Contents   Chapter 1     Lessons Live Online

Singing Lessons at Live Your Computer Wherever You Are

SECRETS OF SINGING

I have written this little book for beginning students, and for anyone who wants to sing better but who cannot devote the time to serious study. But even if you are more advanced, I'm sure you'll find some helpful suggestions here.

Based on my 25 years of teaching in America and Europe, I have provided useful general information, and many strategies and tactics that really work. By spending thirty minutes a day, and following the instructions, you will sing better and eventually really enjoy it.

Most of us want to sing better. Some just want to sing in private, and have discovered that the better they get, the more fun it is. Others want to enhance their business and professional communication skills. Others want to sound better when they sing in church or in singing groups.

A surprising number of us want to sing in public. Karaoke has been a worldwide phenomenon for more than forty years! Most participants really enjoy "getting up there" and singing. Some want to enter karaoke contests. Others enjoy just being "the critic" in the audience.

Then there's the therapeutic value of singing. Singing lessons can result in an increase is self-esteem in many areas of life, especially talking to groups. And with more powerful vocal chords. It can also be "medicine" for depression.

But whatever your reason, it is clear that singing touches a very basic part of human nature. Singing is primal.

Singing along with tracks is the best way to  practice. A "track" is a recording of a band or orchestra that is missing a singer. As a result, you experience what it is like to be the singer with an orchestra. This is a big improvement over singing along with recordings that already have a singer. In addition, while you sing, the words of the songs appear on a video screen. Also on the screen may be music videos that go along with the song, or live video of you singing.

History of Karaoke

The Japanese word 'karaoke" means "empty orchestra." Compare it to karate which means "empty hand." Other definitions include "silent orchestra," and "orchestra without the singer." One can also define it as "music minus one." (This is what musician call it. They get to practice with a recording of an orchestra that is missing their particular instrument.) At the Singing Centre we define it as "track assisted singing," and "You Be the Singer."

Karaoke may have its origins in music practice albums of the 1960's called "Music Minus One." These were phonograph records of bands and orchestras playing songs minus an instrument playing the melody. This enabled a musician or singer to practice with a recorded orchestra, and be the soloist. As early as the 1930s, there were similar phonograph records, and some movie cartoons used the bouncing ball over the words. Incidentally, in the Philippines, karaoke is called "minus one."

During the 1950's, there was a television show called "Sing Along With Mitch Miller." His show consisted of an orchestra and chorus that sang popular and old-time songs. While they sang, the words of the songs appeared on the screen so that the viewers at home could sing along. A "bouncing ball" appeared over the word being sung at a particular moment. One could buy Mitch Miller's albums for home use as well. The difference, however, is that it was not "minus one." The melody was not missing. But, the basic idea of media assisted sing-along entertainment probably was born in America.

For the origins of Karaoke, we need to go back to the mid 1960's in Japan, to a record store owner named Tisaga Tagaki. He had noticed that singing along with juke boxes was very popular. He came up with the idea of producing tape recordings of bands and orchestras with the vocals missing. This would enable those singing along to be more personally involved.

He began making a "sing-along machine" consisting of an 8 track tape player and a microphone. Takagi trademarked the name "Karaoke," and formed Nikkodo, Ltd., the world's first karaoke equipment company. The idea took off. And American kids in 2005 want them for presents.