Monica Margolis Vocal Coach on Idol Talk - Monica Margolis Method

Monica Margolis Vocal Coach on Idol Talk - Monica Margolis Method

WORD OF MOUTH IS EVERYTHING

I always say "do a great job and hopefully they'll say something nice about you." Word of mouth is EVERYTHING. This is something one of my students said to me. I just had to put it in my blog, because she made my day!!!

"I learned more about piano from Monica Margolis than I ever did from my old piano teachers.They would teach me to memorize, but now I know scales, inversions, and harmony's! It's great!!!"

The funny thing is I'm her vocal coach!!!

LA DOESN'T OWE YOU ANYTHING. WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE???

This is just flat out ridicules and unfortunately I hear about it all the time. So many people come to LA with a plan. That's the good part. The ridicules part IS THE PLAN. I've heard it a million times. Your coming in from whatever other state or even country with the 6 month plan, the 9 month plan, the 12 year plan or if LA is "lucky" the 1 1/2 year plan. "If I don't make it big in LA by so and so time, than I'm out......I'm done." I will stay at the Oakwood apartments and I'm not getting a job while I'm here. My parents said they will play for everything, so I don't have to." Wow, nice parents. So, what will they say when a year and a half goes by and your still not famous??? What are you thinking? What are they thinking? This takes time. This isn't over night. If you want to come to LA to give it a shot........ that's great, but be realistic. Get a job with flexible hours so you can go out on auditions. Get out of wherever it is that your staying early in the morning and work your butt off. Don't come back till the day is beyond over. This way, you can say "I did it" or "I gave it my all."

STOP! DON'T SIGN ANYTHING!!!

Oh Dear God, I have to remember to breath when writing this blog. I have the most talented students ever! They get offered deals left and right. Record deals, distribution deals, demo deals, here a deal, there a deal. I hear about it EVERYDAY!!! It's so exciting........I know, but you have to think smart. You can't walk around with stars in your eyes if you plan on having a singing career. Do you know what all the fine print in your contract means? The guy that wants you to sign it does. You gotta contract? Now it's time to get an attorney......an entertainment attorney that is. You want one that has credibility to their name. What names have they worked with that you've heard of? It's time to do your homework. You'll thank me later.

PS. Would you go to a heart doctor if your foot was broken? Same idea when it comes to attorney's. 

DON'T BE SHY AT YOUR SINGING LESSON, BE SHY IN THE LIBRARY

Ok honestly, I don't get it. You called me or your parent called me, because you can't stop singing. Infact, you're singing all over the house! In the shower, the kitchen, your bedroom, the family room. You can't seem to stop! So you book a consultation with me, you show up, and not a peep??? What is that? This happens all the time. The funny part is.....after I get to the point where I'm pulling teeth to get these super shy people to stand up and sing........THESE HUGE VOICES COME OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS!!! Ok, here's the deal........There are too many people in the world. You can't please all of them. You're not going out robbing liquor stores or causing harm to others. You're singing. Singing is a blessing.......AND YOU JUST HAPPEN TO BE GOOD AT IT??? Stop caring about what others think. Live your life already. It's too short not to. NOW GO OUT AND NAIL THAT AUDITION! As much as you want it, They need you there or there would be no audition to begin with!!!!

My Singing lessons online. Learn how to sing online. The Monica Margolis Method has become one of the most successful programs in the United States.

My Singing lessons online. Learn how to sing online. The Monica Margolis Method has become one of the most successful programs in the United States.

HOW DO KNOW WHEN YOUR EFFORTS IN MARKETING YOURSELF THROUGH THE INTERNET ARE WORKING???

It doesn't matter what type of business you have or are. You can be a singer, singing instructor / vocal coach, or a clothing store. When it comes down to it, it's about a product and marketing the product. So lets say you've been putting a lot of "elbow grease" into your marketing. At what point do you know your getting your name "out there?" When you get a call from someone who's not very happy with you, because they googled their own name and google brings up your name as well.

