How I Learned To Sing - Chapter 2

"My Journey Through The Pretentious World of Classical Singing: The Beginning"

Through my training with David Malisaint, at the Fricke School of music in New Orleans, I developed a strong foundation of vocal coordination.  I walked away from the experience, with an understanding of what healthy singing feels like and sounds like.  Straining now felt wrong, thanks to an intense focus on blending the registers and eliminating "the break." This was a lesson that - I would later find out - many singers never learn.

...The Remaining Problem: I would listen to singers like Peabo Bryson, Christina Aguilera, Brian McKight, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey. Their voices were so POWERFUL! Because of my training, mine had become clear, but I wanted to be able to acheive that strong, punchy, belt voice quality. And at that moment, I simply couldn't do it - not without feeling immense strain.

But again, what separates me from many other singers, is my insanely stubborn nature - I simply will not accept the idea that I can't do something. I knew that there had to be a way to get that effortless sounding belt voice; I believed it with all of my being.

At the age of 16, as I began my Senior year in high school, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to sing...No; scratch that - I HAD TO SING! It became an obsession. I thought about it, and read about it, and talked about it all day. The idea of being a "real singer" thrilled me and terrified me at the same time. People were beginning to notice that I had a "nice voice" ( I used to hate when people would say, "you have a NICE voice." It's kind of like saying, "You're ALMOST good looking;" y'know?).  Anyway...

I was asked to perform with my R&B group at a small church for a gospel concert. The group consisted of myself and two of my close friends. We were talented, but very VERY green. At the sound check for the concert, I witnessed a choir director teaching parts to the tenor section of the church's choir. I was blown away by the power and agility of his voice. I had to talk to him. After the rehearsal, I asked "Who did you study with? You're clearly well trained." He attributed his voice to his classical studies; He had a masters degree in vocal performance. He mentioned terms that I'd never heard before - ring, placement, open throat, and the mask. It intrigued me greatly. Sure, the guy did sound a little funny, applying his classical voice to gospel music... Still... I coveted his power. He told me that Xavier University was known for producing amazing classical singers, and instantly I knew that I was meant to be there.

Let me explain: I had already been offered a full tuition academic scholarship to Xavier University in New Orleans. I was already accepted...and for free! This was perfect...kind of. I still had to audition for the Music Dept. Just the idea of performing in front of a room full of music experts, scared the hell out of me! But I knew I had to...

Read Chapter 3: "My Journey Through The Pretentious World of Classical Singing: The Initiation"