Hello, Tara! How does one get started as a Celebrity Vocal Coach and what has been your own personal path?
I think if your ambition is to “be a celebrity coach” you are doomed for failure. COACHING the best in the industry is simply a bi-product of BEING the best coach in the industry. This is by no means an arrogant statement; I say it with the utmost humility. But I can’t stress enough how the importance is not “what” you become but “why” you become it. What is my personal path? I never wanted to coach. The mere thought of it would give me instant anxiety. I was “all in” to becoming an award-winning performer. I was well on my way too, but even though that was my personal ambition…my “why” was all about me. I am a Christian, and my deepest heart’s desire above everything else was for God to ultimately have HIS way in my life. Now, it’s as clear as day to me that the gifting I’ve been given as a vocalist are to be given back. I am not just supposed to give back on a stage, my sweet spot is giving back in pouring my talent and expertise out into others so that they can shine bright as well. I have found great blessing, peace and satisfaction in that. It has become one of my life’s greatest joys.
You have so many accomplishments! When you were first starting out, did you ever imagine this great career ahead of you?
That is kind, thank you. I had the right idea but the wrong image. Let me explain: I always knew I was going to do great things to some degree. I just always assumed it would involve performing on stages around the world or at the very least a long career on Broadway. The image I had of how God was going to use my voice was skewed. Yes, I was going to sing everyday and yes I was going to perform. But the actual calling I had on my life to coach others looked a bit different than what I had originally thought it would be. I believe that if you are careful and prayerful you will be led into your sweet spot. I am so glad and proud to say that I am right in the center of mine.
What have been some of your most memorable experiences in the industry so far?
Honestly, my most memorable performance had nothing to do with the music industry at all. I was one of maybe 5 Caucasians in a Gospel choir who traveled to Zambia, Africa on a crusade with the late Pastor David Wilkerson. People walked for days to attend this 3 day crusade. It was held outside with nothing but grass for seating. The last night of the crusade without rehearsing or being previously asked, the worship leader went rogue and came up to me in the choir to request I come down to the front and sing this Zambian song some children taught me the day before. The English translation of the song goes, “Mamma, look look look! Look how good God is!” I had recently come off tour for the Broadway European Tour of “Fame” so this next statement may shock you but I was so nervous I almost peed my pants! With no music to back me up and no rehearsal I started to sing. I had never been so painfully aware of how much I stuck out in my life. I was very much a minority there. But when they heard me sing the song, this sea of people as far as my eye could see jumped to their feet and started singing and dancing with me. There was an unexplainable and overflowing amount of joy that was palpable. It was by far the most magical and meaningful moment in my singing career.
Who have been some of your more memorable artists to work with?
Currently I work with Angelica Hale (America’s Got Talent) and Loren Lott (Once On This Island Broadway, American Idol Finalist, Young and the Restless) who are a joy and both have such great things happening for them. I have quite a few students who are very close to landing roles on Broadway and are working hard towards booking those callbacks. THE most memorable artist I have ever worked with though is not a vocalist at all. He was a piano student of mine named Peter Rosset. Here is a link of Peter and me when he first came to Atlanta from South Carolina (where he is from) to see the new studio I opened. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO9u0gsFh10
Tragically, Peter has since passed away due to Bone Marrow Leukemia. I carry him in my spirit during every lesson I coach.
Can you briefly describe your basic techniques for vocalists?
My methodology is called “Sing Smarter Not Harder”. It is based off of my years of classical, speech level, and contemporary vocal training. Unlike most other vocal techniques that are difficult to comprehend and therefore difficult to execute, my methodology breaks down the “vocal pedagogical terminology” into principals that make common sense and takes an intangible art form like singing and makes it feel more tangible. For more on my methodology and my 8 week course “Sing Smarter Not Harder” click here: https://tarasimonstudios.safechkout.net/3secrets?utm_source=Youtube
What do you think is the single most important thing for every vocalist to learn?
Singing is 90% mental and 10% talent. I REALLY mean that. Our brain function controls our entire body…this is common knowledge. So it is so bewildering to me when people forget that your thought life ALSO controls your voice as well.
Tell us more about your studio!
Tara Simon Studios is the highest rated performing arts studio offering voice lessons, piano lessons, guitar lessons, songwriting lessons, artist development, Industry Consulting and more. Our professional coaches are active in the industry, devoted to helping you reach your full artistic potential. At Tara Simon Studios, you’ll learn how to improve every aspect of your artistic ability from well-rounded, business savvy, working professionals. With our one-on-one training and private lessons at our studio or online, you’ll receive the direction you need to transform your unique talents into a rewarding career. We offer lessons for all ages and experience levels, from professional singers to beginners, and our coaching techniques are highly sought-after. Whether you’re looking to increase your vocal range, channel your inner classical pianist, or take tips from an experienced vocal coach, we have the education and tools to tailor your training to your specific goals. We take our training very seriously, and clients trust Tara Simon Studios to lead them in the right direction to make sure their performance is at optimal level. If you want to work with Tara Simon Studios for private piano lessons, voice lessons, studio recording, songwriting or any other artistic development, contact our team today. We love what we do, and we know you will, too!
How do we get in touch with you about upcoming events and or lessons?
You are COMPLETELY missing out if you haven’t subscribed to Tara Simon Studios on YouTube. You can also follow us on Instagram @tarasimonstudios as well as Facebook by searching Tara Simon Studios. You can always check out our website as well at www.tarasimonstudios.com
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