DON'T JUST DREAM ABOUT IT, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!

 Unless you were born into this industry as a celebrity or big wigs child or relative, than it's plain and simple. If this is what you want to have as your career,  you're going have to be a self starter. Don't just talk about your hopes and dreams.  After a while if that's all you do is talk about it and have nothing to show for it......KNOWONE'S GOING TO WANT TO HEAR ABOUT IT.  It's time to wake up. You may be all of 16 or 17 years old today. However tomorrow comes REALLY FAST.  You must think of yourself as a product, because that is exactly how the record executives will look at you.....IF they look at you at all....

Things to think about -

Are your vocals up to par?

Do you have a demo?

Do write songs?

Do you play an instrument?

Your image....take a photo and take a good look (your hair style, color, your clothes etc...)

Your bio...

headshots And body shots....

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD THAT WANTS THIS JUST AS BADLY AS YOU DO???

I just recived this from one of my students. I can tell you as a vocal coach, this is what it's all about!!!

Hi Monica,

So.... it has been a long time and I am not sure if you remember me. I took vocal lessons from you a few years ago. I just wanted to thank you for being a great coach. I still use your vocal warm ups on the CDs you gave me every night before my gigs. I am touring with a band in Asia right now and having a blast. You are amazing. Thank you for being good at what you do, and creating a space for artist to become great with the help of you.

Thank you again,

Julianne

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: MONICA MARGOLIS'S INTERVIEW ON AMERICAN IDOL'S "ID...

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: MONICA MARGOLIS'S INTERVIEW ON AMERICAN IDOL'S "ID...: "Monica Wesley Margolis Monica Margolis Vocal Coach on Idol Talk - Monica Margolis Method www.youtube.com American idol Talk on TV Guide with..."

MONICA MARGOLIS'S INTERVIEW ON AMERICAN IDOL'S "IDOL CHAT."

Monica Wesley Margolis

Monica Margolis Vocal Coach on Idol Talk - Monica Margolis Method

www.youtube.com

American idol Talk on TV Guide with Justin Guarini and Kimberly Caldwell.http://www.monicamargolis.com/

STOP MUMBLING YOUR WORDS

You say you love to sing. Some even say singing is their life! So why are you mumbling your words? You can sing the most beautifully written song and have the most stunning voice, but knowone will know if you don't articulate, meaning to speak or sing clearly. This involves using the tip of your tongue, your lips and even your teeth!  These are your articulators. They help us create our words and can help you sing more beautifully and freely. I can tell you as an audience member, it's frustrating when wondering "what was the line they just sang." I always say recording yourself and listening back is have of your homework as a singer. This is just one of the reasons why. You could be mumbling your words and not even realize it!

I'VE NEVER TAKEN SINGING LESSIONS, BUT I THINK I'M A SOPRANO

I can't get over how many times I've people say "I've never taken singing lessons, but I think I'm a soprano." I ask how do you know and I often hear "I don't know, I just have a feeling." Well to start with, I'd rather now not put a label on a brand new students voice. For one thing, their nerves are up...... they're not sure what to expect within the lesson, my studio is a new environment for them. they may have driven in stressful traffic and they're not vocally warmed up. All these things can very well effect the vocal octave range! I always say "I'll take you to the piano and we can find out if you want a name you can go home with. However, I'd rather say lets warm up....stretch out a bit and for now, consider us in construction. The reason why I feel this way, is because usually after a few lessons the student is much more relaxed. They start to let go and show a wider range! The type of voice you have may not be what you thought.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU HAVE TO COUGH DURNING A PERFORMANCE?

I get asked this question all the time. It's a pretty good question when you think about it. What do you do? I tell artists to try to swallow harder. If that doesn't help, you can take the mic away from your mouth and turn your head the other way. However my favorite way is to casually turn around and face the band for a brief moment while taking the mic away from the mouth. Cough facing the band while still moving your body to the beat of the song. Now continue your turn to face the audience. So you've actually turned in a full circle, got the cough out and the only ones that have to know are you and your band.

