» singing

The Vision

Posted July 12, 2016 by Tina Bangel & filed under ONE VOICE

What is a Vision?

A vision is a dream or a thought that never leaves your sight. It’s there when you wake in the morning until you rest your head at night.

It’s not quite a destination but it is the masterpiece that when you look back you can see the puzzle prices fitting together.

Sometimes it’s ok not to have a solid clear vision, but as our journey continues we just need to focus on how we want to feel at the end of every day.

You may find yourself pivoting at times but other times you may feel that you are on the right path.

What do you do to stay focused?

Surround yourself with people who lift you up and bring out the best in you. It may be a group of family or friends who are like minded.

I have a mastermind group that I consult with every fortnight.
Together we hold each other accountable for the top 3 goals we wish to achieve within that fortnight.
We help each other with challenges and celebrate our wins. It’s so helpful to have people help you think outside the box or bounce ideas off each other.

Finding golden nuggets in resources are handy to keep your focus. I listen to podcasts such as the School Of Greatness by Lewis Howes. I also have my own podcast called One Voice can change the world with Tina Bangel. I interview singers, performers whom I feel are inspiring and are at a level that performers can aspire towards. I hire coaches, I read books and watch Ted talks or motivational YouTube clips to help me keep on track.

My favourite all time Ted talk is starting with your Why by Simon Sinik. It’s one of the top most watched Ted talk. When you watch it you will understand why.
Sinik mentions why we need to start with our why.

He explains why any person or organization can explain what they do; some can explain how they are different or better; but very few can clearly articulate why.

WHY is not about money or profit – those are results.WHY is the thing that inspires us and inspires those around us.

When you know your why a clear vision can be formed.

When you know your why the navigation toward your distination becomes easier and much smoother.

From Martin Luther King, Jr. to Steve Jobs to the Wright Brothers,
Start with Why shows that the leaders who inspire all think, act, and communicate in the exact same way – and it’s the complete opposite of what everyone else does.

It’s a must read for anyone who wants to know how to stay focused.

When is the best time to create a life vision?
My earliest memory of wanting to be a singer was as young as 7 years old, As I held my favourite records in my hand I would imagine myself on stage. Subconsciously I feel I worked towards that dream.
We should never underestimate the power of a vision, even a young child’s vision.

My mother has her slum book from when she was much younger and her sisters filled out the section that asked – what is your ambition: one sister wrote at the age of 6 years old – to heal the sick. She is a doctor with her own medical surgery. Often she travels the world to conduct medical missions.

For myself I had plenty of goals. Goals to learn how to sing, goals to be a session singer, goals to be a working vocalist in a corporate band or wedding singer.

After achieving many of these goals I realised that I lacked motivation. It felt like I was travelling to gigs, singing to the audience and then hoping back in the van, home, sleep and then doing it all over again.

I lacked vision and a purpose. I didn’t know my WHY.

Over the years I have discovered that music and singing is much more powerful. Teaching singing and a program called Kindermusik helped me see the power it has in the life of a child. It helped them emotionally, physically, mentally and socially.

After years of teaching and performing I now know that my Why is to help children Be Heard. Be Heard so they can express and deal with life and everyday situations. Be Heard through singing.

Helping them believe that their voice is important.

Helping them through the joys of music and singing.

I truly believe that if you give a child the confidence to use their voice and express their soul then they have the ability to change the world around them.

photo credit: Timeline Photography

3 tips that can help reach your goals:

1. Create a vision board
– add photos and words that inspire you
– cut pictures of your dreams and goals
If you are a singer perhaps it may be a photo of a stage you would like to perform. Get specific on the space, the audience, is it a huge stage or an intimate stage.
– if you want a dream job cut out photos of the office you would like to work at, images.
I had a dream of one day giving my students and opportunity to sing in Disneyland and cut out a photo of Julie Andrews with a bunch of children in the classic Disneyland Mickey Mouse Cap. It took 10 years for it to happen.

2. Visualisation

Visualise how you want to perform or your dream job. Imagine yourself in that position. Imagine the smells, the atmosphere and play the perfect movie in your mind.

