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Richard Kalman
My first concern with new students whether young or older is to find out what musically compels them to learn, to gauge what their capabilities are, and then to start building skills that propel them forward and give them a sense of accomplishment. 90% of learning music is learning how to hear the sounds you want to recreate; then the rest is the hard work of practicing til you produce it.com/b.j
Through my studies with master jazz recording artists Madeline Eastman, Mark Murphy, Kitty Margolis, Faye Carol, Sheila Jordan, Mark Levine and others I have learned to adopt a multifaceted approach to enabling my students to gain the skills they seek. We work with CD's, cassette practice tapes, videos, written and practice assignments to breathe life into the music learning process. I work best with students who share my interest in jazz and blues; but I draw from a variety of other genres--including classical, folk, pop, rock, and ethnic music styles to enrich or enliven the learning experience.Many of my students have gone on to perform professionally or join choirs after working with me.
I graduated in the top of my class with a B.A. in Music from CSU Sonoma. I sang with two dynamic choirs: the Oakland Jazz Choir for six years, and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir for two years. With the OJC, I performed at major venues such as Yoshi's and Kimball's East. With the OIGC, I performed at Oakland's Paramount Theatre, and the Opera House in Sydney, Australia.
In addition to private voice and piano lessons, I have taught Chorus in 3rd-5th grade elementary schools for two years; and at the high school level for one year. I have taught vocal jazz and jazz combo workshops at Adult Schools and Community Centers in the east bay and at Blue Bear School of Music in San Francisco; and provided vocal coaching to numerous students preparing for auditions for musicals, college classes, singing contests, weddings, and special events. In 1997 I formed and still lead a vocal jazz harmony quintet which performs club dates, at festivals, and private affairs. I wrote most of the arrangements for the group and we have recorded one CD.
Reviewers have said of my group,Con Alma:
"The vocal blend is stunning." **** impressive, tight ensemble." Randy Porter, Berkeley Music Festival.
"We always enjoy presenting Con Alma's dulcet tones."
Anna De Leon, owner, Anna's Bistro, Berkeley.
"Con Alma's lively presentation and rich harmonies add up to a good-time show." Kelly Park,Kelly's of Alameda.
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