WHO IS YOUR MENTOR?

The information in this blog is not only suitable for singers, but rather anyone and everyone. I've been teaching voice since 1989. I feel quite confident within my work. Years ago someone made a comment to me in regards to what I may want to do that could help better myself as instructor. I was totally offended. I had it in my head that I was already at the top of my game. I've had many instructors throughout the years, but never a mentor. It's so important to have someone to look up to that you can learn from as well as connect with and respect. I've learned more within the last 8 months than I have in years. I have finally met my mentor. No, he doesnt' help me with my teaching voice. I don't even know if he sings. He mentors me within the business side of my work. He may not know that he's mentoring me at all! His accent is so thick, I often find myself saying "what?" I've never even met him in person. We only talk through e-mails and sometimes over the phone. It doesn't matter. Not even a little. He explains things to me in such a way within the business aspect of my work, that I totally get it!!! My business skills have grown beyond belief and so has my gratitude.

ARE YOU GETTING READY TO CUT A DEMO?

I help my student get ready for the recording studio ALL THE TIME. My biggest word of advice is to be prepared. Know your song inside and out. Have it memorized, but also bring the lyrics with you as a little "safety net." Bring room temperature as well. Having "cotton mouth" while in the studio is NO FUN. Make sure you had a good nights sleep and eat a couple hours before your recording time. Please keep away from dairy until after your done recording. Dairy equals gunk in the back of the throat. Remember to have fun.

THE RIGHT VOCAL COACH FOR YOU

There are soooooooo many people out there that call themselves vocal coaches. Some charge as much as $1000.00 a session others as little as $17.00 a session. What a wide range of price. How do do you know which is the right choice for you? Do your homework. Read up on the instructor. Get references. Does cheaper mean ........that's the one for you? What about the saying "you get what you paid for?" Does more costly mean they must be the best, because they cost more? Set up a consultation. See that your comfortable with that person as well as your surroundings. Talk about your goals. Make sure you are both on the same page and that this person is a puzzle piece that fits for you.

DO YOU HAVE STAGE FRIGHT?

 If you have stage fright, there are a few things you can do to help yourself.

1. Be prepaired. Know your lyrics ( I mean REALLY know your lyrics ) write them out over and over gain.
2. Practice your song several times over in front of the mirror.....in this room.....in that room......infront of others....in the car.......in the shower....etc.....
3. Record yourself and listen back over and over and over and over.......you get the idea......
4. Make yourself go to as many auditions as posibble just to get use to it. This one can be a hard pill to swallow. However it REALLY works in the outcome.
5. Remember to exercise. Exercise helps relieve the stress.

Combining proper mic technic and pilates?

 Today I had a student come in and remind me that some still cheat when it comes to having louder vocals. I told her she needed to be louder. It was hard to hear her. She said "oh" and brought her mic closer to her mouth. That will make you louder.....a bit. However the emotion won't be stronger and your mic is doing the work. The other day I brought up pilates being the best exercise for singers, because it's about strengthening of the core. Just think........ if you build up your core, you don't have to bring in your mic as much. Tighten your tummy muscles and have more emotion in your song. This way offers you a much better oppertunity delivering your song.

THE BEST EXERCISE FOR SINGERS.......

Hands down, the best exercise for singers is..........................PILATES!!!!! Pilates is all about strengthing of the core. When practicing proper vocal mechanics, you are taking presure off of the vocal cords and using your tummy muscles for support. It's also nice to use the elliptical trainer everyother day to help build endurance. The two together work like a dream team!!!

How to memories your lyrics

 I've had soooooo many students as me "what is the best and fastest way to memories the lyrics to a song? I am very old school when it comes to this topic. My answer??? Flash cards! write them out. In my book, that is the lonly way. You can fight me on this if you like ( and you probably will). However I sware by it. Please be the smart one of the bunch and learn from my mistakes.

