New Member Introduction!

[VocalMusicDad101]

Hi Everyone. I just joined, so I thought I would introduce myself, as this seems like a wonderful forum to get music-related support, assistance and direction, and where I can try to help out others too.

 

The best way I can help others is to support and assist each by seeing their unique musical abilities, creations and attempts, through my analyses and feedback, and after seeing any others’ opinion of such, and then giving my own perspective which will be honest, positive and/or  constructive in tone, just as I would want for any music videos I share later too.

 

Having majored in Math and being very logical, I love solving problems of all sorts. And growing up in a dysfunctional family and being introspective,  I love details, helping others and analyzing societal and behavioral issues, too. My focus is often on self-help, and in bringing out everyone’s best, through a caring insightful and helpful approach.

 

Besides have having written four analytical works, I love teaching. Currently, I am helping my wife homeschool our two Autistic sons, ages seven and ten, the youngest being mostly nonverbal, and the oldest, Aaron, being higher functioning. This is not easy, as each child has different abilities, issues, and daily needs, but it is rewarding and challenges me.

 

As for Aaron, he wanted to pursue singing about sing two years ago, so that is why I partially joined this forum too: to get any singing tips from you for him, and to get feedback from some of you for the few cover songs he has sung. For instance, Aaron becomes happy whenever he learns something new about music from others, and when he sees a new YouTube subscriber.

 

At age 7, Aaron began singing just children’s songs and some Christmas music just for fun. Then at age 8 he loved singing adult songs, weekly at a child-friendly karaoke local establishment, after having listened to songs on the car radio stations a year prior. Aaron did remarkably well there, with no fear of being onstage, and with him singing mostly in tune.

 

We asked Aaron if he wanted to take lessons in music. And his answer as usual to such or similar questions to things he loved was “Yes, of course.”  Aaron and I learned much about vocal warmups, vocal exercises, and sheet music theory, for the four months he took those lessons, from each of the two different instructors, such that I decided to instruct Aaron since. 

 

I look forward to getting to know and learn from many of you, too,  and to give you support and feedback on this great site. Thank You! 

 

 

[Silverwolf941]

What kind of genre of music are you making?

[VocalMusicDad101]

Thanks for your reply! Our son and I sing soft rock, easy listening, and mellower type cover songs, mostly from the 1970’s, because of Aaron’s age, as he just turned 10 a week ago and the more modern songs seem to not to fit his personality and voice much yet. As he ages, he wants to pursue singing all types of music he says.

 

We sooner than later will be searching out song writers, for that type of easy listening genre.  For you or anyone interested in seeing some songs our son has sung recently,  please check out my profile as his YouTube channel is there. I am slowly trying to get him to show more feeling with his body, and face, too.

 

For anyone with tips, too, please share. Thanks. 

Edited August 4, 2019 by VocalMusicDad101

[Silverwolf941]

Music can be a tough industry from time to time, I started playing guitar when I was like 13, then stopped after a while lost motivation/band departure. I didn't really bother with music theory up until recently when I was recently relearning piano decided to learn theory. Now trying to make orchestra music but it's time consuming and tough when learning theory or going through writers block. We just have to remember to create music from passion, not just work. We could always relearn or start again. 

[VocalMusicDad101]

Yes, passion is the key. Otherwise, or if one does too much, or too soon, it can lead to burnout. Those with Autism like Aaron may have special interests that they hyper focus on because of ability and/or strong love for. There are many days I am tired of instructing music, for instance, but he pushes me to not take days off. In that regard, he shows  passion and still love for it despite almost daily doing it the past two years. But, for those with Autism, showing feeling and emotion, through voice, face or movement can be more difficult. That is the tricky part, especially for the movements for him, as he has fine motor issues that he is working on still and he may seem more rigid there.

 

In your case, I understand. Lots of singers even are not into sheet music theory, or must learn it over time or later. Aaron’s last two vocal instructors preferred instructing mainly through ear training, but as Aaron is very structured because of his condition, he preferred learning that way. I myself, and my wife who is into guitar, can hear songs on the radio and sing or play it back pretty well, without relying on sheet music. Some are more auditory learners, some more hands on, and some are more visual, or a combination. Unfortunately, like fine artists, performing artists can have a tough time succeeding. There are tons out there, and sometimes luck or being seen by the right person or persistence is the key, if not just performing in a more unique way.

 

Regardless, if we love what we do, and feel we are doing our absolute best, that can always be defined as a success, regardless how much money we make, and regardless if all those others show any appreciation or not. It does not pay our bills, but it may enrich our minds and bring relaxation and peace to us nevertheless. There are popular singers and composers out there that I think just got a break or two, and relied on media advertising and the help of another or others to make it big, yet I saw better singers and composers out there who I feel deserved better fate. Unfortunately, for performing artists and similar professions life may not seem fair, if trying to sing, compose or produce music or art for a living, instead of doing it strictly for pleasure or fun.

 

 

him, 

[Silverwolf941]

Absolutely, music differs in learning styles. There's no correct way to learn as long as you enjoy music that's what really matters most. 

Edited August 4, 2019 by Silverwolf941