing as Martins’ Backing Vocalist and it’s always such an amazing experience to work with such a down to earth, talented, witty and funny person.

From time to time we come across performer who really knows how to connect with the audience. I mean REALLY CONNECT…. from the heart and from the soul…without trying.  Of course this comes from 3 decades of interacting with the audience but there is something special when it’s consistent.

So this is what I learnt while singing with Martin Nievera.

11017863_840771145978407_5376674929204686348_n

Make your fans feel special

Consistently, Martin is always giving time to his fans. He didn’t just stay in his dressing room, he remembers people’s names and acknowledges them. He spoke to people before his performance and hung outside his dressing room. Watched a few support artists and complimented them. He genuinely loves to interact with his fans, happy to sign CDs and happy to do shout out to fans via social media.

How do you engage with your fans?

11256866_840773019311553_3085438124371626572_n

 

Thank you Martin for the special shout out to my One Voice Students!

 

Be proud of your heritage

Best part of the concert! When he said that Filipinos have the ability to give to the world. We are the carers and that we should all be proud about what we do in the world. He acknowledges the people who left their home in the Philippines to make a better life for themselves in Australia.

“The world is watching”. Do “good” in the world, don’t lie and don’t be dishonest was his main message.

So simple and it’s what we teach our kids from a young age, every now and then we need reminding even as adults.

How are you being of service to the world?

11264040_840771222645066_2104016828077295670_n

 

Rehearse with the band and take control

Martin takes pride to rehearse with his band. If he is not happy with something he assertively fixes it. I have seen it before with his last rehearsal where he has a certain standard of people that he works with and if they don’t meet it he will request a change even if it is last minute. You want to surround yourself with people whom you can rely on. People who help you create the best show and bring out the best in you. Know your expectations.

He endearingly called his band the Meat Pie band because they consisted of young amazing Australian Musicians. Of course he mentioned that their first step after landing in Sydney was Harry’s Café Dewheels. So another witty way to interact with the Aussie Audience.

When choosing musicians find people that care about your performance. Acknowledge your band members in the show and include them in your patter.

11260330_840773725978149_1050699617749715963_n

 

 

Respect everyone you work with

Each performance Martin always is grateful and will give each of his band members a signed CD with a special message.

How do you show your appreciation towards the people you work with?

11250930_840774419311413_7891563250055152313_n

Be you

Martin is open that he has had ups and downs with his relationship- often making fun of himself, his ex-wife Pops Fernandez and his life. Never taking himself too seriously. He shares his personal life often referring to his kids and tying in their family story with the show. I think there is a special bond with the audience as he talks about the times when his kids were little and he would watch them sleep. Martin added an original heart felt song that he wrote with Mr. Louie Ocampo about his boys. (Seems that every songwriter with a child relates to this- here’s a song I wrote about Christian – Tomorrow it’ll be a better day)

Has something or someone in your life inspired you to write a song that you can include in your show?

11023438_840771162645072_1790267648666575076_n

Be surrounded by family

Every concert he always acknowledges his family in the crowd. So now we know him more personally.

Consider bringing on a talented family member to be part of your show. Martin brought on board his talented twin sister Vicky. They sang a 70s Medley of songs that reminded them of their happy times in their childhood.

Do you have a family member you can invite to be part of your show?

11202666_840772179311637_248453638921344295_n 11169811_840772145978307_3284313700354409990_n

Be encouraging to performers starting out

You can learn so much from young talents even as a seasoned performer. It can be humbling to know that we all started at the beginning once. It takes courage and persistence to make it in this industry. It’s also such a small industry and we need to look after each other. It was so wonderful to see One Voice Alumni and past students working the stage- Melanie Balagtas, Bryan Ines, Bernadette Marquez, Alwyn de la Santos and Ylonda.

How do you conduct yourself around musicians who are starting out or are seasoned?

Young or old we all just want to be validated.

11169811_840769462645242_6404353239404460985_n 1512400_840769342645254_6016150025909309430_n

 

Always be ready to learn new songs

Martin is always really to learn new songs. We had dinner during the rehearsals and Mr. Louie Ocampo was calling out all these new songs that are popular currently on the radio. They chatted about the new version of Dusty Springfield’s song- you don’t own me. By the way, you can check out the song I wrote with Louie Ocampo and Lionel Cole called Be Heard. You can also check out my new Be Heard EP in iTunes.

Martin is not afraid to learn new songs and the audience loves it. He even threw in a One Direction song – the story of my life after his son had dared him to sing a modern song.

Which new song have you been planning to learn? Create a new version of it and plan to sing it at your next gig.
11258528_840772405978281_2847634569075673457_n

Create a story within your performance

The whole concert revolved 3 decades of music and performing. He shared his life as a child, his family and takes the audience down memory lane with his TELESERYE  medley.

Try to incorporate the senses. Include visual footage of all the milestones in your life.