I HEAR THESE SAYINGS EVERYDAY!!!!

I hear these sayings everyday. THE SECRETS OF SINGING or THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE. Understand what your really hearing is "hay people, look at me!!! I found a cool new way to get otheres attention on something that doesn't really even exict." There are no secrets of singing and there are no tricks of the trade. To sum it all up.........it's called marketing. If this is the career you've chosen or that has chosen you......you're gonna have to learn proper vocal mecanics and put a little elbow grease behind into turning you into a complete package!!!

Posted by Monica Margolis

Have a common thread throughout your package

 Remember when putting together a presskit to give to A & R people as well as others, you are a package. You are not looked at as a person with feelings. You are getting looked at as a product and if your lucky enough to even have someone look at you, keep in mind.......all they are thinking is "can I make money off this product." One think you can do is make sure you have a common thread that shows throughout your press kit. If your all about a certin look that uses red for example......then have that same color red on the cover of your CD, on the cover your your press kit, on your photos and on your bio. This just an example. This is kind of a rule of thumb that should give you something to think about.

Where do you breath from when singing?

   Where do you take a breath from when singing? This is one of the very first questions I ask my students. Some answer their nose and others say their mouths. I always ask..... "why?" I get some great answers and some really interesting answers. To cut to the chase, the answer is YOUR MOUTH. The opening to your mouth is much larger than two little nostrils therefore, you can take in more air faster.

TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN?

 You can't just think of yourself as an artist. YOU HAVE TO THINK OF YOURSELF AS A BUSINESS. You have got to be able to wear 2 hats (unless your a child and have your family backing you.) If you feel you just want to focus on your craft and you leave EVERYTHING ELSE up to someone else, you are asking for trouble. There are too many cases documented where someone has the funds to higher someone to oversee everything and at the end of the day.........the artist has nothing. Take an accounting class, take a beginning business class, google your questions, have close friends that you can ask questions.........SOMETHING. Think smart and be 10 steps ahead of the game.

Why do vocal warm-ups???

   It's just like if you were to play a sport or take a dance class....... you have to stretch first. Our way of stretching is to sing scales. Vocal warm-ups help you stretch out your vocal range, add flexibility and help you with ear training! Some students love doing the warm -ups and some want their first song to be their warm-up. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T HAVE YOUR FIRST SONG BE YOUR WARM -UP. Just the thought makes my head hurt!!!! You never know who's in your audience. You're lucky if you get 30 seconds of someones ear time. Your first song needs to be as strong as your last. Think about it.......

My favorite question asked by 99.999% of all my students when they first meet me.

       My favorite question asked by 99.999% of all my students when they first meet me....."how long will it take me to get really good at singing." My answer EVERYTIME........"well, you'll have a better understanding after every single lesson. I don't go home with you to know if you're practicing properly. Quality practice is a much bigger deal than quantity practice. In other word, how are you practicing? are you recording yourself? Are you listening back? Are you just singing songs for hours on end? Listening back is half your practice right there!!! If there's something you didn't like when listening back, then do something about it. Try singing the line differently. Now re-record yourself. This is a much better way to practice than to just sing.

Don't think sheep, you have a choice.

      For those of you that don't know, there are 2 types of vibrato! One is like a flutter and can be on the faster side. This one is within the vocal cords. The other involves using your tummy muscles and way more control. This one is much slower. Thank God we have a choice! Some people are born with faster vibratos and feel thats what they have to deal with. Now that we know we have 2 vibratos, we can decide when to speed it up and when to slow it down. We don't have to sound like sheep if we don't want to!

Don't let others jealousy get in your way

   You've been working hard at your your craft for soooooooo long. This is your time to shine. Share your God given gift. Sing proud. If others have a problem with YOUR gift, then honestly that's THEIR problem. You keep your head up high and do what you do. You have been blessed. Run with it. Go to that audition and get what's yours. Remember, without you there..........the audition would not be as strong!!!

