Katie Alexander
I’ve always loved music. When I was 5, and it was Christmas, I used to sing one verse of Frosty the Snowman over and over and over. I still have the video of it! Later when it was my 7th birthday, my mom had a present for me in a small box and I didn’t know what it was – I thought it was something little. I looked in the box and inside was a pink piece of paper. I read a little bit of it, but I didn’t understand what it said, so my mom read it for me and she read, "Voice Lessons for Katie Alexander!!" And she said, "If you don’t want to take voice lessons, you don’t have to, but it’s an opportunity" – and I said, "Yes I do want to!"
My first performance was at a recital party where I sang "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You’re the One that I Want" from Grease. Since then, I’ve had a lot of performances. My favorite was the local Cabaret – it was a very fun experience for me and I think one of my biggest performances so far! It was a big opportunity to be the only "kid" ever in the Cabaret.
When I grow up I want to someday have a big concert in a big place like Hollywood!!
Anyone who wants to be like me has to work hard and if they ever have an opportunity to perform anywhere, take it!!!
Tanya Alexander
While I've always had the desire to sing and perform, I could never get up the nerve to get out there and do it. Sure, I'd played a little saxophone and did some acting in elementary school, I'd even done some dance in high school, but getting out there and singing on my own ... that always seemed like too big a risk. So, no one in my family, not even my husband, knew of my interest, until one year I decided to go for it and break the news by recording a couple of songs at Singing Sun Records, where I'd begun studying music in secret, then playing the songs mixed in with some of my daughter's tracks during the big family Christmas Eve party.
So, come Christmas Eve night as I am chopping vegetables in my mom-in-law's kitchen, one of my songs comes on... I remember being so excited and nervous about sharing my news that my hands were shaking. It went completely quiet at this point, until my husband said, "Hey, I think that's Tanya... is that YOU?!" Instantly the volume zoomed back up in the room as everybody started talking at once, debating whether the voice singing Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas could belong to the same painfully shy little person doing manual labor in the kitchen. Being the only one in the know, my daughter Katie confirmed it was me.
Breaking out after struggling with the idea of it for years was really a huge step for me personally. Since coming out of my singing closet, I've come quite a ways out of my shell, having performed at a variety of local venues as well as doing some songwriting. I worked with Paula Gilbert on co-producing the Homespun Holidays benefit album and also produced a Christmas benefit album with my daughter.
Most recently, I put together an in-home recording studio, and am working on producing albums of original music and performing. I like to think of my interest in music as a journey just begun; I can't wait to see where the road leads next!
If you'd like to follow the journey, please visit my website at: www.independentstreakmusic.com.
Katie Ketchum Carroll
How did you get started in music?
I always did the recital thing but my first professional gig was my mother getting me a gig at the local library in Toronto, Canada singing for kids when I was about 17 years old. I think she wanted to get me out of the house!
When did you first start performing?
Besides recitals I started at 16 years old playing in piano and voice competitions sponsored by Her Majesty The Queen up in Canada and then I got concerts in colleges and restaurant gigs in my late teens.
What is your favorite thing about music?
The place that it takes me emotionally, physically, and spiritually. That place is so healing, so uplifting, so free either singing, playing or listening to it.
What do you see yourself doing with your music in the future (when you grow up)?
Will I ever grow up?! Continuing to write songs for theater pieces I write. I also see myself continuing to write songs for my singer/songwriter solo concerts in a folk/classical kind of style and adding simple original chants for audience participation, inspired by the traditional chants from the chanting project.
What advice would you give to a music student that is just starting out?
For a music student starting out in the music business I would say:
- Define one style that you excel at and love to sing or play.
- Define what venues you want to perform in and what format-solo, choral, orchestra etc.
- On the internet and with all the people you know ask: where would I get an ethical, experienced agent that books this kind of act.
- Be willing to move or live anywhere.
- If you write songs get an entertainment lawyer to present the songs to the companies.
For a music student who is trying to be part of the new movement in music out of the coroperate/fame/star thing:
- Get your songs together
- Accompany yourself or get a band
- Get a recording studio
- Record 12 songs
- Look up CDBABY.com and get your CD with them
- Sign the digital contract and get your songs on i-tunes
- Go to coffee shops and get gigs
- Have an e-mail list for fans to sign
- Have stickers, shirts, postcards or whatever with CDBABY or i-tunes where they can get your album
Actually these nine things are a suggested first step before shopping for record companies. Sometimes with a big fan base the record company finds you.