One thing he wanted to do was be part of Broadway. He sung a Broadway medley, which the audience absolutely loved.

Is there something that your audience doesn’t know about you? Where you can tie in a song to showcase that secret?

10857750_840771785978343_1567003496982575480_n

Be humble and of service

Martin is there to entertain, to make people laugh to make them cry and to make every person the in audience feel great about themselves. My favourite part of the night was the comfort he brought to Nanay Consuela who had stage 4 cancer. It brought me to tears, which I tried very hard to hold back. It was so touching and beautiful.

11260933_840773049311550_4754646417004270615_nWhat will touch your audience’s heart? Are there elements and moments of happiness, seriousness, a chance to educate, wit, light-heartedness, sexiness, love.

All of this combined just made this an incredible performance and memorable.

Love and respect your audience so much that you will never be forgotten. Time and time again they will see you at the next concert and buy your CDS and be a fan for life! All because you took the time to know them.

I would love to know 3 concepts that you can incorporate into your show? Maybe you have a concept that you would like to share that is unique to your show.

Please share, comment and like this post if you found it helpful.  Also pass it on to a friend who will benefit from it.

Photo credit by Darryl O’brien Photography

Musically yours

Tina

P.S.  Have you always wanted to create your own album?   Sign up to my free cheatsheet that will help you get started: Click on this link http://tinabangel.com/starmakerguide  Sign up now and get information about my free webinar to help you get started…..coming soon!

Free 30 Day Kindermusik Challenge

10418871_897602700274592_3366681633669719428_n (1)

Our next term start the first week of Feb 2015 and many of you have sent kind messages on how much their child is missing Kindermusik.

I’ve decided to create a free 30 day Kindermusik Challenge that will send you 30 actionable videos/emails everyday for 30 days in the month of January.

The simple actions and activities will help your child thrive as well as encourage special bonding time with you and the family.

With each activity I will explain the benefits and how it’s helping your child develop. I’ve seen the benefits it in my classes- I’ve been running them for 9 years now. These activities, if done daily and consistently can help a child communicate better, sleep better, learn better and develop physically. It starts these early years – not when Kindy starts. Each activity is researched based.

Imagine a world where every child has this opportunity and growth. Where each music and movement activity can give them the head start they deserve. It starts with each parent and caregiver.

Sign up here and share this link with your friends, mothers group, new mum and anyone that just wants a good start for their baby!
https://tinabangel.leadpages.net/free-30-day-kindermusik-challenge-/

Keep in touch and tell me who you shared it with. I’ll send you the group FB link so you can connect with other families and show/tell your progress.

Give your child something to sing about!

Tina xo

Kindermusik Term 2 Topics

Our new Kindermusik topics will be so much fun! I hope you can join myself and some of the other amazing Kindermusik families for our new term.

We will start our new program the week of the 28th of April, 2014.  The term runs for 8 weeks and is $145.00 for the term.

You will receive 8 weeks of 45mins sessions and Online materials that are so valuable for extending the musical benefits at home.

 

Baby Music Classes: For Newborns, Infants & Babies

Cuddle and Bounce (Newborns-18mths)

Boosts baby’s brain and your bond!

BLUE BIRD

 

Castle Hill 12.00pm Thursdays

Rouse Hill 10.45am Wednesdays

ENROL NOW!  Just fill up the form and I will send you an invoice.

 

Toddler Music Classes

Wiggle & Grow (18mths-3yrs)

Encourages Creativity and Confidence 

HOW DO YOU FEEL

Castle Hill 10.00am Mondays or Thursdays

Rouse Hill 10.00am Wednesdays

ENROL NOW!  Just fill up the form and I will send you an invoice.

Preschool kids Music Classes

Laugh & Learn (3-5yrs)

Inspires imagination and musical curiosity!

let's play

 

Castle Hill 11.00am  Thursdays

ENROL NOW! Just fill up the form and I will send you an invoice.

 

 

The ONE VOICE of LAH LAHs’ TINA HARRIS

I met the beautiful and talented, Tina Harris, at our annual Kindermusik Australian/NZ Teachers Conference in Sydney 4 years ago. Fortunately,  I was invited to be guest presenter/Vocal Coach to the many uber talented Educators.

It’s so inspiring to be surrounded by women like her, who work so hard to bring music into people’s lives.

I’m so thrilled to have Tina  aka “Lah, Lah!” as our guest on the Blog.

It really goes to show that music is so powerful and a universal language.  There are so many aspects and directions that Music can take you.  That’s the beauty of it!

It’s a journey and it really can touch the soul of people no matter what age.  Let’s hear about Tina’s journey so far….

 Did you ever imagine your life the way it is today? How did you get to where you are now?

Oh that’s a hard question. The dream 20 years ago is so different from the dream 5 years ago. When I was a student I was studying Opera, so everything about music was really learning about languages, movement and acting. What I didn’t realize back then was that all that training was the perfect background for what I’m doing now. Performing as Lah-Lah, I get to use all the singing, dancing and acting but in a much more kid friendly kind of way.

