This blog is by singer/songwriter/producer, Benita Charles Music. She shares her thoughts and views on life and music. She resides in Harlem, NY. Her debut CD, Moments In Love: Volume 1 is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.
Showing posts with label beginner singers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beginner singers. Show all posts
Singing Tips Live with Benita Charles: Ask the expert, Carolyn Jones
On this episode, we had a special guest/author, Carolyn Jones talk to singers about self care the holistic way. It was very enlightening and educational.
Facebook Live:
About Carolyn Jones:
Carolyn Jones is the author of "Pick Up Your Bed and Walk: A Self-Care Guide to Improved Health.
She is the founder of the Qi to Go Project. The company services focus on soul retrieval as a lifestyle, the importance of detoxification and the art of self-care.
Carolyn is a holistic health consultant/practitioner who educates clients about the importance of holistic self-care, stress elimination, pain management and alternative healing modalities.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
If you are a singer and you're looking for a place to communicate with me regarding any of the information on The Singing Tips Live with Benita Charles Show, please join the new Facebook Group I created called the The Born To Sing Society. There's artists from various levels and genres who are a part of the community. It's a great way to network and learn new and interesting things. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/BornToSing17.
"Image is a reflection of being yourself." -- R3hab
Today, your Image is the number one commodity that you have to your success. It is the first thing people will see when they discover you - before they hear your music. That's why it's imperative that your image is impeccable in how you look, what you say and what you do!
Image Section:
1) Your Appearance (Your Brand)
Know who you are & celebrate what make you unique and use it to your advantage
Put your best foot forward in how you look, dress and carry yourself
You must look good at all times
Find your own personal style in your brand.
Be consistent in all you do with your image (on social media, print and marketing materials
2) Your Communication (Your Message)
As an artist, what do you stand for? What message is your music conveying? You must be clear with your answers to these questions
Are you properly communicating your message consistently? Do your fans "get you?"
It is important to be clear and consistent with your message.
3) Your Behavior (Your Reputation)
Are you an artist of integrity?
Can people count on you to follow through with your commitments?Do you show up on time?
What you do is more important than what you say
Questions to ask yourself:
What kind of image to you want to convey to the world?
How do you want to be remembered?
What do you want your image to consist of (eg. classy, rebel, activist, diva, etc.)
Does this image reflect who you are?
REFERENCES:
"Your image is more important than your music" by Brandon Seymour
diymusician.cdbaby.com
"Why is image so important" by Cathy Lemmon
The Artist Development Network
"How is the artist's image important in determining their success?"
insomniac.com
"Finding an image as a musician"
(openmic.co.uk)
Best wishes as you take your talent to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and
entertainment!"
I recently had a great recording session this past weekend. The song was great, the producer was engaging and had great ideas and my vocals were on. It was truly amazing.
That hasn't always been the case. When I first started recording, I had a difficult time in the studio.
Because I started as a live performer, I was use to singing in front of an audience. In the studio, it was just me and a mic. I was out of my element and it was difficult at first.
I tried so hard and I over thought everything. In turn, my recordings would turn out horrible. Not to mention, some of the producers I was working with didn't know how to bring things out of me. It was not a good situation. My confidence and self esteem were wrecked.
One of the things that helped me was when I performed the song live first before I recorded it. It made all the difference in the world. In this case, I was able to experiment with the song first before I went to the studio. When I returned to the studio, recording was a breeze. This boosted my self confidence and raised my self esteem tremendously.
Benita Charles with super producer, Themi
Here are 3 top lessons I learned from recording:
1) Always be prepared
-- Know the song and make sure you are performance ready
2) Get out of your own head
-- Relax and take your time
-- Usually, the first few takes are the best
3) Never, ever give up -- Keep up working at it, eventually you will get better
-- This will definitely improve your confidence in the matter
Best wishes as you take your music to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and
entertainment!"
Singing Tips by Benita Charles - Tip #40 Your Image: Your Behavior
SELF-IMAGE/ SELF ESTEEM
"Self-esteem is the reputation we acquire with ourselves." -- Nathaniel Branden
"Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are." -- Marilyn Monroe
"Never say anything about yourself you don't want to come true." -- Brian Tracy
In this episode, we discussed self image/ self esteem and how it affects your behavior in every aspect of your life.
