Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #13

 Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music

 Singing Tip #13: How To Handle Technical Difficulties and Interruptions

*Remain calm.
Things sometimes happen during a performance. It could be a technical problem with the equipment or some other problem beyond your control. It's best to keep your cool and assess the situation.

* Act Professional.
It's best to be courteous to the technical staff that are working on the problem. They are doing the best they can. Acting rude doesn't help the situation.

* Think of creative ways to handle the situation.
Work the crowd during the interim. Depending on what the problem is, you can make it a part of the show.

I hope these tips are helpful. Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

-- Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com


Youtube video: https://youtu.be/kz47u6X23_s

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #12

Benita Charles Music at Morningside Park (upper Manhattan)

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #12: Project your voice when you sing.


            * Project your voice when you sing so that your audience can hear your message.


            * Projecting your voice shows your audience you have confidence when you sing.


            *  Proper Posture: Stand up straight and breathe properly and sing from your diaphragm. This will help you sing properly and project your voice when you sing


Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!


-- Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com 

Youtube video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1Whpqf5B-A&list=PLYd6_mylCVJlXdn1a_rWdcLt-QHYkukcU&index=20

A special thanks to all who supported my Music For Peace Concert NYC!

Music For Peace Concert NYC 2016!

A special thanks to all who attended and supported my Music For Peace Concert today in Morningside Park (upper Manhattan)!

It was an incredible day of music, friendship and unity.  With so many tragic things happening in the world, it was so wonderful to bring some peace, love and joy!

I am so grateful for the incredible musicians who played with me today: Karyn Oliver, Peter Archer and Claude Draillard. They gave their talents and wonderful spirits today to help make this affair a huge success. From the bottom of my heart, I am eternally grateful!

One special moment happened when a gentleman who was jogging in the area, heard us singing "Give Peace A Chance" and he stopped and shared his story.  His name is Jrome Andre and he is a recording artist who have been working on putting together a positive album of cover songs to help heal the world.  He shared with us that he recently lost a loved one to violence in Atlanta. He looking to make a difference in the world with his music.  It was so incredible to experience first hand the power of music!

I'm so grateful that my cousin, Jason Thompson and his friend Patrice attended and supported the concert. It was so wonderful to see family there.

I couldn't have asked for perfect occasion! It was truly a day of love, unity, peace and joy!! Thanks to all my fans for your continued support of my music!

-- Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Music For Peace Concert 2016 video: https://youtu.be/r8t898hZ4ds

MusicForPeace Worldwide Sing-Along - July 24th!

Music Heals The World: We are living in turbulent times and civil unrest. It has been a rough summer with all of the recent tragic events that's been happening n the United States and abroad. We need relief. As we continue to pray for the world, we will unite on one day to lift our voices to the heavens and spread love through music.

On Sunday, July 24th, I am honored to host a sing-along at Morningside Park in upper Manhattan (110th Street and Morningside Ave.) in New York City as part of the Music For Peace event. On this day, we sing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah at 12:00 pm and join people all over the world in song, unity and healing. Join me and all my friends at the park in song for a once in a life time experience! Music provided by Peter Archer. For more information, visit: http://benitacharles.com.

Location: We're going to be near the 110th St. & Manhattan Ave. entrance of the park. When you walk down the stairs, we will be on the far left side. There's a lot of nice trees there.

About the Music For Peace Movement

The Music For Peace Movement is the brain-child of National touring solo artist, Marci Geller. Marci was inspired to create this event after watching a video of Rufus Wainwright with the Choir! Choir! Choir! singing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah. She stated, "It not only brought tears to my eyes, it gave a momentary sense of belonging to something greater. It inspired me to want to keep putting out good energy and helping us all to heal." Thus, the Music For Peace Movement was born.

Concerts are scheduled around the world in New York, California, Tennessee, Canada, Ireland, and Mexico. They will be simultaneously live streamed to be viewed by hundreds of people around the world.