3. Create

Do something small or big everyday that leads towards your dream or vision.
Connect with the people that you feel can help you. Make the calls. Step Out of your comfort zone. Just DO!

Vision…

It’s more than a goal

It’s bigger than ourselves

It seems that there is never the right time to create your vision. When it comes to you, it will light you up your soul. It will fuel you to the core!

Tell me in the comments below what lights you up or tell me your big vision? Putting it out into the universe may help it come to fruition a little faster!

If you enjoyed this blog please like, comment and share it with your friends.

If you would like to help spread the word about our crowdfunding campaign called Project Be Heard, feel free to answer a few quick questions and be on our street team. You will be helping so many children deal with their struggles through music therapy. Click here to be on our street team: https://forms.typeform.io/to/fww8kJtDX2

Musically yours

Tina ???

What a Vocal teacher learnt while singing with Charice

Posted April 13, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under ONE VOICE

My journey as a Vocal coach and singer is thankfully fruitful. I feel like a tree with many branches, each branch has many buds that bloom into beautiful flowers, some die and fall to the ground and others take time to blossom.

The branches represent the many hats I need to wear.

Teaching one on one, learning my craft as a singer, taking care of administrative work, marketing, promoting and so on.

The flowers represent the fruits of my labour.

The smiles on the kids faces, the happiness I see on the parents faces when they watch their child perform. The A-ha moments when students finally get what I am saying. When Rob tells me he is proud of me or when Christian tells me “That was nice singing Mum!”

I spend many hours developing the kids voices but also I do find myself chatting to them about life lessons.

So this is what I learnt over the pass weeks leading to the Charice live concert in Sydney until the moment One Voice students and I would share the stage with Charice.

1. People are willing to help make dreams happen.

Imagine all the sponsors, families, kids, producers putting their whole heart into this event. Promoting it, rehearsing for it and working to make it happen. It goes beyond just ONE PERSON! People all around the world help make this event happen – from Charice’s team to the wonderful Cruz family in the Philippines who made the One Voice shirts in such short notice. (Thank you to our shirt sponsors, Diaz Foundation, Australian Filipina/Help after Haiyan, Oz Pinoy Home loans – their help went toward the recording of the Be heard song)

2. A community was created because we believe that we can make a difference in a small way or another.

Thank you to all the people who interviewed us for the newspapers and radio. Those experiences really made a difference in the kids confidence.

Troy Laureta, Martin Serra, Daniel March, Dominic Cabrera, Tina Bangel and One Voice kids – I believe this was the silly face photo…I didn’t get the memo.

3. Don’t take things personally.

I am always the first to take things personally! I hate the feeling until I remind myself that people have a job to do and each of us have the intention (hopefully) to do good in the world. When people snap or treat us in a negative way it maybe because things weren’t communicated properly. It’s a learning experience so we can create bigger and better things in the future.

Charice with One Voice kids

4. Have the best team behind you.

Surround yourself with people who will lift your game up and genuinely want to you to succeed but who remind you to stay humble. Charice always brings a sound guy from Canada to make sure her Vocals even more amazing she also brings her musical director Troy Laureta to all her major shows. Piece of mind is the key so you can be the best you can on stage.

Tina Bangel with Troy Laureta, Martin Serra, Dominic Cabrera and Daniel March

5. There is no such thing as the ‘little person.”

Each person is important, from the guy who lovingly poured the beer for audience members so they can enjoy the concert to the lady at the front desk selling the tickets. We all have a job that is just as important as the next person’s job.

Jasper and Mylene just part of Cheers entertainment. Thank you for believing in us!

6. Expect the unexpected.

Deal with it and move on or maybe write a blog post about it! If things don’t go the way you want it to, learn to be assertive so it doesn’t happen again next time. I’m so thankful for Miss Pam Picarts help with the kids backstage. She was able to help us so much while there were things that were technically unavoidable. We needed to make changes super quick and I am so proud of the kid’s professionalism. Thanks to all the mid-year and end of year concerts that help us prepare for times like this!