*Self image is the idea one has of one's abilities, appearance and personality. (Reference: Google)
*Self esteem reflects a person's overall subjective, emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is important because it shows ourselves how we view the way we are and the sense of our personal value. It affects the way we are in the world and the way we act towards others. (Reference: Wikipedia)
Things that shaped self esteem:
Childhood
Experiences with family and friends
Work experiences
School/college experiences
Society (cultures/religion/race)
Here are 5 key ways to enhance your self esteem:
1) Love yourself
-- Be kind to yourself as you are to others
-- Accept yourself for who you are
-- Treat yourself to something nice (a nice bubble bath, a nature walk, etc.)
2) Take care of yourself
-- Your health is #1. You can't do anything if you're not healthy
-- maintain a healthy lifestyle: eat a nutritious meal/exercise/get plenty of rest/drink water
3) Give yourself a break
-- Practice positive self-talk (build yourself up)
-- Forgive yourself for your mistakes. Learn from them and move on
4) Schedule "Me Time" everyday
-- Ideally: 10 minutes first thing in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening before bed
5) Focus on your strengths, gifts and talents
-- Develop your talents and sharpen your skills
-- This will increase your self confidence and self esteem
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and
entertainment!"
"One important key to success is self-confidence. A key to self-confidence
is preparation." -- Arthur Ashe
In this episode, we discussed self confidence in all you do in life. Self-confidence
will set you a part and attract success to you.
*Self-confidence is a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities and
judgement.
Self-confidence is a set of behaviors you can improve and it's built from the
outside in. You can improve your self-confidence by changing your behavior.
Self-confidence should not be confused with self-esteem.
**Self Esteem is an evaluation of one's own self-worth. In other words, self-esteem
is how we feel about ourselves (it's built from the inside out). Based on where
you are in your self-esteem, it can take years to repair and improve.
I. Here are 3 key ways to enhance your self-confidence:
A) Look the part
-- Always look your best
-- When you look good, you feel good (buy a new dress or suit. Get a new
hairstyle.)
C) Act the part
-- Make your presence known in every situation
-- The way you sit and stand speaks volumes: sit up straight and stand tall
-- Look people in the eye when speaking
-- Speak slowly and deliberately
-- Be assertive and self-assured, not timid
D) Know your stuff
-- Study your industry and gain the knowledge you need
-- Practice your speeches, presentations, songs to perfection (Practice makes
perfect!)
-- When you know what you're doing and what you're saying, it automatically
makes you more confident
II. Fake It Til You Make It
***The purpose of this phrase is that by imitating confidence, competence with
an optimistic mindset, it can lead to the realization of that imitation in an
individual's life. In other words, acting as something can lead to that something.
Aristotle once said: "To be virtuous one must act as a virtuous person
would act."
**** I read an article from a coach, John Sannicandro and
he said that he once worked part time in a psychiatric ward. He discovered that
the patients did well when they were exposed to positive behaviors (such as
bedtime curfew, mandatory group attendance and structure). He found that
structure, behavior and routines are the best ways to create positive change.
This can definitely apply to positive behaviors to enhance your self-confidence.
"Do what you gotta do so that you can do what you want to do." -- Edgar Holley, Sr.
In this episode, we discussed self-discipline in terms forming successful habits for success. Self-discipline is one for the keys to success.
Growing up, I've always been a child who loved to play first (pleasure before pain). This has carried through my adult life. It hasn't worked out too good. It has lead to missed deadlines, missed opportunities and unnecessary stress. I've decided self-discipline is something I'd like to improve and master.
Here are 3 key ways to improve your self-discipline muscle:
1) Make a list of things that need to be done for the day
-- Prioritize your list to the top 3 things that need to be done
2) Do the one thing from your priority list that will make the most impact on your life
-- This will leave you with more time to do the things you want to do
3) Do it even when you don't feel like it (this is the key to self-discipline)
-- This is the most difficult thing to do and this is the heart of mastering self-discipline.
-- If you can push through those times when you don't feel like it, success is on the other side.
-- Sometimes you need a swift kick in the rear-end to get the party started. Get it done!
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
The Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show celebrates a successful year!
On Sunday, April 9, 2017, NY-Vocalist Benita Charles celebrated one year of giving beginner singers tips to become professional singers with her live-internet based teaching series called Singing Tips Live by Benita Charles. The show airs on Saturday evenings at 8 pm on Facebook Live, Periscope and Instagram Live.
It started with an idea and a dream to share her wealth of knowledge of singing to help beginner singers become seasoned and professional while sharing their gifts to the world. While the show focuses on singing and show business, it has become so much more as it has inspired people of all walks of life to live their dreams and perfecting them.
