29 May 2003

Insight into Adelaide Australian IDOL auditions.....

It was interesting for me (Leanne) to hear the feedback from our 2 teachers, Lisa Simonetti and Katie Packer who auditioned for the Adelaide heats of Australian IDOL.

It was recommended by a student who auditioned for Popstars, that they arrive at 7am (for the 8.30am start). Many of those who turned up at the given time waited up to 5 hours for their audition.

Moral: BE EARLY & RUG UP IN WARM CLOTHES (it's very cold at that time in the morning and you could be waiting outside).

They were expecting thousands, however I assume no more than 800 - 1000 people turned up. Given Adelaide's much smaller population compared to our Eastern State neighbors (e.g. Melbourne & Sydney), they would have to draw a limit at some point as to the amount of people who went through.

They did tell Lisa that they intended to audition all those who turned up at the Adelaide audition. Probably for no other reason other than because they could!

After a few hours of lining up, the cattle call began.

Approximately 50 people were brought in from the line out on the street, and taken into a large room. They were then broken into groups of 5 and taken into separate audition rooms, with two judges listening to each person. One by one they sang their verse and chorus of a song of their choice. I was quite surprised that they were given so long to sing; it is usually half as long at most.

I assumed they were looking for a 'big' and 'belty' voice going by what I saw on American IDOL via the US show "Entertainment Tonight". I therefore told our singers to choose a song accordingly. Most Whitney Houston, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey songs would have worked. For this reason Lisa sang Aretha Franklin's "Respect". Fortunately she got a call-back and was asked to sing for the Executive Producer soon after. There may have been no more than 100 singers get through to this point, and very few would get through to the third round.

Overall, the girls said it was a good experience. The judges were friendly and let the unsuccessful ones down gently; a tactful art in itself.

For those who aren't used to such an experience it can be extremely overwhelming, not to say intimidating. There can be a tendency for the unsuccessful ones to interpret not getting through as a personal failure. The key to remember is that any decision from the judges is based on a professional basis, not a personal one.

For those who don't get through, they are still talented. It is usually the case that they weren't what the judges were looking for at the time. And after all, this one is geared solely for TV and ratings!

Good luck to all those who intend on auditioning in the other states of Australia. Go along with the view of having fun and gaining a positive experience from it and you'll have a great time!

28 May 2003

Jac Dalton update.......

LHSS student Jac Dalton track Nobody Wins from the CD/EP has been added to the playlist(s) of 150 radio and television stations throughout Australia.

We look forward to the full-length album as production begins in November/December.

"Interest and encouragement within the music industry has been absolutely overwhelming" says Jac.

For the song to get airplay, we would like the public to contact their local radio stations - those that play country music and even those catering to pop audiences - and ask them to play Jac Dalton's songs.

Click here to visit Jac's Website and to hear his songs.

Click here for previous blog entry on Jac

Jac Dalton with
Leanne Hoad

Click image for full size version

27 May 2003

Search for a Singer

Search for a Singer, now in its 2nd year, has been a great forum for singers to gain confidence and experience while performing.

I (Leanne Hoad) have enjoyed my involvement as a judge. Many singers who had never had the opportunity to perform in front of an audience did so with great results. I was also amazed by the talent the competition attracted.

Search for a Singer is held at the Arkaba Hotel , 150 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton, Adelaide, ph 8338 1100.

The contest gives artists the opportunity to showcase their abilities and gain experience in performing in front of an audience.

Performers are required to sing two songs of their choice using their own backing music or an instrument.

Judges look at vocal and microphone technique, stage presence, appearance and performance, audience captivation, confidence, energy and stage dynamics.

Heats are held every Sunday from 3 - 6pm for 12 weeks commencing May 18th in the Ark Tavern .

"Open-Mic"

Monday nights is "Open-Mic" (Jam Sessions). Everyone is welcome. Be in it for the fun, just for a laugh or, for the more serious, to practice new songs and fine tune technique.