For more information, visit: www.marcigeller.com/musicforpeace.


Here's the link to Rufus Wainwright's video of the Choir! Choir! Choir! performance of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah": https://youtu.be/AGRfJ6-qkr4

Music 101 College Tour at Wix Lounge (NYC) - July 13th!

 Awesome connections: It was so great to meet Ankh Ra and the lovely Stacey Eden! 

Beautiful soul: It was so great to meet Mr. Ankh Ra, vocal coach to the stars and of MTV's Making of the Band. He had such a beautiful spirit. We will meet again! 

Knowledge is power: It was great meeting Amadeus of Platinum Boy Music at the Music 101 College Tour at the Wix Lounge in NYC. He was a great host and moderator.

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - #11

 

Benita Charles Music at Jackie Robinson Park (Harlem, NYC)

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #11: Sing in front of an audience.

            * Performing in front of an audience will take your talent to the next level.

            * Performing in front of an audience will help you get paid gigs.

            * Performing in front of people who don't know will test your abilities.

7 ways to gain live performance experience:

1) Family functions
   - Sing at family gatherings such as BBQs, family reunions, weddings and special occasions)

   - Sing as often as you can in front of your family/friends to get experience
   - This is usually your first experience singing in front of a live audience and your family can be a kinder audience than most.


2) Church
   - The church choir is an excellent way you can learn how to sing with a group and in front of an audience.
   - The church choir will help you develop your ear because you have to listen to others when ou sing.
   - The church audience is usually a kind and encouraging audience which can really put singers at ease during performances.

3) Open Mics
   *An open mic is a show that anyone can sign up and perform with a live band.
   - Open Mics are an excellent way to get live performance experience without a huge investment on your part.
   - Open Mics will help you gain experience singing with a live band
   - Be sure to sign up early because there's usually a huge wait time to sing at the most popular open mics.

4) Talent Shows
   - Competing in talent shows is an excellent way to gain experience singing in front of an audience.
   - Preparing for a talent show and performing will take your talent to another level.
   - Watching other talent performers is a great way to learning winning techniques.

5) Artist Showcases
   *An artist showcase is a show an independant producer promotes with a select number of featured artists.
   -Performing in an artist showcase is great exposure for the artist performing on the roster.
   -Performing in an artist showcase will allow the singers to perform at high-end venues.
   -The performance time is longer for an artist showcase than an open mic.
  
6) Self-Produced Shows
   *A self-produced show is a show the artist produces, invests and star in.
   -This show will help the artist develop leadership skills as a producer.
   -The artist has complete artistic control with a self-produced show.
   -The artist will often keep a large portion of the profits for this type of show, depending on the agreement with the venue.

7) Live streaming on the internet
   *The internet has opened a whole new way artist can perform and connect with their audience in real time.
    -Performing live on the internet will allow you to engage with your audience like no other way before.
    -It will also help you build an audience world-wide.
    -If you're videos or live stream go viral, you will go mainstream for greater exposure for your artist brand.
    -Current live stream sites: Facebook Live, Periscope, Ustream, Concert Window, Busker (new) and more.

Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

-- Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Youtube video: https://youtu.be/s6yr7SyZvMw 

 

A special thanks to all who attended the Shrine show on July 2nd!

Before the Preachermann and The Revival Show: Preachermann - Benita - Amnel

A special thanks to all who attended and supported the Preachermann and The Revival Show at The Shrine on July 2nd!  It was truly a night to remember. It was the place to be last Saturday night! The audience was packed and so energetic - it was contagious!

It was so wonderful to see our friends who attended, Tom Watson and Shawn and other familiar faces. We even met new friends along the way, Ms. Darlene Dues of Orange is the New Black, Leslie Robinson of rechargethegame.com, Maki Yamamoto (textile designer), Burcu Ozturk and her friends!