Chanara
When I was about 4 or 5 years old, I had a sort of daydream/vision. In it, I was an adult, singing on a stage. In the balcony there was a man with a withered arm. As I sang, his arm grew normal. At the time, I thought I was just observing another amazing phenomenon of life, like the way butterflies fly. I've never forgotton the experience and will probably always be fascinated with the healing potential of the human voice.
I started performing maybe at the age of 6 or 7. My neighbors took me to their church and
after awhile the choir director asked me to sing solos at their special events.
My favorite thing about music is it will never be boring, because I will never be done learning it.
At this point in my life, singing in community with others has become more satisfying than performing solo, and composing is the most satisfying of all. As Founder of TONE FOR PEACE, INC., my goal is to co-create a united global community of people who are consistently infusing our collective consciousness with peace using the sound of our voices. With toning we use the principles of quantum physics to systematically vibrate the peace that DOES exist with every human being on earth. For more info go to www.toneforpeace.org.
My advice for music students starting out: Follow your compulsions. Do what you have to do. Trust yourself and trust life.
Joterra Conway
I got started in music when my mom saw me doodling on the piano and she thought it was so good she signed me up for lessons. I also sing a lot at vacation bible school – Mom runs it and I sing with her when she practices. "We Believe” was my first duet I sang with my Mom.
I just sang another solo "I Can Only Imagine" in church and my very first singing solo was "Sneaky Black Cat" sang at a Halloween party for the Music School.
When I grow up I’d like to play the piano in church. I think that singing and playing an instrument are good hobbies for anybody!
Sarah Fink
When I was about 5, I asked my mom to teach me to play some songs on the piano (she could play great)! Then I became really interested in singing and playing and started taking music lessons.
When I grow up, I’d like to be able to lay a lot better than I can now, and I would like to make some more CDs with my family.
If you want to be good at music – practice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shaina Fink
When my sister started taking music lessons, a long time ago, I became interested in it too. I like singing. Whenever I sing if I’m stressed out, it helps me calm down.
When I get older, I’d like to write songs and be a songwriter.
To become a good musician you have to practice and learn all the notes on the piano and lean how to sing on key. In the end it all pays off because you get really good at it and it’s fun!!
Paula Gilbert
I’ve been singing since I was a child – I also loved to doodle on the piano, dance, sing, act, and throw parties. My mother enrolled all the children – three of us in piano lessons and that’s how I got my start in piano. I especially loved to doodle on the piano and pretend I was entertaining. I even invited the neighbor kids over for a concert. I served dried Cheerios in a bowls and maybe some mixed nuts – that’s all I could find in the kitchen – Then I proceeded to doodle on the piano for them. I also remember being really inspired about the story of "The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg" – so I produced a backyard play with all the neighbor kids – I played the princess!
Now that I’ve become the "Queen" of my own music teaching business, I love inspiring others to reach deeper in their expression, to practice more so they can play more complicated pieces, and to produce performances, and CDs so that they can be heard and acknowledged by the public and their families.
This new venture, Singing Sun Records, is a way for me to express my creativity, sell my artwork, and reach lots of people with my music as well as promote other artists.
In the future, I see myself producing more CDs, performing live with my buddies, throwing lots of parties, traveling with my husband, and enjoying life, my business and my family!
Whatever path you take, whatever path you’re on, enjoy the journey and if you want to be good at your craft, practice it. Some days practice for hours, other days practice a little, some days don't practice at all - just enjoy the discipline of practice!
Nikki Goetz
I became interested in music because my mom had a lot of CDs and I listed to them. Then I started singing along with them. My first performance was "Dancing with Decades" when I did a 1920’s dance. Then after that I did a Broadway dance to the song "It’s a Hard Knock Life" from Annie at a local talent showcase.
I also took after school music class and then started taking voice lessons. I also love writing music and poems and my song "Christmas List" is on the Homespun Holidays album.
When I grow up, I want to be a professional Disney singer since I love Disney – I also want to be a veterinarian.
Go on and do what you want to do!!
Alex Izzarelli
When I was growing up, my parents had (and still do) an extensive record collection comprised mostly of albums that were popular in the 60s and some of the 70s. It was from that collection where I developed a taste for the music they listened to when they were growing up. I remember feeling so energized when I listened to that music.