Where:	Ark Tavern The Arkaba Hotel 150 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton www.arkabahotel.com.au ph 8338 1100
When:	Monday nights
Time:	7.30 - 11.00pm
Entry Fee:	Free Entry Snacks Available
Happy Hour:	7.30 - 8.30pm
What to bring:	your own backing CD/or instrument, and friends.

For all enquiries regarding ' Search for a Singer ' (Junior or Adults), or 'Open-Mic' Jam Session give Kate Lara a call on mob. 0412 238 663 .

Kate's a terrific powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm and she'd love to hear from you to arrange a spot for you in the show.

26 May 2003

LHSS Performers Concert

Congratulations to the first-time performers who sung at our Performers Concert last Friday night at the Studio.

Singing in front of an audience is one the hardest things to do. We believe it can take some practice before the nerves don't get the better of you.

The programme for the concert was:

Good luck.......

To the LHSS students who are auditioning for Australian Idol this Wednesday in Adelaide.

They are Kristen Bode, Martina Marinkovic, Brent Jacobs, Katherine Ali, Mel Drabic, Helen Vhalo, Aleks Milicevic, Cate Dyer and LHSS teachers Katie Packer and Lisa Simonetti.

For more info click here

22 May 2003

Nasendoscopy Workshop

ANATS (Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing) is holding a Nasendoscopy Workshop to view and discuss the health, condition etc of the vocal folds.

Speech therapist, Jan Hooper, will be in attendance to explain what is going on and give a lecture on Vocal Health.

Anyone wishing to view their vocal folds is welcome to be 'scoped'. Alternatively, you can simply observe.

19 May 2003

WAAPA Music Theatre Audition Masterclass

The Western Australian Academy of performing Arts (WAAPA) is now offering a Music Theatre Audition Masterclass in Adelaide, and other capital cities, to help demystify what can be a daunting process - the audition.

The Masterclass will be conducted by full-time staff members of the Academy's Music Theatre Department.

Participants will learn techniques valuable for any musical audition, and gain behind-the-scenes insight into the Academy's Music Theatre course.

The three-hour session which will include mock auditions for singing, acting and dance, and prepare auditionees for all challenges from cattle-call to callback.

17 May 2003

Reminder: LHSS Performers Concert

(see 8 May, 2003 entry)

The Studio's 1st Performers Concert for the year will be at the Studio this Friday 23 May, 7pm. Performers to arrive at 6.30pm.

Advance notice: Performers Concert No.2

The 2nd Performers Concert: Friday 18 July, 7pm.

Rehearsal: Friday 11 July from 6.30 - 9.30pm.

Forms available for download online (PDF) or from the Studio.

15 May 2003

Copyright & Licensing for Singing Teachers: APRA

(see 14 May 2003 entry)

As part of our Copyright & Licensing for Singing Teachers series, today we look at the Australasian Performing Right Association Ltd (APRA) licensing body.

Who do they represent?

APRA is a non-profit making association that administers the public performance and communication rights of the world's composers, songwriters and publishers in Australia & New Zealand.

Its twin aim is:

• to ensure that licenses for the exercise of performing and communication rights in musical works are as accessible and reasonable as possible;
• and to ensure that writers and publishers are paid the royalties to which they are entitled for the use of that music.

As a singing teacher what license(s) do I need from APRA?

APRA has many licenses to cover a vast range of differing scenarios but generally only one or two may be applicable to singing teachers/studios.

We have been advised by APRA (South Australia) that singing songs within lessons does not require an additional APRA licence since they choose to interpret the use of music, and teach music, as an extension of their complimentary educational licence.

The performance of music during public concerts, however, needs to be authorised and may be licensed, as indicated below, depending on the venue and the anticipated Box Office.

The LHSS holds the following APRA licence:

Obviously, the needs of singing studios vary greatly and the licence we hold may not apply to you if you do not hold concerts - if you do hold concerts however, you will need to make enquiries as to the appropriate licence for you.

We recommend that you contact APRA to establish exactly what license (if any) you may require.

Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA)

14 May 2003

Copyright & Licensing for Singing Teachers: Introduction

Much confusion surrounds the use of copyrighted material e.g. print music, CD's, used in a singing studio.

In Australia, there are four primary bodies involved in the licensing of music:

• Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA)

• The Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)

• Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited (PPCA)

• Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA)

Why is copyright & licensing important?

Music is the intellectual property of composers, lyricists, recording companies and publishers who, like other suppliers in the marketplace, deserve to be paid for the use of their product or intellectual property.

As a singing teacher what do I need to license?

Several inexpensive licenses are available for the reproduction, performance and playing of musical works including print music and CD's; even if they are only used as a training tool.

Over the next few weeks we will look at the kinds of licenses available from APRA, AMCOS, PPCA and ARIA.

Further info:

• Australian Performing Rights Association (APRA)
• The Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS)
• Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited (PPCA)
• Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA)
• Copyright & Music
• Australian Copyright Council (lots of useful information sheets relevant to singing teachers available for free download here)
• Copyright Society of Australia

13 May 2003

Audition for "Australian Idol"

IDOL is coming to Network Ten after being a No. 1 smash hit in the UK, America and Germany.

The show invites viewers from around Australia to find a singing Super Star through a series of "live" concert performances. Previous winners have gone straight to the charts with record-breaking CD sales.

Audition Dates for Adelaide are:

Click here for more

Group Singing Lesson Course

LHSS teacher Lisa Simonetti commenced a series of Group Singing Lessons which have been tailor-made for the singers at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Para Vista in Adelaide.

Their Music Coordinator, Peter Johns approached us with the idea of providing the singers who sing in the services at the church, with singing techniques and skills to improve their voices. These singers sing regularly and can do a lot of it. It was also important to ensure bad habits don't set in, and the awareness of the voice and the necessary technique covered, would prevent vocal over use and abuse. Consequently, the sessions would also provide a higher standard of singing in the services.

A concentration on the 'chorus' style of singing which is heard in today's contemporary churches, and harmony skills were areas that also needed to be covered.

The Sessions tailored to this group consisted of some of the following:

• Breathing, Torso Support, Breath Control
• Posture & Back of the Neck Extension
• 3 Resonances/mixes
• Exercises making the transitions from medium - low pitches, and medium - high pitches

• The importance of "Warm-up" exercises
• 20 minutes of warm-up exercises and 'sirening'
• 'Giggle' technique
• Singing songs applying the techniques
• harmony (part-singing) skills

• Vocal Health (notes will be given to singers)

• Microphone techniques (notes will be given to singers) inc. holding, sound testing

We are excited to be able to provide tailored Singing Sessions to groups and look forward to doing more in the future.

If your organisation or group might find tailored singing lessons useful, please give the Studio a call on ph (08) 3864 0773.

8 May 2003

Reminder: LHSS Teachers in musical

Leanne Hoad Singing Studio teachers Allison Bourke and Katie Packer will be performing in the Marie Clark Singers production of:

The King & I

Friday	May 23		8pm
Saturday	May 24	2pm	8pm
Sunday	May 25	2pm
Wednesday	May 28		8pm
Friday	May 30		8pm
Thursday	May 29		8pm
Saturday	May 31	2pm	8pm

at the Arts Theatre,

Cnr. Angas & Moore Streets, Adelaide

Tickets $20 Adults, $16 Conc

Discounts available for group bookings over 10

All tickets for Wed May 28 show are $14

ph. 8396 4748

Tickets can be ordered through Katie and Allison at the Studio at CONCESSION PRICE of $16 until Sunday 18 May.

Ordered tickets will be left under your name at the theatre box office to be paid for and collected 15 minutes before the show's commencement.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's first musical play, based on a true story, was also the first project brought to them by a star who wanted to play the leading role. The star was Gertrude Lawrence, and her idea for a musical came from the highly popular novel, Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon which, in turn, was based on the memoirs of Anna Leonowens, a 19th century Englishwoman who became governess to the children of the King of Siam. Click here for more on this Rodgers & Hammerstein musical.

