End of Summer, 2017

WHAT?! How is it possible that it’s the end of summer, 2017?? It’s literally back -to-school time and we are off and running. Time keeps pounding on and when you are having a ball and working on kicking some a$$, it goes even faster! I love fresh beginnings and the start of the school year is a great time to take stock of things and reorganize. I’ve even cleaned up my office and started work on my big music project of organizing into pretty folders, both digitally and physical, my sheet music and books.

Summer round up!

Summer is usually my down time but this summer…wow! 😜 Not only did many of my Vocal Power and Piano Power students continue their work with me, I added several new students as well! I’m really learning as I am building my studio that when I stay flexible and allow for a more fluid schedule, I have the opportunity to keep things moving forward. I am humbled to say that my students are very loyal, are willing to drive long distances (one drives from LA and one drives from Phoenix!) and even when they can’t maintain a set schedule, they text me again and again to find ways to get in to see me. I adore my students, allow them heavy access to me on a personal level and the biggest thing is what I am teaching them… maybe teaching isn’t the perfect word… coaching and mentoring is really the thing!

Let’s start with technique. It’s absolutely got to be rock solid. We all know what is happening with Adele. She is true and genuine and it breaks my heart that this is happening to her. A grueling tour schedule is one of the problems and definitely to blame. As to the rest, I don’t know firsthand. I hear what she does with her voice live and sometimes I cringe. It makes me worried. All I can say is, when you have strong technique, healthy habits, the right diet, a strong sleep schedule, regular daily warm ups and a strong coach to guide you, it is likely you will be able to overcome any vocal issues.

What really is technique? Voice placement, breath control (and not the old school way, either), strong musicianship. Things like pitch, interval training and ear training are vital tools for good performers. Let’s talk about lyrics. Do you know what your song is about? What does it mean to you? WHY are you singing it? WHAT is your connection to the lyrics? I have lots of apps that will help you learn all of these things. They feel more like games and by doing them for even just 10-20 minutes a day, your musicianship and performance will greatly improve. Why do we need these skills you may ask? I just want to sing! 🎶

Hey, I want it to seem like my microphone is smoking hot, too. I get it! But, IMHO, if you want to stand out as a performer, if you want to BOOK THE JOB, you gotta know this stuff. It LITERALLY makes you a better performer! Do the work and learn your craft on a deep level. Connect with that audience and give an unforgettable performance. I still study to stay completely up-to-date with techniques and apps and current material. Come play with me and let’s do it!

Speaking of connecting with your audience…I had a some great gigs myself this summer. My top two favorites were playing with an all-girl jazz trio for an art gallery special event. No pics of the actual event were allowed, but here we are in Chicksinger Studios rehearsing…

Stand up bass with Summer and guitar and French Horn and back up vocals with Jenni! These girls are amazing musicians, gorgeous and super sweet. Our song list was out of this world with everything from jazz standards to classic pop and current acoustic-a fied songs of today. We played for 4 hours to a very appreciative audience. It was heavenly.

My other fave gig this summer was for a Chef driven event at the lovely boutique hotel the Downtown Grand. Chef Scott Commings (winner of season 12 Hell’s Kitchen, wow) presented a beautiful 5 course dinner with Vintage Vegas as the theme. My song list included Frank Sinatra hits “Fly Me to The Moon”, “The Way You Look Tonight”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, Nat King Cole songs, “Unforgettable”, “When I Fall In Love”, Ella Fitzgerald songs, “Summertime”, “Our Love Is Here To Stay” and so many more. I love singing and playing those jazz and great American Songbook, tunes!

I’m working on a bunch of ’80s tunes for an upcoming corporate event, getting my best Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, George Michael, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, Journey, Foreigner, A Ha and more going. What are your fave ’80s songs? I’ve got to fill 3 hours, so I’m a researching fool and I’d love to hear what songs you like.

Dangerous Curves, my all girl vocal trio has some exciting jazz news to share! I’ll be updating you very soon. I can’t wait to share!! Dangerous Curves is a project near and dear to my heart. Delicious harmonies and girl power. What could be better? 😉

We had a rehearsal Sunday morning, and then it was a last-day-of-summer party. My son starts Fourth Grade today…😲literally time is flying by.

 

I am astonished and reminded to live in the moment and enjoy life to the fullest. If summer is continuing for you, then by all means, enjoy! If you’re like me and the fall schedule is on, then let’s get things done! Set your goals for the end of the year. It’s only 142 days until New Year’s Eve! Get moving on those dreams! If I can help you in any way, drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!

You can find me at KarenMichaelsMusic.com for bookings. I’d love to play for your special event, cocktail party, cruise ship, restaurant or wherever you need beautiful music! If you need voice and/or piano lessons, head on over to my Facebook page for lessons and drop me a line there! In fact, let’s be online friends at Las Vegas Chicksinger in all these places! Read my reviews and testimonials, Like me on Facebook, I do live videos there at least once a week, and talk about my pursuit of love, happiness and music.