I started performing publicly in the late 90s with my older brother who played guitar. Our band name was called "The Orange Peels". We branched off to do different things. He got into another band and I did as well. I love being on stage playing live and having fun with the band. I also like coming up with basslines that accompany the feeling of the song and really getting into it. Music is one of my favorite forms of expression.
It would be awesome to be making a lot of money and being recognized worldwide as an excellent musician. Also to inspire people and get them to be enthusiastic by playing awesome music that I love to play.
The advice I would like to give to people who are starting out is to keep your ears and mind open to all music. If you are in a band, pay attention to everyone else and treat it as if it were a conversation. The most valued musicians are those who respect the musical ideas of other musicians. Bassplayer Jerry Jemott says that in order to write an effective bassline, you must listen to the song and the lyrics and while you play to to think about what the song means. I feel that this concept is important for all musicians to understand and practice. More people will want you to be in their band if you show sensitivity in such a way.
Nikki Jansen
I started taking dance at the age of 5 then I joined the church choir and I also joined band at the age of 10 playing the clarinet. I performed with all of those groups and my first musical was the Sound of Music where it all came together. I played the part of Louisa and I was hooked.
In high school I began taking piano lessons with the music school and then also began singing lessons to prepare for the local fair pageant, where I received a scholarship – which is the highest award.
When I grow up, I hope to continue being in musicals where I can combine my love of music, dance and acting.
It’s never too early to get your start in the musical world!
Colby Johnson
I got my start in music when my grandpa got me a guitar for Christmas – and then I played saxophone in the band at school.
I started performing in plays when I was in elementary school and I don’t really like to be in the spotlight – on stage anyway!!
My favorite thing about music is playing and listening!
In the future, I hope to pick it back up again and just play music for fun.
If you want to be good at music, stick with it – know it’s hard in the beginning, but it gets better and it’s worth it!
Stephanie Keeble
How did you get started in music?
My father was an accomplished stereo player! I grew up constantly listening to a wide range of music, passionately discussing the albums and artists, and singing together. It was my dad who took me to my first concert, and bought me my first album. He had been a choral singer, and two of my uncles are musicians. One of my favorite things to do with music has always been to con my friends and family into playing with me, so I could sing. As a young girl I played piano, and as a teen did various forms of dance. I sang a bit with a female singing group in college.
What is your favorite thing about music?
Music is a powerful communicator. I love the idea that music is "made" over and over again, by artists with different musical interpretations and talents. Music moves and motivates me. I associate almost all of my past life experiences to certain songs, artists, or cd's. I'm a sucker for a really good love song.
What do you see yourself doing with music in the future?
I would like to pick up piano again. Read music. I also want to deepen my understanding of vocal techniques and harmony. Hopefully, expand my range enough to be able to sing with a small group- playing and recording for fun.
What advice would you give to a music student who is just starting out?
Well, I am just starting out, so I don't have advice other than to encourage people who have the desire to learn about music, to just do it. Be around it. Learn what you can. Take a risk.
Lisamarie Kirkess
Ever since I can remember I have had music in my life. I went to bed as a little girl everynight listening to music, couldn't fall asleep without it. I started playing piano in elementary school. My first piano teacher was a parent of one of the new students to the school. My dad had found an electronic keyboard in the back of his carpet shop and let me practice on it for awhile. My parents tried to find me the best piano they could find, and by high school I was playing an actual piano and not a keyboard. We had seasonal recitals in which was my first steps to performing.
I then started seeing Paula Gilbert and taking piano lessons. Awhile into piano, Paula confronted me about singing because I played mostly by ear. I thought she had gone mad; I had never even thought about singing, at least not on my own. We started shifting from piano to voice lessons, which I began to love and was one of the youngest opera lovers. As time progressed, I began to become confidant in singing and wanted to try more difficult songs. There came a point when Paula encouraged to find another teacher to help me continue on my journey to singing.
My mother found my 2nd teacher and I started studing with Bonnie Brooks of Sebastopol. I had a lot of performing opportunities which I attended. I was hesitant about competing in the Music Teachers Association Competition at Sonoma State, but with will and dedication to music I overcame my fear, got evaluated and was very pleased with my certificate from the Association. Bonnie Brooks specialized in more modern musicals and things so I decided to follow a more traditional opera path and contacted my 3rd teacher, Lise Clark of Windsor.
