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Displaying posts tagged with: singer

The art of celebrating your wins – Inspired by Lea Salonga

Here we were at the back of the bar at the Intercontinental hotel.  “Hi! I’m Tina!” I said as I shook Leas’ hand.  “Yes! We met on Twitter!” Lea said.

Wow! My hero, my idol, someone that I have looked up to for over 30 years remembers me. She had responded to my blog post just before her Sydney concert: You can read it here: How to deal with Haters, Critics and Judgemental people

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She told us how starving she was after her Sydney Concert at the Sydney Town Hall. I had an out of “body experience” as I sat next to Lea while she ate her burger and chips.

I think that’s the experience you get when you are in the moment.

You see everything slowing down. Yep! That’s the state I wanted to be in when I met my hero.

After years of learning her songs and listening to her recordings, I reflected back. If I had made the first Sydney cast of Miss Saigon, would I have been at this table next to Lea Salonga? I think not….

This is where my life was meant to be.

I look back and think everything has a time, there is a purpose and trust God or the universe.

I felt like all the hustle, let downs and the highs had led to this very moment.

I was happy to just “BE.”

Be in the moment. Be me.

This was my celebration.

I didn’t need to get the “selfie” with Lea.

I was just happy to soak everything in. Thank you Lea for being so gracious and down to earth. I enjoyed just chatting about our families and life.

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I am thankful to our mutual friend Rosary for introducing us.  A bigger thank you to Rob and Christian for their patience.

Carol Monoloto, thank you for including my students and I at Lea’s first ever Sydney concert, what an incredible experience! Thank you to the production team, fellow support artists and especially to Andrew Baris, our dance teacher, who has the gift of bringing out the best out of us!

Thank you to the One Voice families and students for your continued support. I am extremely proud of the kids who put their heart and soul into their performances.

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How do you celebrate your wins? Do you celebrate your wins? Tell us in the comments below.

Like, comment, and  share this post with someone you think should celebrate more often!

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I want you to think about your latest achievement and make sure you give yourself a pat on the back. Sometimes we forget and we move on to the next goal.

You deserve that celebration.

Musically your Tina xx

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If you loved these amazing photos Photo Credit goes to: Dennis Pelaez dpelaezphotography.com.au (the twins’ dad)

Thank you Cherlize’s dad Cy for taking this footage of our performance.

If you would like a copy of Be heard you can download it here on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/be-heard/id944094298?i=944094307

 

 

The One Voice of Karly Nimmo – How to become a voice over artist

Karly Nimmo is the host of very popular business podcast Karlosophies

After a seriously bad haircut (a ‘frullet’) from an evil hairdresser who, after revealing his disaster, dared to mutter the words ‘There! Now you have the perfect head for radio!’, Karly decided she was far too attractive to continue in radio land. It was time for a change. While her stunning looks made her an obvious choice for a life in front of the camera, her nous for business, warm vocal abilities, terrible haircut and emotionally scarring from said hairdresser, led her straight to the recording booth.

She has voiced, and co-ordinated projects for big names… like Telstra, NAB, Panasonic, Sensis, McAfee, Jims, Ebay and Brambles. In addition, Karly has narrated a 26 part television series, can be heard in schools Australia wide via electronic whiteboards and has played many a character in children’s software programs. Her friendly, unpatronising and well rounded sound makes her ideal for learning – at both an adult and children’s level.

While her once hideous hair cut is these days just a distant memory, the emotional scarring remains… she is destined to be behind the mic (and behind the business) and, thankfully, that is where she’ll remain.

It’s difficult to put someone like Karly Nimmo into just one box.  At her very core, Karly is a connector, communicator and creator.  She also wears hats as a small business mentor, mastermind facilitator, voice over artist and agent, keen podcaster and writer, but above all, a devoted and loving mother. Oh and she’s funny as all hell.