Finale Pyramid

7. Ask for help!

I wanted something special for this event. I didn’t want to sing just another song. I wanted to create a song that will inspire the kids and also the audience. The song I co-wrote was Be Heard. It’s an inspirational song and the message is to not feel afraid to sing out or be yourself.

I had contacted Louie Ocampo after working with him on a few projects such as being a backing vocalist for Martin Nievera, Zsa-Zsa Padilla and Sharon Cuneta. He was so generous with his time to help mentor me with songwriting.

Charice singing the Earth song with One Voice Kids and Tina Bangel

8. You meet amazing people working towards a project or making dreams come true.

I was lucky to have worked with Lionel Cole who is the cousin of Natalie Cole. He has also co-written songs with Mariah Carey and toured with her. The experience with him went beyond song arrangement for Be heard. He dug deep into my soul to help me bring out the message of “being heard.” I’m looking forward to working with him on a few songs that I co-wrote with Van Sereno in the next few weeks.

one Voice sing the Earth song with One Voice students

One Voice students singing the earth song with Charice

9. We are all learning in this world.

We meet people so that they teach us about ourselves. I find myself searching for reassurance or compliments to make myself feel better. But deep down it all boils down to how you feel about your efforts. If you have tried your very best then that is all anyone could ask for. Be gentle and kind to yourself.

10. It’s all about the kids!

When things didn’t go the way I had expected there was one thing that made everything ok. That was seeing the kids with Charice backstage after the show. Charice got lost in the kids huge hugs it didn’t help that she was soooo tiny!

Charice singing you are not alone with front acts- Allyssa, Mikee-Anne, Chelsea, Leilani, Bernadette, Jinky and Dani.

I hope each hug made Charice feel loved and appreciated.

I hope each smile made her feel that she made a difference in their lives.

I hope each selfie moment she had with every child is etched in cyber memory so that we can remember how she has made each of us feel proud to be Filipino.

Most of all I hope that she knows how much we appreciated being on the stage with her so that we can continue to sing and make people happy!

Rehearsal

Because One Voice can change the world! Your Voice and mine!

Tina Bangel backstage with Charice after her Sydney concert 2014 Photo Credit: Bernadette Corpuz

If you were inspired or watched the show last night, I would love to hear from you. Comment below or share this post.

Musically your Tina xo

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

Posted November 10, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under KINDERMUSIK, ONE VOICE

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

10 ways to integrate Music into your child’s life

Posted September 2, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under KINDERMUSIK

When Christian was 4 years old he would hold out his palm so I could sing a traditional Filipino nursery rhyme that is very similar to “Round and round the garden.” I had introduced it to him when he was one month of age.

Even at this age the anticipation of the tickle always brings a big smile to our faces. The big old tickle giggle never disappoints! That night he asked his Lola (Grandma in Tagalog) to teach him the song. Moments such as these melt my heart.

“I remember your Lola’s dad singing it to me when I was your age.” I tell Christian. Then I reminisce my childhood memories with him. Which led to questions like “Where is Lola’s dad now? “ and “What does heaven look like?”

All these thoughts, feelings, emotions, analysis, disciplined thinking and attending all from a simple song. Even at this young age a song can touch our deepest emotion and extend a range of feelings.

From this simple song we share a bond, a sense of community.

Not only does it help emotionally, cognitively but also physically. As he circles his pointer finger on my palm he is developing his fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination and at the same time he is learning patterns in language.

Many people ask me “When is a good time for my child to learn music?”

I always say that even while your child is in the womb and from birth surround yourself and your baby with music.

Hans Christian Andersen sums it all up “Where words fail, music speaks”

For example – Tap and rock your baby to the steady beat so they learn to internalize it within their bodies. This will in turn help with the ability to walk, bounce balls, cut with scissors.

Here are some other ways to help integrate music into your child’s life.