She took me under her wing and with her ways prepared me for a long road ahead. I had a blast; there were lots of singing opportunities at the big open accoustic church which Lise attended, and there were performance nights and parent music appreciation performances.
When I graduated from high school, I knew that I didn't want to go to regular college, I wanted strictly to study music and music alone; I wanted to go to a conservatory of music. So, my mom and I went to a convention for music conservatories. I met a lot of people and picked up materials on three different schools in particular: Boston Conservatory of Music, Glenn Gould Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto Ontario Canada, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. I filled out applications to all three, working to earn the money for application fees, and my mother helped me get into a recording studio in Occidental. I sent a recording of 5 contrasting songs to Toronto, auditioned for both San Francisco and Boston at the S.F. Conservatory. I received a phone call about a month later from Toronto saying that I had been accepted and they were awaiting my response. It was the happiest day of my life; it was a validation that I could and would make it very far in voice and music as a career.
About a week later, I received a letter from San Francisco also saying I was accepted into their program. I was so overjoyed, there are no words to descibe the feeling. After accepting the opportunity with Toronto, my parents wanted to hold a night to remember. Our family calls it the "June 9th Event." I was to gather music for an elegant evening. I spoke with Paula about using her stage equipment, Ladies Choir from Del Webb to reprive me, my friend Elisa for cello, Janice Timm from Choir to accompany me and the choir on piano. It was a night to sum up my music career so far. My dad sold tickets for the event, complete with a five course meal with wine and auction. Twelve of my friends catered the event, and my family and closest friends attended. We hosted it at the Cloverdale Villa and it was a night with stars.
Later on I went on to school and found out I had to do things differently. After hard struggles, I began to sing again and participated in the Walk for a Cure at the Cloverdale High School. It gave me hope to be giving hope and encouragement to others again.
I would have to say music is my life. It moves my soul and I hope very soon to share that with a lot of people and reach them through music. I am currently working on a demo cd. I have changed my passion, I am working towards light rock and then who knows what will come out of it. I am very excited and hopeful for the future. I see myself composing and writing my own passionate songs and singing them. It could be just for my family, but I believe as they do that my gift is for so much more. I am hoping to sing and perform on stage for everyone to hear.
Just remember, nothing is impossible. Try everything, and never turn down an opportunity to share your gift with everyone around you. Even if only one person is moved by your passion, when you see that one person, you see them cry tears of peace, joy and love, and they tell you that they have been moved, then it is all worth it.
Use your gift, and don't be afraid to try new things or new ways of expressing your passion and gift. Never give up, don't take negativity as an option, be open and fly with your gift. God Bless you all.
Amanda Lawson
I’ve always been singing since I was a little girl – I’ve always loved it. My grandpa is also a musician and my family loves music.
Music is a great thing – so if your studying music, keep up the good work!! My favorite kind of music is country. When I grow up I want to be actress, singer and a dancer and maybe do a little modeling. I also like to write stories and I’m starting a novel – I don’t know what it’s called yet.
I like to perform at fairs and public get-togethers. Sometimes my cousins and I sing for my family too. I’m also athletic and love basketball, baseball, swimming and other family activities.
Emma Linowski
I liked to sing when I was little; I liked to sing in the bathtub! Also, my grandma has a piano and I used to play it – then I started taking lessons. My mom asked if I wanted to do piano lessons and I said yes. My uncle and mom sing a lot too.
My first performance was with the imagination foundation and in school. I also like gymnastics, drawing, art and science. I also like math unless I’m frustrated.
If you want to be good in music, give it a try.
When I grow up I want to be a teacher and an interior designer.
What I really like about music is that you can let your inside out!
Deanna McDermott
I first started music in 5th grade. I started on the French horn in band. Then I also participated in the choir who sang in the plays. I played French horn all the way through high school and I was also in the choir. When I was 15, I was told I had a really good voice, and was invited to sing solos at church and I’ve been singing ever since then. I was a music major in school and took French horn and voice at the JC – but I didn’t like the performing by myself at that time – which you’d never know now since I’m a major ham.
I will always be singing, that is my first love besides my family! I sing at the worship team at church right now and we’re going to perform in public soon.
If you’re just starting out – learn the piano! I believe it gives you the foundation for other instruments and singing for yourself.
