Legal Controversies

            Education needs to be funded and supported by the state and most certainly the nation. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, on Monday, February 4, 2013, a state district judge ruled, “Texas’ school finance system violates the state constitution” (Reuters, ¶ 1). The school system does not have enough funding and the profit margin is low as well. This should be a wake-up call to the state of Texas but also to the nation that the education system of this country is and has not been of major concern. More regrettably, topics involving the arts are the first to be cut from curriculums in districts with limited funding. However, funding for other activities such as sports almost never are cut from school systems. The absence of the arts leads to less creativity, self-expression and tons of other processes necessary for individual and group development.

On a slightly different note, teaching students about music piracy is a project that Shed Records (London-based) is doing. They are starting with five schools. The project is designed to educate students in the school system that illegal downloading hurts more people than just artists. Paul Shedden, Head of Label at Shed Records, explained the project is about raising awareness of the 'unseen' faces in the industry [that] rely on music sales for their livelihoods (Izundu, ¶7). The plan is to eventually have this program offered nationally with other record studios involved. It addresses necessary issues in the music industry. This also relates to VP Music Studios because information available online should be downloaded legally not illegally. When it comes to studio online content, only registered students should have access to company trade secrets.

            The case of Richard O’Dwyer and the copyright infringement he is accused of committing should be an issue of awareness. Copyright issues occur beyond the borders of the United States. For this reason, protection of personal assets and creations should be of utmost importance. Put it this way. If you do not feel a creation is worthy of protection or if do not care if it is distributed for free then do nothing. However, if you do care, get it copyrighted.

Thanks for reading,

Bryant Belin

THE CORBITT BROTHERS

Energetic, eclectic and personal are just a few words to explain The Corbitt Brothers Band. The band performed at Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee, NC January 26, 2013 @ 8pm. I walked in to see a dance floor filled with people responding to the band’s high energy.

The band is comprised of brothers Newsome & Isaac Corbitt and also Brandon Buck. Newsome plays lead, slide and rhythm guitar and is also the lead singer and songwriter for the band. Isaac plays the harmonica, mandolin, bass guitar and back-up vocals. Isaac has an extreme gift of musical artistry while playing the harmonica. He produces sounds, riffs, etc that you just don’t hear played with a harmonica. “At his young age, he is already considered one of the best harmonica artists in the industry (Corbitt, ¶ 6).” Brandon Buck joined the band as drummer/percussionist. Buck displayed great control, a strong lively beat that is highly responsible for maintaining the energy displayed in last night’s performance.

I must admit I expected them to be another band that played mostly bluegrass, rock or country. They covered a wide range of musical styles to fit the needs of the audience. Their playing doesn’t assume everyone in the audience enjoys one or two different types of music. “They cross genres playing southern rock, outlaw country, blues, reggae, bluegrass ... something for everyone. Their shows include all-time favorite covers and awesome original music relevant to the times we live in. They band currently has two CD’s: a debut CD with ten original songs, and a live performance CD (Corbitt, ¶ 9).”

Something interesting I noticed is that Isaac and Newsome both perform barefoot. I did have the opportunity to thank Isaac for the performance and asked him what was his reason for playing barefoot. His response was interesting but I totally can relate to. He said “I’ve been playing barefoot for about 5 years now. It’s mainly a matter of that oneness with me and the music [the stage]….I don’t know,... that connection.” To find out more about The Corbitt Brothers and upcoming performances, click here. I am certain you will not be disappointed.

Thanks for reading,

Bryant Belin

What happens next?

            Every year, thousands of young optimistic minds enter college (school) with hopes of becoming a great musician, famous artist or dancer or enter in any other area of the Fine Arts. They attend the best schools, seek the best teachers, learn the best techniques and on many cases travel to foreign countries to expand their skills further. Galas, recitals, concerts, various programs and parties are planned and performed throughout their time enrolled in their program of choice. What happens next though?

What happens after the certificate or diploma is earned? When you are faced with trying to put your degree to work what happens? What problems do you face? Are you well on your way to ‘making it’ in the world of art? Have you landed that first job yet? Do you even have a job?

A lot of questions such as the ones I’ve mentioned and countless others have been asked and still are asked by or to anyone who has or has pursued a Fine Arts Degree. What I have found and noticed is that many schools prepare the students well when it comes to technique, stage presence, characterization, interpretation etc but what about the business side of things? Do these virtuosos know how to balance their checkbook and prepare their taxes? They should and if thy do not know shame on the schools who do not prepare them properly.

Are these students, musicians, these artists actually told during their choice program (not just once or twice but constantly) that they are the business that has to be marketed? Are they taught how to market themselves and to network? In most cases, I’m sad to say, they are not.

Concerning networking, I am not referring to just gathering as many emails, numbers and names as possible. I’m referring to actually using that information and making a connection. When you meet someone, there should be such a zeal to expand yourself that you immediately try to find out more about the person. One, because you truly are interested in what this person is about, who they are and the fact that you just made a new contact. But two, because you want to find out how they help you and you help them. It may not occur immediately but you have to have an outlook and vision that it can and will happen. If they have the same type mentality that’s a plus. Go for it!

Clemson University is one school, which is starting to do just that. You can check out there program here. There are other schools I’m certain that have programs such as this in place. However, there are more that do not which is why there is an issue here. There will certainly be more on this in a more structured format later on.