Vocal Mechanics

 Believe it or not, there is such a thing as vocal mechanics. You have 3 "main" voices....... your head voice, your middle voice otherwise known as your mix and your chest voice. In between these 3 main voices are your "breaks." One of our goals is to get rid of these breaks and developing what's called bridges. In order to do this, you have to do what's called pulling up. Pulling up in dance class or in the service is standing at attention. Pulling up within singing is internal. It's a thought process. This is because our instrument is within our bodies. It's all a thought process. When it comes to vocal mechanics, focus is key. Once these bridges have been achieved and your breaks are gone, you will have what's called even connected pitch. Even connected pitch is a huge deal when it comes to having vocal control.

Finding the right people

   WOOOOOOOOOW I have spent a lifetime finding who I thought were the "right people" to have in the career portion of my life. The stories I could tell.........not even worth getting into. what I can tell you is there are those lessons in life you are supposed to learn from......even if you aren't in the mood......lol......and then there are those that are people you REALLY ARE BLESSED TO HAVE IN YOUR LIFE. I have found a select few that have the knowledge and the knowhow. When you feel your ready to have people like that in your life, feel free to contact me. monica@monicamargolis.com

MY INTERVIEW ON AMERICAN IDOL'S "IDOL CHAT."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN4bzy_Ojzw

Listen carefully to my interview. The information I give really works!!!

I made a promise

    Years ago I made God a promise. "Dear God, I love the music industry. Although I hate getting up early, if you grant me this career.......I PROMISE........ I will have no issue with however early I have to start in the morning." I will be thankful and have my smile on from ear to ear. I remember this prayer EVERYDAY. I am thankful. I am grateful. I am also going to bed, because although I have to get up early to teach tomorrow......my 10 year old student with a stunning voice has to drive in from Downey to get ready for an audition. This means she has to get up at lease 2 hours before I do!!! Now that's dedication. How can say no??? I made a promise. A promise I'm more than happy to stand by.

MORALS AND VALUES

   I've been on stage since I was 2 and professional since I was 16. I've been offered everything under the sun from people in this industry. Trips, shopping sprees, houses, you name it.........I've been offered it! You need to make a decision on what works for you. With the decision you make, can you still go to sleep at night? I've even heard the expression "baby, I'm gonna make a star out of you." I heard that expression more than once!!! We're all made a little different and I'm not here to judge others. Just wanting to bring something to your attention. There's almost always "strings attached." If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck.........IT'S PROBABLY A DUCK.

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: Don't just be on time, BE EARLY!!!

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: Don't just be on time, BE EARLY!!!: " Whether it be an audition, singing lessons or any type of appointment. ALWAYS allow extra time for the 'God forbids.' Being on ..."

Don't just be on time, BE EARLY!!!

   Whether it be an audition, singing lessons or any type of appointment. ALWAYS allow extra time for the "God forbids." Being on time doesn't mean if your appointment is for 2:00pm, you show up at 2:00pm. It means show up a bit before. Maby your appointment can happen a bit earlier, maby their was an accident on the way to your destination, maby your flight was a bit delayed. There is a very famous quote I use almost daily........."The early bird gets the worm."What does this really mean? It means, maby YOU get the part because the appointment scheduled before you flaked, it shows respect to whomever it is you have the appointment with and it shows YOU mean business.

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: CHEWING GUM IN SINGING CLASS

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: CHEWING GUM IN SINGING CLASS: "I will be the first to admite......I love gum. I can chew gum all day. However there is a time and place for everything. One place where you..."

CHEWING GUM IN SINGING CLASS

I will be the first to admite......I love gum. I can chew gum all day. However there is a time and place for everything. One place where you may want to rethink your gum chewing habit is in singing class. I'm not trying to be the old fashion schoolmarm that I think I sound like. I'm trying to tell you that while you make think no one will notice.......we will. Singing while chewing makes for a much wetter sound. It also sound likes a horse with it's hoof stuck in the mud! Yes, no joke. If you can't part with your gum during your singing class, please take it out and put it somewhere till your lesson is over. Afterwards, by all means.........chew your heart out.