Michael McDermott
My mom told me that I was going to start piano and I was like – no! And then I said well O.K. and then when I first came to lessons I started to feel good and after a while my Mom didn’t have to stay any more. I’m getting better at playing the piano.
My whole family sings in church and my dad does the amplifier and the mixer and sings and my mom sings on the stage and I sometimes sit in the front or the back and sing.
When I grow up I want to be a professional singer like Jessie McCarney and then the 2nd thing I want to be is a professional electric guitar player and 3rd a professional scooter guy when I grow up. Cause I really like scooters and I can do a popper wheelie and a jump on it.
If you want to learn, listen a lot and pay attention – listen with your eyes and ears then you’ll be good at music.
Dylan Ostermann
A long time ago, I played a cat in a song from "Cats at the Day Care," and then I played Stitch in another dance routine.
I liked Chuye the dog when I was little and became interested in music when I started piano lessons. Now even my grandma has a piano and she plays a little too.
If you want to be good at music, learn all the notes first, then learn how to play note to note. It’s fun to study music, and I like dancing to the music too. When I grow up, I want to keep on practicing music.
Dan Parker
I was born legally deaf, but nobody knew. When family found out – they took me to children’s hospital in Ventura where they exposed me to nasal radium treatments. With some additional surgery on my station tubes, my hearing began to work. I had a doctor that gave me a guitar the day that my hearing started. I was 5 and I just played, played, played – that’s all I did. They tried to send me to speech therapy – but I took my guitar and just played, played, played. I’ve had people tell me that the exposure to radiation may have mutated and morphed me into a natural musician!! And I participate in an ongoing program monitoring people who are exposed to nasal radium treatment as children – and all of them are musicians and just compulsively play, play, play.
I first started performing in church when I was 7. I sang, played guitar and played piano.
My favorite thing about music is playing music spontaneously -- making it up on the spot. You know like when you talk – you just make it up as you go. And when you play in a band – everyone is playing and making it up as they go – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but is the most satisfying of social settings.
Assuming it’s possible to grow up – I’d like to be a loose cannon and a hired gun all wrapped up in one – doing whatever interests me project wise – working with amateurs and professionals who call me to include me in their projects.
What advice would you give to a music student that is just starting out? Go nuts!!
Brook Reitenbach
The first day I started piano lessons is when I became interested in music. I like to sing a lot – I even like to sing while I play the piano!
My first performance was with the music school at the Scarecrow Festival where I played a munchkin!
My favorite thing about music is playing the piano!
When I grow up, I want to do piano, be a singer, be a veterinarian, mom and artist!
You get good at music by practicing! My favorite time to practice is before or after dinner or in the mornings!
Jaclyn Richardson
I got started in music at school when I signed up for an after-school music class. I liked it and kept on going.
I had my first performance in 2001 at the Relay for Life, I also performed "I Just Can’t Wait to be King" with my brother at the local fair. I also have sung at family weddings and recital parties for the music school.
When I grow up, I’ll give up singing in contests and sing just for me.
My encouragement for other music students is: Don’t think you’re a bad singer just because you miss a word – just keep trying even when you make a mistake. It doesn’t really matter ‘cause everyone makes mistakes.
Talisa Tamayo
I first became interested in music at the age of 4. I used to listen to Mariah Carey and then Britney Spears and then Christina Aguilera!!
Now I like all kinds of rock music. I either want to become a singer or be able to promote bands.
If you want to be a good musician, do it for the music!
Chelsea Thompson
I’ve played the piano since I was 4. I also danced around the house and sang a lot. I started taking dance and piano in 3rd grade. I had my first leading role in 4th grade when we performed a junior version of "The Sound of Music".
Now I dance with the local dance school, and study voice & piano. I’m in a jazz band, sing in chorus and act whenever I get the chance.
In my future I see myself singing and dancing on Broadway as a professional! If you want a career in music, you really have to believe in it and make it your passion and it has to be what you love to do!
Colton Wasniak
I first became interested in music when my mom asked me if I wanted to play piano and I said yes – and the rest is history!! I’ve been studying now for about 3 years. I also like singing, acting and drawing.
I’ve created several music games for students in the music school. I’ve performed at the local fair, entered art in the competition and performed at many recitals.
To become a good musician you have to practice a lot!
When I grow up, I want to be a famous drawer or snow boarder or snow mobile racer!
