Mary Jo Dugaw

Mary Jo has credits that would take up three of four posts. Musical Theatre (Village, 5th Ave); Classical  (concerts, with symphonies). You name it - She's probably done it.

Recording: Yes - Yes and Yes. Find out if it's Tape or CD

Gender: Girl.

Piano Skills: She plays a wonderful lesson. Encourages you to find a coach to actually "prep" for the audition (i.e.  Listen to the accompaniment) - but plays well enough to run through it with you at her space.

Style: Specializes in techniques that apply to all styles of music from classical to popular. I will tell you from personal experience she teaches the mix in a clear, understandable way making it easy to make the translation from head to body.

Reputation vs. Isolationist: The woman is amazing. Back in my 20s when I thought I knew how to sing ( I had classical training after all!)
I was touring kid shows. If you have never led the glamorous life of touring kid shows - let me give a quick peek. No mics. Bad venues - Mostly gyms. The kids - were actually wonderful because I was lucky enough to be doing material by Brian Willis when I was with Seattle Public Theatre and by Bruce Monroe when I toured with the 5th Avenue.
So - clear picture - GYMS. Hard to be heard. I kept losing my voice. I was terrified, desperate and - terrified. (cue angel voices -now). She fixed me! She referred me to a specialist who assured me I did not have Nodes. Did I mention I was terrified? She then proceed to teach my everything I know about saving my voice while I speak - not just sing. She also solidified and increased my understanding of Mixing through the Psaggio (aka - your break). I am not the only one who has had this amazing experience.

Location: Eastside, Metropolitan area. So - when I took with her she was located solely in North Bend. BEAUTIFUL home and studio in the home. North Bend just became too far for me with my schedule.

Prices:  http://www.maryjodugaw.com/  Check her website for more info on cost and specific location
Mary Jo Dugaw - Savior (by my definition - not hers!) Sent me to a specialist to make sure I did not have the dreaded Nodes - I didn't. Then taught me how to speak - not just sing - correctly. Sublime.
Amazing teacher. If you are struggling at all with glitches in the voice or mastering the mix Mary Jo is a wonderful fit. If you are just looking for some great solid technique - Great fit!

Next Post: Kim Maguire also and Eastside Teacher!

Voice Teachers

So the next couple of days I will be focusing on Voice Teachers. There are voice teachers, there are audition coaches, there are voice teachers who also coach.
So - Why do you need one?

Did I mention technique? You need it. Period. Singing is a skill and an art. It's also a sport. Vocal calisthenics are part of my voice lessons. You need these amazing exercises that Voice Teachers... teach and guide you through in order to make singing a challenging song look and SOUND easy.

Say - A challenging song like "It's a Privilege to Pee" From Urinetown. It has the range of a goose. Low to very, very high. Maneuvering all that - singing high, low and through your Pissagio - Don't know what that means? A voice teacher does!

Choosing a voice teacher is incredibly personal but here are just a few things to consider.

Recording: Most voice teachers have some sort of recording device to record your lesson. This means you can use those wonderful exercises for years to come. It also means you can evaluate how you sound, how you thought you sounded etc. Most teachers WANT you to record. I believe it's an invaluable part of the process.

Gender: Some men only want to work with men, Women only want women or men only want women or... you get the idea. It's a personal choice.

Piano Skills: Some teachers play piano really well, others hire accompanists. Both are fine.

Style: Do they know the musical theatre cannon? If not that is ok - just know that you will need a coach when you prepare for auditions. Classicaly trained teachers have wonderful technique - but may not know how to teach a musical theatre sound. This is a different sound than classical. However, many of the techniques that keep your voice safe are the same. Some Teachers do both.
Belt  - Make sure the teacher is telling you how to keep your voice safe.
Mix - This is invaluable to get the psaggio. Also has a sound that is very similiar to belting.

Training: What is their background? Their training? Find out.

Reputation vs. Isolationist: Are they a guru? Do they think they are the only one that can help you? If so - Run. Do you know any of their students? What do they have to say about them? Look for that good Reputation.

Location: Close or 50 miles away. May or may not be important to you. Time is money and gas is expensive these days. But if they're worth it...

Prices: In Seattle anywhere from $50.00 - $65.00 is reasonable. If it is more than that -well one of two things. They are REALLY specialized in what they teach and in HIGH demand or they aren't on the up and up. Refer to Rep/Isolationist. Ask around. Check their rep.

"Chemistry...yeah Chemistry" - No matter how good they are - you need to have a click -Proffesional or Personal - hopefully both. BUT - don't go with someone who is not qualified just because you like them.

Throughout the week I will be posting local voice teachers and information about them and how to contact them.