We chat about:

  1. How she got started as a voice over artist
  2. How she prepares for her Voice over work?
  3. Who are her mentors and who she draws inspiration from?
  4. How to create a portable sound booth
  5. Advice would you give to someone who is looking into using their voice as a career.

Karly’s tips to becoming a Voice over Artist

  1. Try getting experience on community Radio
  2. Be proactive Source work
  3. Access to a studio
  4. Have equipment
  5. Be available
  6. Be committed and consistent

Equipment

  1. Blue Yeti
  2. USB mic – that Plugs and Plays
  3. Software – Garageband,Audacity is free thank can edit
  4. Space – acoustic form room – Anything to soften the space even your wardrobe
  5. Pop filter
  6. Headphones – anything that’s closed, be aware of
  7. Port-a-booth – IKEA boxes lined with mattress foam

You can connect with Karly at :

http://killerkopy.com.au/

You can listen to our interview here on iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/one-voice-can-change-world/id996957012?mt=2

You can watch the video here:

 

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Websites & Podcasts we chat about

Download your free cheatsheet – 5 essential tips to get your album started http://www.tinabangel.com/starmakerguide

Lewis Howes – The School of Greatness https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/school-greatness-lewis-howes/id596047499?mt=2

Johnathon Fields – The good life project https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/good-life-project-inspiration/id647826736?mt=2

Kassandra Bibas – She runs the show https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/podcast-for-women-entrepreneurs/id953470376?mt=2

B-school  with Marie Forleo http://www.marieforleo.com/

 

When is the best time to start private music lessons for my child?

When is the best time to start formal music lessons for my child?

Parents ask me this question all the time.  My answer is always the same.

It depends on the child.

It’s fantastic that your child loves music. Give them every opportunity to keep the love of music alive and burning. Take them to live children’s shows, listen to music in the car, listen to the birds sing and the sounds of nature, make homemade instruments using pots and pans as drums or water bottles with rice as shakers, take them to structured music classes.

My concern is when you start a child in private lessons too early, let’s say at the age of 3 or 4, may lose the joy of just playing and exploring and by the time they hit 7yrs or 8yrs old they have no interest because they have loss the joy of being curious about the instrument or the voice. They may find practice and performing a chore.

If it’s not fun, each practice session, especially the one at home, may feel like a performance. The pressure of always having to perform can be too overwhelming. When you have pressure it leads to tension, which then restricts the voice or sound from coming out the best it can, it then leads to poor practice and limited improvement. Unfortunately, it then becomes a cycle. I have seen and heard parents tell me stories such as this.

There are exceptions; I had a student (whom I taught Vocals to in high school) who started drumming at 11 months old. His dad used to tie him to the chair so he wouldn’t fall off. This student became a child prodigy in drumming and was awarded multiple awards and scholarships by the age of 8. He now works as a jazz musician and is being mentored by James Morrison.

Here are a few tips to help prepare your child for private lessons:

1.  Make sure you take him to a structured music class that prepares them for private tuition. Does the class foster Active listening skills? This skill is a learnt behaviour and is different “overhearing” the teacher or music.

  1. Do parents stay in the class or wait in the waiting room during the structured music class? Having a class like this would be a great start to help your child with separation anxiety.
  1. Does your child like to explore the instrument e.g. plays the drum inside and out? Does he tap on the resonator bar on the plastic and the metal part? Does he try to disassemble the instrument and try to put it back together, does he shake the tambourine and then rolls it so see and hear the difference in sound. This is wonderful!! It’s a process that must be embraced.

I encourage you to find a teacher that is willing to let that control go- the control of “Playing the instrument the proper way”(of course it must be explored in a safe and appropriate manner) and there should be allocated time to play the instrument the proper way after exploration.

Your child’s curiosity must be celebrated. The more he explores the more he understands the instrument and how to play it. Take for example if someone handed us an ice-cream for the first time we would instinctly smell it, touch it, break the cone, taste it with the tip of our tongue- we would explore it to figure out what it is, what its made of, where it came from and what it does.

