Right From The Start {Book 2}

Episode 2: Composing & Singing 101

Marotti: Today you get to see an exclusive look into two classes that students here in On Beat Studios take to make their dreams of pursuing a music career come true. First is Angie, On Beat's vocal and songwriting instructor.

(IN CLASS)

"Alright students, Pablo has a group assignment out for this week. I will like for everyone to break into their groups and section off yourselves in the classroom." [Angie]

Marotti: Here from my far left I have the boyband called All For You. Featured Leon, Andres, Maximiliano, and Diego. To the far right I have the girl band featuring Violetta, Francesca, Camilla, And Natalia. And in the middle features Ludmilla, Broadway, and Marco.

"Perfect. Now we are going to work on your harmonization's. Harmony is fitting each person's vocal range from multi pitches into one melody. The pitches have to align together to make a beautiful sound. Wrong pitch it can sound like two keys that are side by side on a piano." [Angie]

"For your first exercise I am going to hit a series of notes. Then in your groups you are going to interrupt those notes with your vocals. Determine who is going to express which note, and when I call time each group is going to practice your harmonization one by one. Everyone clear on what to do?" [Angie]

Marotti: Let's talk to the vocal's teacher herself, Angie. Tell us what exactly you teach.

Angie: I teach singing or vocals. I also teach songwriting.

Marotti: Have any tips to those who are watching what it takes for them to be a good singer.

Angie: Qualities that we the studio looks for is not just having a good voice but someone who has a natural ability to also touch someone's heart. We look for soul and a lot of passion. Also someone who is always looking for room to learn and improve.

Marotti: Do you yourself sing?

Angie: Yes, mostly on my own time. Sometimes in the class I will sing to demonstrate a certain melody. Now if you excuse me I have to continue my class. Stay tune and see a sneak peek of what our students work on.

"Time. Now anyone wants to volunteer first?" [Angie]

"We do of course." [Ludmilla]

"Ludmilla." [Broadway]

"You guys have to match these notes. I will play them and you try to mimic with your voices." [Angie]

-  -  -  -  -

"Maybe you guys need to more time to practice." [Angie]

"What? I thought we were perfect." [Ludmilla]

"I barely could hear Broadway or Marco. It sounded like you were the only one singing." [Angie]

"I think that is the point. In my group all we need is one lead singer." [Ludmilla]

"Ludmilla, being in a group means everyone makes a group effort. Take notes from the other groups." [Angie]

Marotti: As you can see everyone works together as a team here in On Beat. You get an A for effort, not solo performances. Let's move on and take a look at Beto's composition class. Take you behind the scenes of how your On Beat stars write their own music.

(IN CLASS)

"Alright, Leon and Diego. When you both play you sound like you are playing against one another and not together. Understand? Just like your voices your instruments must harmonize as well." [Beto]

"Camilla, Natalia, and Francesca. The music composition is good, but Natalia make sure you don't get lost during the performance. Think of it as you carry the beat, during a song we cannot loose the beat, Ok. Tips for Francesca and Camilla, when playing your instruments do not forget to make eye contact with the crowd. Don't get lost into your instruments." [Beto]

"Marco and Broadway, add in a beaded percussion instrument into your composition to spice up the song. It will give it a dimension and a whole new tone." [Beto]

"Students overall I am impressed with your compositions. Whether it's your original or a remix. Focus on letting your instruments harmonize and do not loose focus of the big picture. Class is dismissed." [Beto]

Marotti: As you can see our composition teacher, Roberto, has a lot of incite for our students here at On Beat Studios. Roberto, Beto, can you tell us when you first started getting interested in composition.

Beto: Well, you see. I-I was a little boy and just grew fascinated with music. Instruments are a key factor and the two just went well together.

Marotti: What was you first instrument to play?

Beto: An electric guitar. Or was it the piano?.. (*leaves the interview and walks out the classroom door)

Marotti: It seems our instrument instructor got lost in the many instruments he has in stored in his head as well as his classroom. Join in next time to take an exclusive dance lesson as well as stage advice from our professors, Pablo and Gregorio.