Katie Packer will play the role of "Lady Thang" in the above production of "The King & I". Katie's has also performed in other solo roles including Handel's "Messiah", Bach's "St Matthews Passion" and Gilbert & Sullivan Society's "Little Buttercup" & "HMS Pinafore". Katie's association with the LHSS began 7 years ago as a student. Katie went on to complete a Bachelor of Music in Voice (Performance) and has been teaching for the past 4 years.

Allison Bourke will be playing the role of 'Tuptim" in the Marie Clark Singer's production of "The King & I". Allison joined the teaching staff at LHSS in 2002. She has double degrees in Music and Arts from The University of Adelaide. She has had experience as a performer including chamber recitals in the Adelaide Fringe and roles in opera and musical theatre productions.

Performance Opportunities to gain experience in performing

At the LHSS we have opportunities for those who wish to perform and gain experience in this area. In the next few weeks our students will be involved in:

Music Teacher Association Performance day

• Kristen Bode singing All That Jazz
• Martina Marinkovic singing Beautiful
• Belinda Emanuele singing Breathe in Now
• Kylie Playford singing Delta Goodrem's version of Lost Without You,
  
  will be performing at the Performance Day Concert this Saturday.
  It will be held at Prince Alfred College at 3.15pm.

LHSS Performance Concert

The studio holds regular Performance Concerts. They are intended to give students vital experience in performing and encourage and develop confidence. It is an opportunity for first-time performers to gain experience in a non-threatening environment.

The next LHSS Performance Concert is on May 23 at the Studio.

A rehearsal is scheduled the week before the concert on May 16 where the students will practice singing in front of each other and cover performance skills and performing tips.

This is a great way to start the performing process which can take almost as much practice and experience as gaining singing technique itself.

7 May 2003

Jac Dalton records original songs

Congratulations to LHSS student, country/pop/rock singer Jac Dalton who has just completed recording an EP at Ramrod Studios in Sydney .

The EP consists of 2 original songs written by Jac entitled Exhale and Second Time Around - a cover version of Elvis Costello's Girl's Talk and the 4th track - Nobody Wins - an original by writer Radney Foster from Nashville.

Jac came to LHSS for singing lesson to be ready for the recording. Jac said "you came highly recommended from a number of main stream sources.

"When you only have one chance, as you do when recording with the view of releasing onto the market, you've got to make sure all the chambers are loaded. In this industry you only have one shot and I wanted to give it my best."

Originally from North Carolina, Jac became a permanent resident settling in Adelaide in 1988. Since being here, he has teamed up with his Manager, Tony Savage, former Manager of Midnight Oil, who not only suggested he attend our Studio to brush up on technique in preparation for the recording, but also secured producer Herman Kovac at Ramrod Studios to do the recording.

Jac has been performing professionally for 15 years. His credits include musicals such as South Pacific, Guys & Dolls, Phantom of the Opera, 42 Street; approximately 40 shows in total.

At 17 he played Bass for James Brown and has done backing vocals for singers such as Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette & Dolly Parton at the Las Vegas Hilton.

The EP will be released next week, distributed through the stores and to approximately 300 radio stations in Australia for airplay.

We will keep you updated with Jac's success.

5 May 2003

More wedding photos....

Please find attached more wedding photos of myself (Leanne Hoad) and my husband (John Waller) taken by the Adelaide Sunday Mail Newspaper (refer to 26 April entry below for all details)

click on images for full size versions

1 May 2003

Entertainment Industry Workshop

Looking for a career in the entertainment industry?
Do you know a struggling Entertainer?
Have you hit a brick wall and need answers?
Want a better understanding of the music industry?

THE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD BY AN AGENT TO GIVE YOU THE FOLLOWING ANSWERS:

* Information on how to get started.
* Answers to your questions.
* Find out how to promote yourself.

Workshop will be held on:
Tuesday May 13th
6pm - 10pm
$66.00 (inc. GST) per person
Bookings Essential.

For Bookings and more details on the course please call
Jennifer Cahill, mobile 0410 756 798