  1. Does your child need to move? Is your child a child that learns through movement? Does the class incorporate movement together with music concepts in a fun, relate-able and engaging way?
  1. Does your child flourish with a small group or a big group? Sometime having group lessons are a fantastic idea. Some shy kids have the opportunity to observe and then try it out in the safety of others. It can also build confidence without the pressure of performing. Your child can learn from other children. Or your child may display leadership skills. Being in a group helps foster ensemble play which develops social skills. Being able to play with others and taking turns is an important skill needed as a musician. Once again this is a learnt behavior.

6. Is your child physically ready (have they developed their fine motor-skills, are their fingers long enough to reach the keys on a piano) can your child read yet? Are just some more questions to consider?

If you are not sure, why rush? Music is a life long gift, which can be enjoyed at so many levels and at any age.

Every parent believes his or her child is special. And they are! Every child is special. Only you can foster and nurture that creativity, joy and spirited awakening that only music can give.

My advice is to be persitant in a caring and loving way. Don’t just do a structured music class for a few weeks and stop or move to another class or school – give your child consistency and let them settle into a class, it may take 8 weeks for them to settle and get to know their surroundings and group dynamics. Be aware of your child’s needs.

Let it be for your child’s heart and don’t make the mistake that your child needs to perform for you.

Music is a beautiful gift for not only your child, but also for your family- it can bond a family together.

Which ever you decide let it remain a beautiful gift in the eyes and ears of your child and give your child something to sing about!

If you found this blog useful or know someone who needs this advice please like, comment and share this post.

 

 

 

How not to feel Jealous of people’s singing success

At 7, I wanted to be like Lea Salonga. I was ecstatic when my auntie bought me Lea ‘s first album – I listened to that album everyday. I would say to my mum look we have the same dimple and hairstyle, I copied her voice. I was just a little darker and I had a bigger forehead and lopsided ponytails.
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At 9, I wanted to be like my Uncle Rod Dingle who was on a show called New faces. I would watch him sing at functions in awe.

Tina with One Voice Students singing Be heard

Tina with One Voice Students singing Be heard

Rod Dingle with former One Voice student and Miss Philippines-Australia Melanie Balagtas

Rod Dingle with former One Voice student and Miss Philippines-Australia Melanie Balagtas

At 10, I wanted to be Tina Arena on young talent time. I was so happy that she had the same first name as mine. I was so happy when people would call me Tina Arena on the school playground.

Tina and One Voice Singing Be heard

Tina and One Voice Singing Be heard

At 12, I saw a group of filipino singers singing at a friends house. I wanted to be like the lady in the group- she had beautiful long hair, face and presence. I didn’t know who she was but I thought she was just beautiful.

Tina Bangel singing with One Voice Students (current and pass)

Tina Bangel singing with One Voice Students (current and pass)

At 13, I wanted to be like Danni Minogue on Young talent time with the crimped hair, white skin, big smile.

At 19, I wanted to be like Lea Salonga on Broadway. I auditioned for musicals like Miss Saigon and was fortunate enough to be in the Miss Saigon school. They gave us free singing and dance lessons for a whole year. Unfortunately, I didn’t make it into the Sydney show.
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At 21, I wanted to be like my first singing teacher who was singing on the midday show and sung on the showboat. She encouraged me to audition on the Showboat. Looking back, it wasn’t my time; I wasn’t ready mentally and physically for it.
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At 22, I wanted to be part of the next girl group and auditioned for a producer. I had no idea how to harmonize, we did a few recordings and things didn’t work out.
Tina with friends Pam Picart, Clarissa Bock, Steff Martonhelyi

Tina with friends Pam Picart, Clarissa Bock, Steff Martonhelyi

Tina with friends Pam Picart, Clarissa Bock, Steff Martonhelyi

Beautiful firends Pam Picart, Clarissa Bock, Steff Martonhelyi

Beautiful firends Pam Picart, Clarissa Bock, Steff Martonhelyi

At 22, I wanted to be like the singers at Wonderland, I was envious of their makeup, amazing voices and harmonies as well as costumes. I was especially jealous watching them sing while I was waiting tables serving nuggets and chips by the lakeside.
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Talented Ballroom dancers Brian Lorenz and Wendy He