Thanks for reading,

Bryant Belin

Music Heals

For some time I have considered (and still am considering) taking a chance to pursue music therapy. What I’ve had confirmed over and over again is music heals and provides a place of solstice, of comfort and of peace. Most importantly, it’s more than just plunking at a piano or blowing through a brass or woodwind instrument. It’s about communication.

Robert Gupta in his TED presentation “Between Music  & Medicine” talks about how he was at a crossroads to decide whether or not he wanted to ‘give up’ music (his career for most of his life) to pursue a career in medicine. It was a crossroads and even daunting decision because he; like other musicians, understands the power and encouragement, etc music brings to its audience. Moreover, music was more than just a career it was his life.

This quote by Romantic Composer sums it up best: “To send light into the darkness of men’s hearts, such is the duty of the artists.” Over the last 11 years I’ve had the privilege and honor to teach individuals from various backgrounds, ages and levels of development.  And not once has music failed to assist in assisting individuals to communicate more successfully than through conventional means of speech, writing, etc. To be direct; the power of music is incredible.

Teaching music has allowed me to see individuals who could not hear, perform and communicate as though no issues were present. Students have gained immediate understanding of challenging concepts in other subjects due to their parallel study of music. Parents of music students have expressed improvement in speech patterns for students with autism. “He (student of VP Music Studios) has slowed down in his speech and is more focused since he started lessons” (name of parent and student are not included for privacy).

When we listen to music our brain is active (fired up) from the pre-frontal cortex all the way back to the cerebellum. Because of this, the benefits are substantial. “Music is a neuropsychiatric modality to help children [and adults] with autism, to help people struggling with stress and anxiety and depression."

This is certainly not exhaustive but to be succinct – music heals.

Thanks for reading,

Bryant Belin

Robert Gupta: Between music & medicine

http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_gupta_between_music_and_medicine.html

Know Your Performance Part II

**NOTE: The following subject will focus on vocalists; however, the same concepts can be applied to any musician.

Part 1 of this article (August 22, 2012) briefly discussed the steps any vocalist should take when studying a piece of music. Identifying the language, researching the composer and studying the rhythm and tempo markings were mentioned. Melody was mentioned last but not covered.

Melody is important because it obviously contains the text (lyrics) you will sing during your performance. This section should be studied with great care. Know your entrances and exits. There is nothing more upsetting and disappointing than to have a beautiful prelude or introduction of a piece played just to have the vocalist ‘screw up,’ for lack of better phrasing, with his or her entrance.

Pay attention to phrases. Without phrasing, your performance will most likely lack luster and interest. Make each phrase different than the last (if the music allows). Purposely prepare each breath (exit and entrance) to support the phrase (more given on this later).

Articulation. You want what you’re saying to be understood (and know the rhythms) and it doesn’t get any simpler than that. The larger the performance space, the more you will have to focus on consonants. This section requires lots of attention so a future article can be devoted just to consonants and also vowels. Articulation can also refer to how the notes are played as well (for instrumentalists).

Be expressive.  Identifying the language and Researching the composer has already taken place so you should have a pretty good idea of what the text means. You cannot share what you know about the piece and translate its meaning to the audience if you are not expressive; this is regardless if you know every detail of how the character(s) feels within the story of the text. If you don’t express that, the audience will not know (and you will not either) that is what you’re singing about.

Thanks for reading,

Bryant Belin

NATS - Have you joined yet?

            The National Association of Teachers of Singing, otherwise known as NATS. It is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world. There are more than 7,000 members in more than 25 countries that participate as active members (professional teachers of singing).

NATS has a large influence on the music industry; particularly the area of vocal studies. Classical Music and Musical Theatre are two of the main types of music studied; however, the entire realm of vocal music study is covered. NATS has a reputation of providing only the best instruction for the vocal arts and making that level of expertise available and accessible to each student. Check out what the NATS mission statement says:

“To encourage the highest standards of the vocal art and of ethical principles in the teaching of singing; and to promote vocal education and research at all levels, both for the enrichment of the general public and for the professional advancement of the talented.”

Student auditions are the highlight of the year for NATS teachers and their students. Thousands of students meet every year in designated locations (schools, organizations, etc) to audition before a panel of NATS judges in order to gain additional insight, understanding and critique of their voice and the application of technique. The energy is high, the nerves are flaring, excitement is almost uncontainable and individual artistry is forced into hyper drive. These auditions result in regional and even national advancement for those fortunate enough to display the best technique, skill and musicianship.

The first National Musical Theatre Competition took place this year and like the annual student auditions it will most likely be an annual occurrence as well.

“NATS supports the growth and enrichment of its members through the publication of Journal of Singing, a scholarly journal comprised of articles, written by distinguished experts, on all aspects of singing and the teaching of singing.”

Being a NATS member is an excellent networking venue. There are also tons of opportunities to find the next recital or concert location, get teaching advice and understand to implement concepts a little differently than normal. The Journal of Singing is an excellent resource for any voice teacher or coach (yes there is a difference between the two). Latest vocal research, methods, techniques, workshops, general music information, lecture summaries from leading vocal pedagogues and much more are located in Journal of Singing.

If you teach voice, I strongly recommend you join this prestigious and highly informative organization. You will not be disappointed!

Thank you for reading,

Bryant Belin