The Lakeshore Singing Weblog

WORLD-CLASS SOPRANO RETURNS TO TULIPANES

amygould — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:07:42 +0000

The eighth annual Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival

Martha Juliana Ayech Rodriguez

is pleased to welcome back soprano Martha Juliana Ayech Rodriguez at Hope College’s Dimnent Chapel in Downtown Holland, Michigan on Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Born in Querétaro, Mexico, Rodriguez obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and later also a Bachelor’s degree in Music, as an Opera singer specialist in Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro.

She has studied her skills at the Santa Cecilia’s International Academy, in Rome, Italy under the direction of the soprano Renata Scotto. Collaterally she also studied with tenor Sergio Di Bari. She also was selected by the Verdi Opera Studio to perform Opera “Il Trovatore”, at the Teatro Regio di Parma in Italy, under the conduction of Bruno Cagli. Later she received the “Nicolai Ghiaurov” foundation scholarship to become member of the Centro Universale del Bel Canto in Modena, Italy under the direction of Italian soprano Mirella Freni.

She has been granted first places in important international contests of opera such as “Vincenzo Bellini”, “Sanremo Lirica Classica”, “Città di Roma”, “Premio Selezione Giovanni Professionisti della Mùsica”, “Nicolai Ghiaurov”, among others. She had recently received the “Beato Angélico Award 2006 for women”.

Due to her voice qualities, the Italian critics have qualified her as a beautiful verdiana voice and soprano lirico pieno-spinto. Also the Italian press have commented “Martha Juliana, the Mexican soprano has in her repertoire Operas that require great professional ripeness, managing the extraordinaire energy variations the act needs to express, going from the delicate whisper to a great vocal expression…”(Il Giornale della Musica).

Within her Opera repertoire there are pieces from G. Bizet, U. Giordano, R. Leoncavallo, W. A. Mozart, G. Paisiello, G. Puccini, G. Verdi.

She has also interpreted a large number of oratory operas written by famous authors like: W. A. Mozart, F. Schubert, C. Gounod, G. F. Haendel, A. Vivaldi, J. S. Bach, C. Franck, L. Van Beethoven.

Nevertheless, in her presentations she has always given importance to Mexican music performing songs written by: María Grever, Agustín Lara, Macedonio Alcalá, Angel J. Garrido, Belisario de Jesús García, Alberto Alvarado, Arturo Tolentino, Juventino Rosas, Manuel M. Ponce.

She promoted the foundation of the Bel Canto Group at the Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro acting as its coordinator until 1999, when she went to Italy.

In May 2000 she was nominated as “The Voice of the Mexican Jubilee”, singing in Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem (Israel) and also in Rome with an audience of fifty thousand people in San Peter’s square, with the presence of the Pope John Paul II.

On June 29th, 2005 she was granted (in a concert) the distinguished student medal in the Mirella Freni Universal Center of the Bel Canto.

In March 8th 2006, International women’s day, she received the “Beato Angélico Award 2006 for women” in Rome, Italy during a ceremony presided by Functionaries of the Italian Government, Ambassadors of different Countries and Italian Feminine Leaders.

Within her last acclaimed presentations, among others are present, her participation in the “Puccini Festival” with “la Bohéme” in the role of Mimí, and “Tosca” in the role of Floria Tosca, in Italy.

Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for students and available at the Hope Box Office at DeVos Field House in Holland or by calling 616-395-7890. The performance will take place at Hope College’s Dimnent Chapel in downtown Holland, Michigan. Doors will open at 6:15pm with the performance taking place from 7-8:30pm.

For more information on Tulipanes, visit www.tulipanes.org.

This event is sponsored by the Brooks Family Fund and Jim and Ginger Jurries.

The program: Honoring Puccini’s 150^th Anniversary

1.- Un bel di vedremo…………”Madama Butterfly”

2.- In quelle trine morbide……”Manon Lescaut”

3.- Si, mi chiamano Mimi…….”La Boheme”

4.- O mio Bambino Caro……..”Gianni Schicchi”

5.- Vissi D’arte…………………”Tosca”

INTERMEDIO

6.- Júrame………………………María Grever.

7.- Sabor a mi…………………..Alvaro Carrillo.

8.- Te quiero dijiste…………….María Grever.

9.- Bésame Mucho……………..Consuelo Velásquez.

10.- Solamente una vez…………Agustín Lara.

11.- Granada…………………….Agustín Lara.