Talented Ballroom dancers Brian Lorenz and Wendy He

At 24, I wanted to be like the girl on High 5 – Kathleen De Leon- who was ironically my vocal teacher for a short period of time. She had wrote me a Christmas card saying “Remember me when you are famous!” haa haa… Hope she remembers me now that she is famous.
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At 25, I wanted to be like Lillian Delos Reyes (the lady I admired when I was 12) capturing the audience’s attention with her stage presence. I was frustrated because I had compared myself to her; I wanted to be confident enough to talk to the audience exactly like her.

At 27, I wanted to write songs. I wrote my first song when Rob and I got married.
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At 28, I wanted to be like Celine Dion. Big voice beautiful stage presence, beautiful soul. I started do gigs with some of the beautiful wonderland girls whom I used to envy. I was a lead Vocalist for an all girl band-did the hard gigs, lugged heavy speakers, dealt with drunk punters.
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At 29, I wanted to be part of a group that was established so I could learn how to harmonize so I auditioned for a group called Mid Nyt Sun. At last, I really felt part of a team we sung at pubs, clubs, weddings, corporate gigs. We won awards such as Australian Club Entertainment award. I also worked with Van who I hadn’t seen since high school days!

Van Sereno

Van Sereno

Van Sereno

Van Sereno

Van Sereno

Van Sereno

At 31, I wanted to plan for a baby and learn how to incorporate music into my life with a bub so I opened up my Kindermusik school and kept building on my One Voice School. I was offered the job of being the resident Wednesday night singer for Captain Cook cruises.

One Voice School of Singing

One Voice School of Singing

At 32, I had Christian and still kept singing while pregnant. I had to learn how to surrender…a lot.

Tina Bangel singing with One Voice Students (current and pass)

Tina Bangel singing with One Voice Students (current and pass)

At 35, I wanted to step up a level as a mentor and professional singer.

Lionel Cole

Lionel Cole

Lionel Cole

Lionel Cole

36, 37, 38, 39 I just plodded along……kept doing the work…

Lionel Cole and Tina Bangel Singing Evergreen

Lionel Cole and Tina Bangel Singing Evergreen

Lionel Cole, Tina Bangel,   Brian Lorenz and Wendy He dancing to Dorothy Ruby Shoes

Lionel Cole, Tina Bangel,
Brian Lorenz and Wendy He dancing to Dorothy Ruby Shoes

Lionel Cole, Brian Lorenz, Wendy He performing to Dorothy Ruby Shoes

Lionel Cole, Brian Lorenz, Wendy He performing to Dorothy Ruby Shoes

Tina Bangel and Lionel Cole

At 40, I wanted to be MEjust me

It was too hard trying being someone else, sounding like someone else and looking like someone else.

Tina Bangel

Tina Bangel

Tina Bangel

Tina Bangel

So I released my very first EP

Tina Bangel Be heard EP

Tina Bangel Be heard EP

I did it my way and surrounded myself with people who matter, who didn’t bring me down, who lifted me higher, who didn’t tell me that I was too old!!!

I embraced my big forehead, my beauty spots, and my wrinkles.

I sung the songs my way- not they way that was expected or copied and that was hard to let go of.

Lionel Cole and Tina Bangel

Lionel Cole and Tina Bangel

Tina Bangel and Lionel Cole

Tina Bangel and Lionel Cole

I have Lionel Cole and Van Sereno to thank for that. Lionel’s wise words…”Just Sing” …haa haa so obvious but true!
Tina Bangel and Lionel Cole

So I still want to be the best singer, mentor, friend, wife and mum that I can be. Just being me!

So to avoid frustration and jealousy, swim in your own lane.