The inspiration behind the show was inspired by the 2014 movie, Get On Up (The Story of James Brown), starring Chadwick Boseman and Dan Aykroyd. There was a particular scene in the movie where James wanted to take a more executive role in his career and his manager (portrayed by Dan Aykroyd) said, "This is show business. You take care of the show and I'll take care of the business!" James replied, "No, I will do both." That's exactly what he did. Not only was he the greatest entertainer, the hardest working man in show business and made great music, he was also a shrewd business man.
The movie inspired Benita to design her show to have a "Show part" and a "Business Part."
"The Show" Part is divided into sections such as Your Talent, Your live Performance,
Your Original Music and Your Image. The "Business" Part includes Your Marketing/Promotion, Your Gigs, Your Original Music and Your
Business. There are 10 tips in each section. Recent topics discussed include but not limited to equipment every singer should own, performing live in front of an audience, performance tips, writing your own songs and how to find your personal style for your our image.
In March 2017, the Tuskegee Television network started airing special 15-minute episodes of the Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show specifically designed for the network. The difference with the live show and the shows for the network is greater content. Watch on charter channel 181 in Tuskegee public access station, and on Youtube: Tuskegee Television Network Inc.
In a special broadcast on Saturday, April 9th, Benita Charles outlined how the show as impacted her life and her top 5 favorite episodes of the year as outlined below:
3 Ways the Singing Tips Live Show has impacted NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles: The show has brought the fire and desire back to Benita's life.
The has made Benita aware of the wealth of knowledge she has gained through her performance journey.
The show has allowed Benita to help and inspire others to live their dreams.
Benita's top 5 favorite Singing Tips Live Shows of the Year:
1) The Expert Shows
Minister Angelia Williams Episode: Your Live Performance Section - Tip #19 (Always use a set list), aired September 10, 2016 Key Takeaway: Your gift is divine and you must share it because someone is waiting to hear it.
About Minister Angela Williams:
Minister Angela Williams is from Deerfield Beach, FL. By day is a Senior Director Customer Service Operations for a publishing company. In life, she ministers women and children. She is the president of the Women's Auxiliary for Florida East Coast Baptist Association. It's the largest association in Florida and the fourth largest in the nation. She is also the founder and director of A Girl and Her Pearls, a girl's ministry. Azania NoahEpisode: Your Original Music section - Tip #22 (Songwriting - Choose your topic), aired October 29, 2016
Key Takeaway: Azania used her experiences and self-expression in her music to reach her audience and it worked.
About Azania Noah
Azania Noah is an international recording artist, seasoned live performer and the founder of Singer Elite community. She recently launched the Singer Elite Academy. For more information, visit: http://singerelite.com.
Roxie SeigleEpisode: Your Image section - Special Show on Style, aired March 5, 2017
Key Takeaway: Be yourself and express yourself through your personal style
About Roxie Seigle
Roxie Seigle has a love for all things beauty related. She is a licensed cosmetologist working as a freelance hair stylist and she owns her own salon in New York City. Roxie can be contacted through email at RSStylist@gmail.com
Nadine Dillon of D-Naz Jewelry First Business sponsor of the style episode with Roxie Siegle: Nadine Dillon of D-Naz Jewelry, custom-jewelry (http://www.dnadzjewelry.com)
2) The Audition Show
Episode: aired March 4, 2017
Key Takeaway: Do it anyway, even afraid. Even if you think you're not enough, you have to complete the task.
3) The Prince Tribute Show
Episode: aired April 30, 2016
Key Takeaway: Prince lived his life like every artist should. He had a rich life with a wealth of original music/recordings, he was a phenomenal life performer and a shrewd business man. He was the one of the first artist to release his music exclusively online through his own record label.
4) Protect Your Voice - Singing Tip #12 with teenagers as co-hosts
Episode: Your Live Performance section - Tip #12: Project your voice when you sing, aired July 25, 2016
Key Takeaway: Make interruptions work for you. I made the teenagers my co-hosts. 5) Best singing tip of all time: Singing Tip #8 - Share Your Gift To the World
Episode: Your Talent section - Singing Tip #7 - Share Your Gift To The World
Key Takeaway: Share your gift to the world. There's someone who will be inspired by it
"A special thanks to all of my fans for your support of my show! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am so
grateful to you!!" -- Benita
Singing Tips: "Ask The Expert" with Roxie Seigle, NYC Stylist Extrordinaire
In today's episode, we were honored to have a special guest stylist, Roxie Seigle. She discussed with is all things style: finding your style, looking your best and how to shop. We gained valuable tips on how to look our best at all times. A special thanks to Roxie for a great show and a wealth of invaluable information! A special thanks to Roxie for styling my CD album cover, Moments In Love: Volume 1! The CD is available on iTunes and CD Baby.