News at Lakeshore Singing

amygould — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:25:28 +0000

I’m so excited about all the changes at Lakeshore Singing Lessons this summer. For starters, the studio has been repaired, repainted and redecorated and it is all ready for the fall. The warm-up CD that I’ve been working on has FINALLY been printed. There is a high voice edition for women and a low voiced edition for men. It will be up for sale on the internet soon through CD Baby, iTunes and many more locations on the web (and in the studio as well.) I’ve created a members only podcast so that voice students can get helpful hints, tips and techniques weekly. Current students are invited to check it out for free by going to http://www.singerspot.com clicking on the link to subscribe to my podcast and entering the coupon code TRYMYPODCAST. Several helpful new articles have been entered on my blog site http://www.singerspot.com. Make sure you take a look at it!

The effects of singing on the brain

amygould — Tue, 27 May 2008 15:29:41 +0000

This is a fantastic article by the BBC about the effects of singing on alzheimers and dimentia patients. Check it out!

New Warm-up CD is available

amygould — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:28:56 +0000

I’ve created a new warm-up CD. It is currently only available for download from my website, but soon will be available through CD Baby and several other online music retailers. It includes a bonus track with information about breath support and other helpful tips to improve your voice. Take a look at the information about the CD and listen to demo tracks here.

Holland Chorale Auditioning for adults and children

amygould — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:28:24 +0000

Holland Chorale holding auditions

The Holland Sentinel

Posted May 21, 2008 @ 05:00 PM

Holland, MI —

The Holland Chorale extends an opportunity for anyone who can sing and read music to audition for positions in the Chorale for its 49th performance season commencing in September.
The Chorale will hold auditions for all voicing (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) on the evenings of Tuesday and Thursday, June 3 and 5. Experienced singers are invited to call for an appointment. The approximately 15-minute audition will consist of the audition committee listening to the candidate’s vocal quality, vocal range, ability to blend with other singers and sight-singing abilities. Call for an audition appointment.
In addition, special auditions for Chorale Kids will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 2. Unlike the audition for adults, this is a group audition. Call to register your child.
All auditions will be conducted at the Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. Eighth St. For either adults or kids, call Jayne Phillips at (616) 494-0256 ext. 814 or e-mail Jayne@hollandchorale.org.

Opera GR announces Chorus and Comprimario Auditions

amygould — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:34:14 +0000

Who:      Anyone who is interested
What:     Auditions for Opera Chorus and Comprimari Roles
When:    Friday, May 30th 4 PM to 7 PM
Saturday, May 31st 12 noon to 5 PM
Where: Central Reformed Church
10 College Ave. NE
in Downtown Grand Rapids
NE corner of College and Fulton
Use the side door (the back door is
under construction)
How:
•    Call 616-451-2741ext. 10 or 17 to schedule an appointment
•    Bring sheet music
•    An accompanist will be provided
•    A song in a foreign language is preferred, but not necessary.
•    Please, no pre-recorded accompaniment
•    For more information or to schedule an appointment please Call Opera Grand Rapids at 616-451-2741 ext. 17 or ext. 10.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about opera on a first-hand basis is encouraged to audition for our opera chorus. You will be a vital part of all Opera Grand Rapids productions. Our 2008-2009 season will include Puccini’s dramatic masterpiece Tosca sung in Italian, Donizetti’s timeless comedy The Elixir of Love sung in Italian and Gounod’s dark and powerful Faust sung in French. Opera Chorus members receive a small stipend of $145 per production for new members, plus complimentary tickets to the opera. Music and study guides will be provided by Opera Grand Rapids.

Kudos!!

amygould — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:09:50 +0000

Several of my students have been out auditioning and doing great things. Here is a list of some of their accomplishments. If I missed yours, please send me an email so I can add it to the great things that you are doing.

Amy Gould

Congratulations to:

Nola Tolsma – For winning a solo part in her schools choir concert.

Sarah Schuilling – For auditioning and getting into concert choir at Zeeland High School next year.

Keep yourself singing over the summer

amygould — Tue, 20 May 2008 15:01:28 +0000

Many students leave town for vacations and other summer activities and have to stop taking lessons until the fall. Here are a few things you can do to keep your voice in shape while you are gone and maybe even pick up a few new skills along the way

Road Trip – Games to play in the car

Road trips are often very exciting to begin with, but can quickly become boring without something to do to pass the time. Here are a few music games that you can play in the car (or anywhere else for that matter.)

Audie

Audie is a great game to play with children ages 3-4 (or older). It is supposed to help indicate a childs musical ability, but it is a lot of fun to play as well. Each game kit includes: a cassette with two games-one for melody, the other for rhythm, a guide for parents containing suggestions for teaching music to young children (no music ability necessary), instructions, and other important information, profile cards for charting each child’s musical growth, and two pads of game sheets.