I know these feelings are natural and can be a little healthy but not to the point where you end up feeling stuck and put yourself down.

  • Don’t compare yourself with someone who is younger than you.
  • Don’t compare yourself to someone who is older than you or someone who has more experience.
  • Not everyone is going to like you. So don’t try to win them over focus on the people who do genuinely care.
  • Stay in your own lane, keep your head down and work towards your personal best.
  • Don’t try to be like someone else, embrace your down falls, embrace your successes.
  • Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something! Find a way to achieve it and WORK YOUR BUTT OFF!!

Celebrate YOU! Because YOU are Special!

What I want you to do now is to write a list of things that you love about you.  What makes you unique? What do people compliment you on? What are you really good at? Are you great at talking to people, do you get along well with friends, do you easily pick up tunes, are you creative.  I’m sure if you think really hard you can find one thing that you are happy about.

Now tell me have you ever felt jealous of others and how did you overcome it? Comment below – your answers may help someone else.

Are you feeling frustrated now? Tell us in the comments below what you are going to do right now to stay in your own lane?

If you enjoyed this post please like, comment and share.

A special thank you to Craig Peihopa for these amazing shots and for the artwork and design for my EP.
You can contact Craig at Timeline Photography at the following links:
http://www.timelinephoto1.com phone: 0418 29 7715

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Thank you to all the friends and family who supported the Double Album Launch of myself and Van Sereno. Thank you to My amazing One Voice students and their families for being part of it.

Thank you to our band Casper Tromp, George Nikolopoulos, Dauno Martinez and Buddy!

Thank you to Marija for my makeup and hair.  Also to Alphie Sadsad who did my hair and make up for my EP cover.

Thank you to our Sponsors Born2perform, Seacret, Arnel Bautista, Dawning Soul, Timeline Photopgraphy, One Voice, Kindermusik, Planet Tel, Megaworld, Western Union, Life Skills Centre for Kids.

 

13 Australian-Filipino singers who paved the way on Aussie TV

Let’s face it! There are so many talented Filipinos in the world.…

Here are 13 Aussie – Filipinos who have paved the way on Australian TV singing competitions (New faces, Star search, X factor, The Voice, The Voice kids)  over the decades.

Lillian Delos Reyes – 1982 1st place winner of Channel 10’s “You’re a Star”

Rod Dingle, Roanne Monte, Phinemm Nelson – New faces contestants

 Kathleen De Leon – 3rd place in New faces and original member of Hi 5

Now comes all the footages thanks to social media……

Chelsea Castillo – 2009 top 5 in Australia’s got Talent

Abigail Adriano – 2014 The Voice kids

 Jerson Trinidad – New faces and 1st place for Star Search and recently the battles on the Voice 2013

 Anthony Dellamarta (who is my cousin, by the way) – 2013 The Voice battles

Fely Irvine -2014 The Voice – she was also on Hi-5.

Jhoanna Aguila – 2014 The Voice

In this is the clip Will.I.am says “You were sent here and I’m supposed to work with you for the Filipino people…….”  Will.i.am…..planted a seed!!!

Trill – 2014 X factor

Now 15 year old Marlissa Punzalan 2014 winner of X factor!

Congratulations Marlisa! We are so proud of you!

Marlisa's new Single

Marlisa’s new Single

X-factor strategically ran with the Filipino theme this year – showcasing a huge amount of talented Filipinos from the very beginning and eventually casting the talented young singer Marlisa!

Wow…what a journey they put us on! They knew all along how Filos get behind each other….just like what Will.i.am said would happen!

No matter what show or how far you made it ……You all make the Aussie-Filipino community proud! 

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Singing Higher and Higher

 

I was lucky enough to work with Bernadette, Mikee, Chelsea and Marlisa organise a tune for the Sharon Cuneta Concert in 2012

I was lucky enough to help Bernadette, Mikee,Chelsea and Marlisa with a tune for the Sharon Cuneta Concert in 2012 Photo Credit: Timeline Photography

It’s amazing how far these reality show have come. What would we do without our social media and mobile phones!