Join a structured musical learning class with your child
Listen to a variety of quality recorded music at home and while running errands in the car
Sing familiar songs or make up your own songs while you play or when working around the house.
Take time to listen to all the interesting sounds in your environment – imitate nature sounds while out for a walk.
Explore sounds with homemade instruments like pots and pans, spoons, and shakers
Create family music making opportunities in which everyone plays along. Include all your talents from playing the spoons to folk instruments to gathering around the piano.
Dance to music from the radio, television, or any other source you enjoy.
Use simple props such as scarves, balls and hoops to play movement games. Add a favourite song.
Make music part of your child’s bedtime routine or any routine (bathing, cooking, cleaning) – lullabies are particularly
Soothing and calming and provide a time for parent and child bonding.

The bottom line is music and dance – within a fun, loving and nurturing environment – can bring a life long happiness and warm memories in your child’s life. What a wonderful start to life!

In the meantime, Check out Carlo Tapia’s daughter who has been surrounded with music all her life. Carlo Tapia is a professional bassist in Sydney who says that his children are surrounded by people who can either sing, play an instrument or dance.

My favourite part of the clip is the surprised proud look that Carlo has when she hits one note and creates a vocal tone that is obviously beyond her years. What a precious bond between father and daughter.

APL and the Black Eyed Peas shout out from One Voice

Posted June 30, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under ONE VOICE

One Voice kids are mainly of Filipino background and live in the Blacktown area. We live in the highest Australian – Filipino community in the whole of Australia.

This is our new generation of young Filipino-Australian kids (with some other kids from other awesome backgrounds)

We feel pretty blessed to grow up here in Australia. That’s why we call it the lucky country!

You can’t even imagine how proud we are to see APL on our Aussie screens…especially Will. I .am, whom we automatically claim as our adopted son or Kuya!

The kids and I just wanted to let you know that you all inspire us and we wanted to say thank you by singing a snippet of your songs –

APL song and Bebot!

Sending you big hugs from over the seas!

Love the One Voice Kids & Tina

If you enjoyed or were inspired this post like, comment and share it!

One Voice selfies with Charice

Posted April 12, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under ONE VOICE

After months of preparation, rehearsing, memorising and creating tomorrow is the big day!

Today the One Voice kids and myself had the honour to finally meet Charice, Alyssa Quijano and musical director Troy Laureta.

We won’t really get to chat much to them as much as we would love to…but hidden behind the passing giggles, iPhone selfies, star-struck smiles and stares we cannot thank them enough for touching our lives.

Rehearsal with Charice and One Voice

Music is so powerful that it bridges countries and generations together. It brings happiness and purpose to many lives and for that we should all be forever grateful!

Charice together with the undeniable power of her voice and her courage to be herself has brought so much joy to the Filipino community and has inspired people to sing!

Charice with Tina Bangel

My goodness…It inspired me to co-write a song! Something that I have been dreaming about for years and never got around to it…excuses after another! But finally the kids and I will be singing Be Heard. A song I co-wrote with Louie Ocampo and Lionel Cole. What an experience! Thank you to our sponsors Diaz Foundation, Help After Haiyan/Australian Filipina and Pinoy Home Loans.

Thank you so much to Cheers entertainment, Jasper, Karen, Mylene and their families for giving us the opportunity to share the stage with Charice. We are so excited to be part of this production headed Francis Balagtas. To our fellow support acts and their families, Blackout, Chelsea, Bernadette, Jinky, Dani, Allyssa, Mikee and Leilani thank you for making the rehearsals so much fun!

Sydney Support acts with Charice.

So proud of amazing One Voice kids and their families for their continued support. I can’t wait to watch you all shine and share your gifts Alyssa ,Ally B, Chloe, Isabella, Caitlin, Jade, Jarrod, Jared, Chelsea, Angelo, Erica, Joy, Giuliana, Olivia, Kiahna, Adrianna, Ally, Abbey, Clarissa and Jessica!

One Voice

If you learn anything from this experience I hope you take away our motto – One Voice CAN change the world!

From the word’s of my mentor Marie Forleo – The world needs that special something that only you have! I hope you live your lives full of beautiful discovery and learning. Be yourself and be true! There is only one you!

One Voice can change the world

If you are hanging around for the concert there will be fliers on the tables with details on how to enter our One Voice competition. You can be in the running to win The secrets to singing high notes with ease e-Course. You can also enter HERE. Once you enter please confirm your email so we know you are a real person. Good Luck!