Mark (my hubby) and I chased the music dream to Paris. But along the way we ended up in Japan teaching English.

Lah-Lah and Buzz leaving for New York, 2014

Lah-Lah and Buzz leaving for New York, 2014

I loved working with children and when we returned to Australia to have our first daughter; a friend suggested I look into Kindermusik. I opened the first Kindermusik school which soon became 4. It was a wonderful but crazy time. At the end of every term Mark and I would do a little show. Parents would also comment and say, ‘why don’t you do a big show’, so the idea was born.

Our first season was self produced, we put on 24 shows in two weeks (crazy when I look back now). We recorded a CD and off we went. Mark Plays in Monsieur Camembert so we put together a band of friends and Lah-Lah was off and running.

Out of season one Nickelodeon signed us to make video clips and the opera house and Enmore theater booked us for our first seasons.

 How do you balance motherhood and being a business-woman?

Gosh, I try to balance it and I always question myself on how it’s going, but that’s just being a Mum.

I think it’s important to take time out. Working from home is challenging because you can work all the time but I’m getting better at closing the office door and just having family time. We’ve also started a little routine where we play games after dinner at the table. Kids love this and so do I.

 

Harris Family

Mark, Tina and Lily and Emily

Best advice someone gave you about motherhood?

When it all gets too much, put the kettle on:)

 

Worst advice someone gave you about motherhood?

Oh gosh, is there such a thing? It’s all been pretty good…..

Tina & her Mum Cassie

Tina & her Mum Cassie

 

What are your thoughts about introducing music and movement classes to children?

Oh yes, it’s the most important thing. Music Music everywhere! There has been so much written in recent years on the benefits to learning and experiencing music. Young children get so much out of it and it’s good for them.

I am concerned that public schools in Australia don’t have enough of an emphasis on music early childhood curricular.

So, it’s so important that we expose our kids to as much music as is possible and different musical styles from all around the world.

What’s next for you?

Well the LIVE show begins touring Sydney in the April School holidays. This is a brand new show and we’re writing it at the movement.

webAprilTourAd

Then the Lah-Lah’s Adventures TV series starts.  It’s on 7TWO on April 28th at 8am. It’s a brand new Preschool music show and nothing like it has been done before. All the music is recorded with beautiful musicians and we even have live underscore as part of the live action.

7TwoLaunchStarburst_v1

Live tour begins April 14th

April 14 – Castle Hill RSL Club

Castle Hill NSW Venue: Castle Hill RSL Club, 77 Castle St, Castle Hill Time:10:30am show

More info: www.castlehillrsl.com.au

April 15 – Parramatta RSL Club

Parramatta NSW Venue: corner Macquarie and O’Conell Streets, Parramatta Time:10:30am show

More info: www.parramattarsl.com.au

April 16 – Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club

Canterbury NSW Venue: Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club Time: 10:30am show

More info: www.chprsl.com.au

April 17 – The Juniors

Kingsford NSW Venue: The Juniors, 558A Anzac Parade, Kingsford Time: 11:00am show

More info: /www.thejuniors.com.au

April 22 – Harbord Diggers Club

Harbord NSW Venue: Harbord Diggers Club, 66-78 Evans St Freshwater Time: 10:30am show

More info: www.harborddiggers.com.au

April 23 – Blacktown Workers Club

Blacktown NSW Venue: Blacktown Workers Club, 55 Campbell St Blacktown Time: 10:30am

April 24 – North Sydney Leagues Club

North Sydney NSW Venue: North Sydney Leagues Club Time: 10:30am show

April 30 – Casula Powerhouse

Casula NSW Venue: Casula Powerhouse, 1 Powerhouse Rd, Casula Time: 10:30am show

Cutest thing you have ever come across at a live show?

We have a wonderful family of triplets who follows us around from show to show. I remember the first time I came out on stage and they were all dressed up like mini Lah-Lah’s including their Mum who was wearing red and white socks!

LahLah

 

To celebrate our new website- Kindermusik with Tina Bangel has teamed up with our friends at Lah-Lah to bring you some wonderful prizes.

If you value the importance of Music your child’s life then you have clicked on the right buttons!

I wish you luck during our exciting competition.

Music transforms lives and by entering this competition you have a chance to win an 8 week Kindermusik program for your child valued at $145.00. This will include 8 weekly 45min classes and Online materials.

Our bonues prizes will be CDs and DVDs from Lah Lah. We are excited to see Lah-Lah’s Adventures TV series start!  It will be on 7TWO on April 28th at 8am. Be sure to check out their live performances!

All you have to do is visit my Kindermusik page for details on how to enter! or Click on this link

ENTER HERE

Winner for the major Kindermusik prize must reside in Sydney but not restricted to the DVDs and CDs. Competition ends on the 1st of April, 2014.

Share for more chances to win!

Good Luck!

Tina 🙂