WHO WILL BE NEXT???

Have I missed any names? Let me know….

THE ONE VOICE OF JENNIFER PAIGE

During my visit to the USA in 2013,  I met with Jennifer Paige. She invited us to come to her Christmas gig at Orchard Supply Hardware store in Yorba Linda, CA. Being the Voice in their recent Jingle,  Jen had numerous Christmas gigs for the company. She was also promoting her wonderful Christmas album.

Excuse the blurry photo. We had actually just arrive in LA that afternoon and headed straight to the gig hence the piece of luggage Christian was holding!

Christian, Tina & Jennifer Paige

Christian, Tina & Jennifer Paige

“I see you blowin me a kiss… it doesn’t take a scientist… to understand what’s goin on…baby….”

I bet those lyrics just rolled off your tongue…(it’s just like riding a bike but in the singing sense). 

“Crush” was the song you needed up your sleeves, if you were in the Sydney Cover band scene 12 years ago!   Many singers have agreed that they found themselves quiet clever just being able to string the words together…it was a wonderful song to sing and I fondly remember it being heavily requested during my gigs.

I am so honoured to have Jennifer Paige as our special guest artist.  Jen generously shares her music industry experiences in the hope of inspiring our One Voice students and budding performers!  It’s also the day of her new project release. 

 

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  • Tell us what you have been up to since your hit song “Crush”?

After my debut release, my album went gold/platinum in 16 countries and I toured the world for two years. I came back to Los Angeles to record my 2nd album, Positively Somewhere. Again, more touring; and, the recording of my 3rd album, Best Kept Secret. My most recent release was last December with my first Christmas record, Holiday.  I’ve been fortunate enough to continue making records and to also sing on many behind the scenes projects for films like Autumn in New York, Simply Irrisistible and Smart People and lots of tv shows.  I’ve been the voice of countless advertising campaigns, most recently, Overstock.com; and I’ve written songs for other artists, including the bands York and Smashmouth. A lot has happened in the years following my first single, “Crush”. I’m always grateful for the opportunities that come my way, and every new accomplishment is a reminder to keep walking in the direction of my dreams.

  • When did you know you wanted to make singing your career and how did it come about?

I’ve known since I was a little girl – maybe 5 years old, or so. It became more serious for me in High School. I did many talent shows and was accepted into the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts. After school I went on the road with a band and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue my dreams of becoming a recording artist. I sang for anyone who would listen. I sang in local bands and sang demos for many local songwriters, including hit-songwriter Andy Goldmark. We ended up making my first record together. It was a very natural process. No one could’ve predicted I would have my first record deal within a year of moving to L.A.  Fate, luck – who knows?

  • What is the best advice you can give a young singer who wants to make a career in music?

Sing anywhere & everywhere. Family events, church, talent shows, auditions, learn to play an instrument, join a band, begin writing poems and lyrics. If you don’t play an instrument, don’t stress – that’s why we co-write. Best advice I can give you: When your big break comes, be ready. 🙂

  • Where does your inspiration for songwriting or singing  come from?

Every day life, people. nature, a great story, movies!

  • Do you take singing lessons or any sort of training?

I sing quite a bit in songwriting sessions & recording sessions so that keeps my voice in shape. I think it’s a great idea to contunue lessons, no matter what level of ability you have; but, if I’m honest, I haven’t made the time for lessons in a very long time. I am pretty aware of my vocal strengths and weaknesses, and I always try be well prepared for recording. Even something simple like drinking hot tea with honey and warming up my voice on the drive to the studio can make all the difference.

  • What are your future plans?

I’m gearing up to release my latest with my duo, Paige & Palermo – Stay EP releases on June 4, 2013

P&P cover
  • How did you develop your new sound?

