2/04/2000

Wishful Singers

My daughter Nikki loved all the mail she received from wishful singers around Connecticut in response to her article, "Anybody Can Sing!"

An especially memorable letter came from a New Haven woman, Millie Grenough, who is an "ex-shy, ex-klutzy character, now a cabaret singer and Master Rubenfield Synergist." Millie has performed, taught and conducted workshops in Europe, Central and South America, Canada and the U.S. for the last 25 years. She studied at the Conservatorio Superior de Musica in Barcelona, Spain, is a songwriter and has produced six cassettes. In 1977 she originated "Sing It!" workshops and has since helped people from ages 6 to 96 on three continents to find---or reclaim---their fuller bodies and voices.

For more information about Millie's workshops:

Phone: 203-789-0560
FAX: 203-789-2191
Website: http://www.singit.net

Notes from other Connecticut music lovers and would-be singers follow:

NASAL SINGER: I am in a trio called "Selfish Steam." Even though people say they love our music, I feel like most of the time I am singing out my nose. What could I do to help that problem?

Advice to "nasal singer" from a professional voice instructor: You need to learn to lift your sound up into your head, forward and into "the bell." This is not an easy problem to solve without expert instruction. But singers who learn how to use their head's natural sounding board find it much easier to sing once they place the sound properly.

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MOTHER (about singing daughter): My daughter can sing but is afraid to try and to be in the spotlight. I was going to sign her up for singing lessons last year, but I felt like I might be forcing her. What can I do or say to help her realize her great talent?

Advice to "mother": You didn't mention your daughter's age. It's important not to start singing lessons too young. Having said that, the best way to approach beginning lessons is to arrange an audition with a qualified instructor to determine whether your child is ready both physically and musically.

My daughter first auditioned with a teacher when she was in the 8th grade. Her voice was mature enough to take lessons and she and her teacher hit it off right away. They worked together for the next 5 years and both enjoyed every minute of it. The teacher was protective of her voice, never allowing her to try an sing through a cold or sore throat - always mindful of proper breathing and warm-up. She introduced a variety of music, from classical to pop, jazz to blues, show music and foreign as well as domestic composers and languages.

If you select a teacher carefully there will be no pushing involved, just the pleasure of singing to look forward to.

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ARTIST and SINGER: I am more of an artist than a singer, but I often attempt to do more. It is also biblical. Psalm 100 says, "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands."

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ARTISTIC PARENT: I love music and always wanted to be a singer and play an instrument. At the age of 7, I wanted to play the drums and electric guitar. My mom made me take the accordion, which I played for 3 years. I try to emphasize the importance of music in my children's lives now. They are 7 and 9 (two boys) and they are interested in performing and playing an instrument. My youngest loves the school talent shows and has no stage fright as of yet. This makes me proud; he is a natural. We are starting with hip-hop classes and guitar for him and piano for the 9-year-old.

Your article was a real inspiration. We are taking steps to lead the boys in the right direction for music and the arts. I think that more emphasis should be placed on music, arts and foreign languages in the schools. More funds should be made available for these programs, especially in the elementary schools.

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RETIRED ART TEACHER: I loved your piece on singing. I believe that the arts should be a basic part of every child's education, not just a frill to be cut whenever the school budget is strained. I once made a linoleum cut for my students that read, "Football doesn't last; art does." I love music of all sorts, including choral music. Singing with a group is a joy.

Whenever you can, advocate for more of the basic arts in our school systems. It isn't enough just to sit in front of the Internet or TV and watch others perform. Given the proper motivation and training, anyone can draw, anyone can paint and anyone can sing, sing, sing.

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ALL SINGERS WELCOME: I run an open microphone at the Windsor Recovery Club on the first and third Saturday of every month. Come sing or just come and listen. It's a great place to hear amateur musicians. The address is 118 Palisado Ave, Windsor, CT. Hours are 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. Good food, coffee and soda. Phone: 860-298-8298.

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.