Even though we didn't have the entire band with us, the music was as powerful as ever. It is a pleasure working with so many extraordinary musicians who love what they do. I was honored to share the stage with the charismatic, Ed "Preachermann" Holley, the lovely Amnel Holguin on backgrounds (the newest member), Joe Paldino (guitar),  Nick Paldino (bass), Manny Montanez, (percussion) and Tom Pope (drums). Together, we created beautiful music that enriched the audience.  We could feel the love from the stage.

The Shrine staff  was hospitable as always to us. A special thanks to our sound man for helping us sound the best. It's a pleasure playing there. It is our home!

Thanks to all our fans and the well wishers who sent your energy to us last night.  We appreciate all of you for your love and support.

Music is so incredible! It changes lives and makes the world a better place! I am so proud and honored to be a music maker. Thanks so much to everyone for taking this journey with us!

Much Love to you all,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

The Ladies of Preachermann and The Revival: Benita and Amnel

  Benita's in the zone during her song, "Out On a Limb"

We love our fans!

Ms. Darlene Dues of "Orange Is The New Black," her daughter, Benita and Amnel

Benita with Burcu Ozturk and friends.

Leslie Robinson of rechargethegame.com and Benita

Ms. Maki Yamamoto (textile designer) and Benita

 Benita, Shawn and Preachermann

Great feedback and picture from one of our fans, Barcu Ozturk!

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - The Recap Show

Benita Charles Music at Battery Park City in NYC (Lower Manhattan)

 Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - The Recap Show (First 10 Tips)

This show is a review of the first 10 tips we discussed that builds your talent (voice). Your talent is your foundation to becoming a professional singer.
           
10 Singing Tips that help build your Talent:

1) Start learning songs.
     *Sing as often as possible (at least 3 times per week).
     *Start with songs you like.

2) Warm up your voice.
     *Always warm up your voice before singing.
     *Sing an easy song first after you warm up your voice.

3) Prince tribute show. (Study Prince's Artistry)
   *Prince was the ultimate artist. He was a great example of what we should aspire for our careers.
   *Prince was a singer, musician, songwriter, producer and music business executive.

4) Establish a rehearsal schedule.
    *This will help you improve your voice and the songs you sing to practice consistantly.

5) Build your repertoire.
    *Create set lists of different genres of music.
    *This will help you have an arsenal of songs you can perform for upcoming gigs.

6) Take care of your voice.
    *Be gentle with your voice.
    *Avoid excessive talking and shouting.
    *Give yourself a vocal rest as often as possible.

7) Share your gifts to the world.
    *The world needs what you have to offer whether it's original music or your intrepretation of the songs you sing.

8) Write your own songs.
     *Songwriting is an excellent way to help you release your own music in the world.
     *Songwriting also helps you find your style when you sing covers.

9) Find a certified voice teacher.
     *A teacher can help you learn the proper way to sing to maximize your voice.

10) Learn a musical instrument.
      *Playing a musical instrument will help you learn music more throughly.
      *This will help you in your songwriting and when you sing.

This concludes the tips we will discuss regarding your talent (your voice) in the "Show" part of "Show-Business." The next series of tips will focus on performing.

Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

-- Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Youtube video: https://youtu.be/1aoFUijfmRI

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #10

Benita Charles Music at Madison Square Park in NYC

 

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #10: Learn a musical instrument.

  * Learning a musical instrument can help you become a better singer because you will know which notes to sing in the music when you sing.

 * Learning a musical instrument will help you put music to your songs when you write your original music.

 * Learning a musical instrument will help get a greater understanding of music overall.

3 steps to learning a musical instrument

1) Practice at least 15 - 30 minutes daily (increase the time gradually). This will help you get in a good routine to practice and helps with consistency.

2) Practice from the perspective of learning to make beautiful that you enjoy. This will keep you motivated to practice every day.

3) Find a certified music teacher/music school/music books/online teaching tools to help guide you in learning your instrument. This will help you learn the proper technique of your instrument.

Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!

-- Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com 

 Youtube video: https://youtu.be/cb0mJaAzZro