YOUR GONNA HAVE TO PUT SOME ELBOW GREASE BEHIND IT!

 Marketing is everything!!! I can't say it enough. First things first. Think of yourself as a package from head to toe. Have your craft down, your image, your songs etc......Set up accounts everywhere thru the computer to help develop a fan base. Now a days, the record companies don't want to look at you unless you already have a following. Have a fan site, youtube, myspace, twitter etc.......Don't forget to BLOG. There is a lot of work to be done here. There will be times you may want to just pull your hair out. Remember to take small breaks. Remember why your even at the computer at that moment. Remember if you really want this, your gonna have to put some elbow grease behind it!

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: Be honest, be kind

ARE YOU READY FOR FAME??? LIVE YOUR DREAM!!!: Be honest, be kind: "This statement gets made by new students ALL THE TIME......'Monica, I want you to be honest with me. You can tell me the truth. Was I ok? Di..."

Be honest, be kind

This statement gets made by new students ALL THE TIME......"Monica, I want you to be honest with me. You can tell me the truth. Was I ok? Did I sound ok?" For the most part it comes from students that are really good..........from students that have a chance in the entertainment industry. I started to wonder to myself......"why is this person feeling so insecure?" I started to ask a few questions and before I knew it, I found out the truth. Someone in their life (usually when they were little) said something negative that really hurt their feelings. It's important to honesty. It's also important to be careful with your words. When giving someone feedback, don't just tell them where they need to improve. Say something positive as well.

You just might stumble upon your selling point

 In all my years of teaching, the question I get asked the most remains the same and still makes me laugh a little. "How long will it take me to get really good at singing." Taking singing lessons is great, but you can't just rely on your vocal coach to make you into the singer you hope to be. You need to go home after each lesson and actually practice!!! Half of your practicing is listening back to your hopefully recorded singing lesson. Notice what part of the song you sang that you like and be proud. Notice what part of the you sang that you didn't like and do something about it! Don't just sit there and say "I didn't like that part" and leave it at that. Play around with your voice a bit. Try singing certain areas differently. Maby sing with less vibrato. Maby sing with a breathy tone. Take some chances. You just might stumble upon your selling point.

STEP UP TO THE PLATE

     Ok, So you've had a hard day for whatever reason.....it's a 1000 degrees outside, you were stuck on the 405 fwy for what seems like forever and even got into a fight with your significant other. You finally make it to your gig and our mood is less than desirable to say the least. You have got to remember.....Your day is exactly that. YOUR DAY. One you arrive to your gig, it is beyond important to remember to leave your issues in the car. It's a private matter that non of your audience members need to know about.......nor do they care. The came out possibly even on a week night to take a break from their own lives to watch your show. Remember to return to kindness, step up to the plate, be humble and enjoy what you love doing most. Perform for others!!!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!!!

I've been having the same conversation alllllllllllll morning long with each of my students. They want to have a singing career. They have the look and the talent. So my question is "what are you doing to get your name out there, find the auditions and help promote yourself?" Everyone has come up with the same answer "I don't know." I just don't get it. "Do you have a bio or a resume?" No. "Do you have a headshot?" No, not yet. "What do you have?" Well, I'm doing community theater......I'm auditioning for American Idol this summer, I'm auditioning for The X Factor.......etc.......
This is all great, but not enough. Times are different now a days. If you want this, I mean REALLY want this............YOU'R GONNA HAVE TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. You have the whole internet at the tips of your fingers. USE IT. Google anything you can think of to help yourself find the auditions. Think of yourself as a product and market yourself. Get yourself a fanbase. Post your videos. Post your demos. DO SOMETHING!!!! Don't just sit there and let time slip between the cracks of your fingers. You can't get that back.