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

 

 

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - #9

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #9: Find a certified voice teacher.

•     A voice teacher can teach you the proper way to sing to protect your voice.

•     A voice teacher can help you expand your range.

•     A voice teacher can help you sound more polished and professional on your recordings and live performances.

How to find a voice teacher:

• One of the best ways to find a voice teacher is through referrals. It's good to hear from someone who has an experience with that teacher. 

• Research the local music schools in your area

• Check the teacher's credentials

•  When you meet with the potential teacher, make sure there's a good rapport. This is a person you a entrusting your precious voice to. You have to trust that this person.

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/PRC_pyNnqA8

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music- Tip #8

Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #8: Write your own songs (Songwriting).

•     Writing your own songs helps you develop as an artist and to find your voice (your unique message).

•     Writing your own songs helps you become a better performer. You can bring your own style to the cover songs you perform.

•     You can have a separate career and income as a professional songwriter. It's worth the effort just for that reason alone.

You have a special message through your music. Write songs and find your voice!

-- Benita Charles Music

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

http://benitacharles.com


Youtube video: https://youtu.be/GukuqmiNsr8?list=PLYd6_mylCVJlXdn1a_rWdcLt-QHYkukcU