4 Key Points from Roxie Seigle, Stylist Extraordinaire:
1) In finding your style, start with your daily life
-- Think about what's comfortable for you
--Make your style fun and easy to maintain
2) Be Bold & Confident
--Don't be afraid to try new things and step out of your comfort zone
--Make small changes to change your look
3) Shop often
-- Try to catch discounts and sales/shop out of season
--Shop weekly (even if it's only one piece)
4) Stay on Trend but don't overdue
-- Make small changes (lip color, nails, accessories, make-up, etc)
--Don't invest in too many trendy pieces
About Roxie Seigle:
Roxie Seigle has a love for all things beauty related. She is a licensed cosmetologist working as a freelance hair stylist in New York City.
Roxie worked with Benita Charles for her Moments In Love CD album cover (see below). She is credited for hair, make-up and wardrobe styling for the project.
Roxie is the go to girlfriend to consult with from self-care regiments to "on trend" looks for hair, beauty and style.
Roxie can be contacted through email at RSStylist@gmail.com
Thanks to our Sponsor, D-Nadz Jewelry:
A special thanks to Nadine Dillon of D-Nadz Jewelry, our sponsor for this week's "Ask The Expert Show" with Roxie Seigle! Nadine's jewelry is featured on this week's episode. For more information, visit: www.dnadzjewelry.com
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Thanks to all our fans for your support of Singing Tips with Benita Charles.
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
There are 3 parts to "Your Image" we will cover in this series in the coming weeks:
I. Your Appearance
Your physical appearance is the first thing that people will see of you. As an artist you have to look your best at
all times. You will be making live appearances, photographed by the press and attend meet-and-greats with your fans. You never know who you will meet
nor when the camera will greet you.
II. Your Communication
Your message (Your mission/vision) is what you communicate to the world in everything you do. You must effectively share it properly at all times, whether you are engaging with your fans, interviewing with the media or in all of your marketing and promotions.
III. Your Behavior
Your behavior affects every aspect of your career. If you are late to your performances or don't show up for a scheduled performance, it will have a negative effect on your reputation. You must always be as professional in your career. You will definitely get more work and further advance your career.
If you are a singer and you're looking for a place to communicate with me regarding any of the information on The Singing Tips with Benita Charles Show, please join the new Facebook Group I created called the The Born To Sing Society. There's artists from various levels and genres who are a part of the community. It's a great way to network and learn new and interesting things. For more information, visit: http://bit.ly/BornToSing17.
Best wishes to you as you take your voice to the next level!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
The Singing Tips by Benita Charles Show is postponed until further notice. I had an accident on Friday. I'm ok but I won't be on social media as much. Thank you for all of your support and I look forward to getting back to it. I have some fun things planned.
Thanks again for all the love you always show me! You are awesome!
Much love,
Benita Charles Music
"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"
Singing Tips by Benita Charles Music - Tip #21: Write Your Own Songs (Your original music) When I first moved to New York in 1996, I met a man named Chad Pilieri from an indie rock band called "All About Chad." He said something to me that I will always remember. He told me that I should write and record my own songs. Then, he gave me his CD, "Down In Front," released in 1995. At the time, I didn't know much about that aspect of the music business so I didn't do anything with his advice until years later. Eventually, I released my own CD (Moments In Love: Volume 1) on my label Star Entertainment New York. Looking back I realize that his advice was invaluable! I still have his CD to this day. Sadly, I learned his group disbanded.
All About Chad, the band (indie rock/alternative) Indie pop quartet All About Chad featured guitarist Asif Chaudhri, singer Ben Reiser, bassist Chad Pilieri, and drummer Jason Schreiber. After the release of the "Chad's Very First Record" single on Jeezus Peezus Records in 1991, the Brooklyn band set out to record their debut full-length. This That & the Other Thing was released in 1989, and was followed by 1991's The Scouting Party. 1992 saw the unveiling of the quirky Jelly Slide EP. They continued in 1993 with the "Chad's Got an Earring" single on It's Only Pop Music Records. Big Pop Records released the band's swan song, Down in Front, in 1995. Recorded and produced by the band, the disc showcased the band's endearing brand of indie pop music. The group called it quits soon after, but not before an impressive appearance on March Records' stellar Pop American Style compilation in 1996 with the catchy "Japanese Couple in Reverse." ~ Stephen Cramer, Rovi
Benita Charles is a singer/songwriter/producer who resides in Harlem, NY. Her debut CD, Moments In Love: Volume 1 is now available on CD Baby and iTunes.
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