Folk Songs, Singing Games, and Play Parties for Kids of All Ages

This is a series of four different CDs with songs and instructions for games to play. Some of the games might be better for when you arrive at your destination, but the songs are fun to sing in the car.

Trout Fishing in America

This is a great group that creates music for children. The lyrics are fun (even for adults) and will have you grinning and singing along to hits like “My Best Day” and “My Hair Had a Party Last Night.”

Crazy 8ths and Totally Treble

Crazy 8ths creatively combines music education with popular card games – played by reading notes rather than numbers. Beginners can easily master “Go Fish” and “Old Maid”, while more advanced players will love the fast and furious fun of “PIG” and “Crazy 8ths”. Anyone can join in by using the cheat sheet card. The deck contains 56 musical notation cards covering a two-octave range from bass C to treble C, with rests, triplets, and repeats thrown in. A 28-page book provides rules for 10 popular card games.

Totally Treble adds a musical twist to familiar card games, which are played by reading notes rather than numbers. Beginners can master Go Fish, Old Maid and Memory, while older students will love Spoons, I Doubt It and Crazy 8ths. The card game contains 84 musical cards in 3 suits, spanning 3 octaves of treble clef notes (starting at low E), rests, triplets, repeats, and key signatures. Also included is a 32-page booklet of rules describing 11 popular card games at varying ability levels.

Title

Price

Thinking about a career in music?

amygould — Mon, 19 May 2008 14:15:36 +0000

If you are thinking about a career in music and would like more information about what careers are available, look no further. The MENC (Music Educators National Conference) has put together a very informative website with lots of information for people looking at having a career in music. It is called Careers in Music. It has 16 different job categories listed along with information about salary, job requirements, training and more. For a more in depth look at music careers, check out Exploring Careers in Music published by MENC.

Summer Singing Lessons and Classes are here!

amygould — Thu, 15 May 2008 12:42:16 +0000

Private Singing Lessons
Now enrolling for private singing lessons for the summer. Summer is a great time to take singing lessons. Use your summer vacation to get ready fall choir auditions, school musical or improve your voice and increase your range so you are ready tackle anything that comes your way. You can work on songs you wouldn’t have time for during the busy school year like that cool new tune by Taylor Swift or music for church.

Session I – June 2-20 Tuition is $48.00 for 3 half hour lessons, $96.00 for 3 one hour lessons
Session II – July 14-August 1 Tuition is $48.00 for 3 half hour lessons, $96.00 for 3 one hour lessons
Session III – August 4-15 Tuition is $48.00 for 2 half hour lessons, $96.00 for 2 one hour lessons

Enroll in all 3 sessions by May 25 and receive a $15.00 discount.

Don’t have time take lessons this summer? Take a one of these short classes with a few of your friends. Class offerings for the summer are:

High School Musical (Ages 7-12)
Have fun singing songs from the original hit movie and improve your singing at the same time. Students will learn several songs from “The High School Musical.” There will be a performance the last day of class.

Session I (June 2-6) 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Session II (June 9-13) 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Session III (June 16-20)10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Class size 4-8
Materials Fee $25.00 includes book and rehearsal CD
Fee $50.00

High School Musical II (Ages 7-12)
If you liked the High School Musical, you will also enjoy High School Musical II. Have fun learning the songs from The High School Musical II and learning to sing and improve your voice at the same time.

Session I (June 2-6) 11:15 a.m.-12:15 a.m.
Session II (June 9-13) 11:15 a.m.-12:15 a.m.
Session III (June 16-20) 11:15-12:15 p.m.

Class size 4-8
Materials Fee $25.00 includes book and rehearsal CD
Fee $50.00

Musical Theater for Teens (Ages 13-18)

Spend a few weeks of your summer learning and performing musical theater songs as a group and as a soloist. This is a great opportunity to get ready for musical theater auditions and build confidence performing in front of others. Each class is 3 weeks long. Each session will build on the skills learned in previous sessions. Take just one class or all three.

Session I -Monday, June 2,9 & 16 from:1:00-2:00 p.m.
Session II – Monday, July 14, 21 & 28 from: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Session III – Monday, August 4, 11 &18 from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Class size 4-8
Materials Fee $25.00 (includes book and rehearsal CD)
Fee $30.00

Pop Idol for Teens (Ages 13-18)

Always wanted to be on American Idol? Here’s your chance to work on songs you could sing for the next auditions and practice singing in front of others. (Without the pressure of singing in front of Simon)

Session I – Tuesday, June 3, 10 & 17 from: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Session II – Tuesday, July 15, 22, 29 from: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Session III – Tuesday, August 5, 12 & 19 from: 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Class size 4-8
Materials Fee $25.00 (includes book and rehearsal CD)
Fee $30.00