Other than a duet with Nick Carter from the Backstreet Boys, and a couple of international collaborations, I’ve worked as a solo artist.  Paige & Palermo is myself and a talented artist named Coury Palermo. We co-created this new sound while writing the songs and experimenting with different styles. Our style is very much a combination of both of our solo styles – that produced a somewhat moody, singer/songwriter infused Pop.

  • What advice would you give a parent who has a child interested in making a career in Music?

Pray.  A lot.  It aint for the faint of heart.  That’s what my parents would say… 😉

  • Best advice anyone has ever given you?

Know who you are as an artist. No one has the time or the energy to figure that out for you.

Once again! Thank you for reading and contributing to the conversation! We love to hear from you…

If you liked this post or inspired by Jen let us know by commenting below.
Tell us 3 things that you will do this month to help you reach your dream of becoming a better singer!
Musically yours! Tina xo
 
You can purchase Paige and Palermo album – Stay at the iTunes link below.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stay-ep/id647856281

Soundcloud    

www.soundcloud.com/paigeandpalermo

Facebook        
Twitter              
 

Protecting Original Music through APR

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AN INTERVIEW WITH ANN VIOLATA FROM SBS FILIPINO RADIO!

I hope you enjoy listening to it.

Ann Violata from SBS FIlipino Radio asks how can these original songs sung and written by people in the music industry be protected especially here in Australia?

The song features my original song called One Voice co-written by Singer/songwriter Van Sereno.

Please be aware that most of the interview is in Tagalog although my answers are in English.

If you have any questions about APRA or songwriting please leave a comment or email me.  I would love to connect!

Tina 🙂

 

THE ONE VOICE OF MR. RYAN CAYABYAB

My parents were lucky enough to Host Mr. C and his wonderful band members-Krina (Keyboardist), Juarde (Drummer), Dave (Bass guitar) & Junji (guitarist) during the RCS Australian tour in Sydney at Castle Hill,  November 13th 2009.

I found Mr. C so humble and down to earth. He is an Icon in the Philippines, a living legend who has greatly influenced and shaped Filipino music and culture.

The concert was Amazing!  The RCS (Ryan Cayabyab Singers) voices blended beautifully yet individually had their own unique sounds, style and tones that made their solo parts captivating.

Apart from their voices the simple and effective choreography was top-notch.  Their coordinated costumes looked so stylish and oozed elegant simplicity.

 

 

I finally got the courage to ask Mr. C if he could answer a few questions for my blog.  Hope you all enjoy his answers.  I certainly did.

HI there Tina. I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.

But before that, I wish to thank you and most specially your dad and Mom for taking us into your house, I worry much though because I think we made such a mess of your otherwise clean and well-kept house!!!!

Your mom cooks very well, and both your mom and dad are so much fun to talk and exchange stories with.

Here are my answers:

 

1. Your daughter Krina toured with you in Sydney and is part of your band.  How did you introduce her to music and at what age? And what did you do to help encourage her to pursue her music career.

Krina had seen me do my work (arranging, writing new music) at the piano since she could walk, or since she could remember. We noticed that she already had a good ear as a kid, she was in tune every time she sings and her natural tones were always ‘placed’ – no chest tones, no throaty sounds emanated from her as a kid, she had a naturally placed voice. We let her take piano lessons as soon as she turned three (same with my son) because as music educators, both Emmy (my wife) and I believe that early music education helps children grow up to become good, productive citizens – of course this does not manifest itself immediately, but as the person grows, because the discipline instilled in learning a musical skill is deeply ingrained. We have seen it in Krina; we also see it in Toma (our 18 year old son).

Discipline here doesn’t mean a certain rigidity in time and schedules, and in the military sense of discipline but more of a natural learning mechanism or method that supports the adage ‘pratice makes perfect’.

We all know what it means when we say practice makes perfect. But the end effect of this mantra is that the result makes for a satisfying feeling, a reward in itself.

We did not push Krina into a music career, it was her own decision. Let me give you an example of how we tried to discourage her early on.