Scan to win or enter the url

Singing breaks down barriers

Posted March 30, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under KINDERMUSIK, ONE VOICE

“Runyos…Ran… Rrrrano. What kind of last name is this anyway? What bloody country is she from?” This was the racist remark I heard the MC say to a producer of a show. I was opening act for a well-respected Australian Rock ‘n’ Roller more than 15 years ago when I was starting out in the club scene.

I remember that night, as vivid as the stench of 30 year old spilt alcohol mixed in with hairspray fumes that filled the dressing room. Dust and dirt camouflaged into the moss coloured RSL club carpet. The dim depressing lighting didn’t help. I could hear the geriatric voices of the men chatting away, they had no idea I was downstairs listening to their every word.

I hope things have changed since then.

This was just some of the remarks I have come across in my life.

Only a few years back, after spotting a photo of me on his desk, my husband was asked by an elderly female co-worker “oh you are a good person taking her in…did you meet in the Philippines?”

These remarks and experiences made me realise that I was going to keep going with singing and one day help people who would normally say nothing to find their Voice. Singing was that avenue. I knew in my heart that one day I was going to help kids or people who were just like me fight back in a way that could breakdown those barriers.

I look at my parents and how hard it must have been for them moving from the comforts of their homeland to make a better life for our family.

“Go back to your country!”

“Asians take all our jobs!”

“You Wog!!”

These were just some of the racial comments we endured back in the late 70s when we first migrated to Australia.

The other day I had an Ah-ha moment…

I didn’t open up my singing school just to teach people how to sing. It’s an accumulation of what I felt as a child and young adult that brought me here.

I needed to be heard…I had something to offer…I didn’t know how or what it was I was supposed to do.

But I noticed that when I would sing people would stop and listen….

One Voice represents kindred spirits who need to be heard.

My dad and mum didn’t know it at the time but their Voice changed my world. They had the courage to move to a whole new country, with no family or friends to help them. They started from scratch. They met families and a community with similar values, hopes and dreams. They didn’t know it but their Voices help shape the community to what it is today.

Even the racial remarks made a difference in my world.

One Voice has a ripple effect and can change someone’s world…for the better!

Be heard!

Would love to hear your thoughts…

Tell us in the comment below…what’s your Avenue? Are you a dancer? An artist? A writer? A teacher?

What are you doing to be heard?

Don’t forget that I am offering a pre-sale discount for my new 6 week eCourse. The Secret of Singing high notes with ease.

Charice making One Voices’ dream a reality

Posted March 13, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under ONE VOICE

I’m so excited to share the video Charice made for the One Voice students! In the video she talks about how it is an honour and a privilege to be an inspiration to young singers.

I hope it inspires people to keep dreaming!

Thank you to past and current One Voice students for their continued support and belief!

In 2010, my students made a YouTube Video to meet ‪Charice! Many people shared our video and supported us including Lea Salonga! Because of this, the video went viral among Charice’s fans. I would have never thought that it would happen but it’s finally coming true after 4 yrs!!!

A special thanks to Cheers E Australia for making this happen!

Please share if you believe that dreams can come true.

Here is the original video One Voice made. This was when Charice was in Glee hence the Sunshine Corazon costumes and glasses. The video has now over 27,000 hits.

Tell us what dream has come true for you?

Protecting Original Music through APR

Posted March 16, 2014 by Tina Bangel & filed under ONE VOICE

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 🙂

Tina Bangel

The Vision

What a Vocal teacher learnt while singing with Charice

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

10 ways to integrate Music into your child’s life

APL and the Black Eyed Peas shout out from One Voice

One Voice selfies with Charice

Singing breaks down barriers

Charice making One Voices’ dream a reality

Protecting Original Music through APR

Tina Bangel

Kindermusik with Tina

Something to sing about

Hire Tina as a vocalist

Tina Bangel

Read More About

10 Top Tips

To cultivate the professional artist in you

Kindermusik with Tina

Something to sing about

Hire Tina as a vocalist