BACK TO BASICS-SECONDS

The first week's exercises are working on intervals of a second, which is working with the adjacent note of the scale. We will be using major and minor scales. A second exercise with the C major scale, might go like this: C D C D C D C D, D E D E D E D E, E F E F E F E F, F G F G F G F G, A B A B A B A B, B C B C B C B C B C, C----------. An interval is the distance between notes, with a minor second also a half-step (C to Db) and a major second a whole step (C to D). This can be confusing when doing this exercise. With this exercise, we are working with adjacent notes of the scale, some which may be major seconds, some minor seconds. For the major scale example, C to D is a major second, E to F is a minor second, but we are adhering to the pattern of the major scale, which is "whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half" steps. Apply this pattern anywhere on the piano and you will have a major scale. I will be adding a video shortly to demonstrate the exercise. In the mean time, I recommend you getting www.smartmusic.com to help.

BACK TO BASICS-PRACTICE TOOLS

Whether you are a pro or beginner, it's crucial to have a strong foundation in the fundamentals of singing. Reviewing scales and intervals daily is a must. I have my voice students buy "SmartMusic" by the people who created "Finale". It's on about $25.00 a year, and is really helpful in the studio. More importantly, a student has specific, clear-cut exercise assignments each week, plus a number of songs to access, change key or tempo, take out the melody, and record their voice.

Recent Musicals

The last few weeks has been packed with summer musicals. I was really proud of my son Austin who has been performing and mentoring junior and high school kids at Western Washington University's production of Disney's "High School Musical".

Next on the last was Core Theatrics production of "Les Miserables". This was a large production, with some terrific performances. I was proud of my student Sophie. This girl has a future. Marianni, Cathy, and Heath did a terrific job.

The next night was "Grease", done by Bellevue Community College. These kids had such enthusiasm and I was proud to see my student Jaron grow as a dancer, as well as a singer.

I'm sorry I missed "Anyone Goes" done by Studio East, but I heard it was terrific. This past weekend, I saw "Hair", done by Seattle Children's Theater. This was a bold and ambitious production, with most of the cast on stage dancing and singing for the whole show. I was impressed with old friend Terrance Kelley's choreography and David Duvall's band. I was especially proud of my student Miranda who played the role of Chrissy. Last night which as closing night, she sang "Frank Mills". She sang like an angel and received one of the loudest, longest ovations I've heard from an audience in years. She will remember that for a long time.

Next on the agenda is to see "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and Woodinville Repertory Theater's one-act plays.