When she was in grade school she wanted so much to join their year level singing competitions. We told her not to join – not because we just didn’t want her to join, but because she wouldn’t win this kind of competitions. Singing competitions in our country always focuses on the ‘birit’ or power singing – the louder and the higher the voice, the better the chance of winning. She wouldn’t win in this competition because Krina’s natural voice is not loud, and although hers was a soprano range, her voice quality was crystalline – pure and cherubic!

One day she came home from school (she was in grade two) she was crying so hard and we asked her why. She said she joined the singing competition (without our knowledge) and she didn’t win. It was such a heartbreaking moment. I think she was crying more because we told her before not to join any singing competition…

She joined again the next year. She lost again. But by the time she was in Grade 4 or 5, she finally won! Hurray! But we never knew how she did it, because we never encouraged her anyway! (We surmised that 1. Her main competitors in the past didn’t join any more; 2. She picked a better song to sing; 3. Her personality is such that she doesn’t stop until she gets what she wants…and that practice makes perfect)

Today she heads an all female jazz trio as music director, arranger and lead soprano. They do gigs in various music outlets – pubs, corporate events, and university functions. Plus, she will march next year

With a bachelor’s degree in music, major in choral conducting, summa cum laude at the University of the Philippines College of Music.

Did we influence her? Not consciously, but more like she imbibed it naturally – just by listening and observing. Just the way I did it as a child living in a house with ten lady boarders taking up music, and with a mother who was an opera singer (my dad wasn’t musical at all!), and with siblings who love to sing and play music.

2.  What advice can you give to parents who want to introduce music to their children?

From the above (answer to #1) – it should be evident that either one of the parents must love music, must indulge in it, must be involved with music making, or must be a music lover of the first degree. When young children are taught music via the Suzuki method; the parents are required to do follow through exercises at home.

But I have heard other musicians who grew up with parents who are not musical at all. Life is a mystery.

3.  Are there any reading resources or music that you would recommend to any parent, singing teacher or performer?

None that I can think of at the moment. But I think parents should research on music methods that they can be comfortable with for their children.

By the way, my two children attended a pre-school that had a very strong music program, involving various music education methods (Kodaly, Orff, etc) and very active music teachers who were very influential in shaping their musical skills. (By the way, Emmy and I never attempted to teach our children piano or voice – they had to be taught by other teachers in our music school. Eventually, our son Toma learned not only piano, but also voice, drums and guitar. He is not going to be a musician but his training in music will be a source of inspiration, or a source from where he can relate to abstract structures vis a vis every-day routines and realities)

4.  What are you listening to on your Ipod or CD player at the moment?

None. I try not to listen to as much music as possible because as a music writer, it is difficult not to be influenced by what one hears. I did listen much to music before, through my formative, educational years. A lot of classical or serious music is inside my head and when I listen to them being played I connect right away. Same with other genres of music.

5. You mentioned in your Sydney concert that your last composition was your tribute to “Vegemite” for your Australian tour-which was perfect by the way-do you have any more plans to compose more songs in the near future?

I regularly write music for recordings, commercials, institutional, film, TV and theater. The experience I had tasting vegemite inspired me to write the song. It is supposed to be a novelty song.

6. Now that you have arrived home from Sydney, What is your next project?

I have a concert with Piolo Pascual (a Filipino multi-media artist) on Nov. 28, and the ABS-CBN annual Christmas Specials on Dec. 11. There are other gigs and commissions in between. That means a lot of writing

music materials, rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing…until we perfect the songs.

And lucky last

7. What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Be the best in whatever you do, be an authority – and everything else follows. (And to be the best, one has to learn the ropes, learn everything about your career choice…plus, you must love what it is you are doing)

Again, thanks for the hospitality and give my best to Mom, Dad, Rob and Christian.

Mr.C

 

Thank you Mr. C for your inspiration and for bringing beautiful music into our lives!

Were you inspired too? Leave a comment below

 

Musically yours Tina