Singing coach Marge Rivingston has written Do You Hear What I Hear? a practice guide for the singing student. With over 40 years in the business, she knows a thing or two about how to prepare yourself for the craft and how to preserve the health of your voice. In our talk, she presents an optimism that resonates with those students who have been lucky enough to put her vast knowledge to profitable use.
Q: What is your happiest moment to date as a vocal teacher? What experience lent the most joy?
My happiest moments have been seeing such dramatic results vocally with students who were struggling with their vocal abilities. The most joy I have had was the experience of being the vocal coach on many Broadway Shows during the '80s, and working in London on Pirates of Penzance. I was back and forth to London for almost two years continuing to coach new people into the show.
Q: If you had to pick just one rule or guideline for the singer to remember, what would that be?
Remember to breathe fully and deeply before singing.
Q: Who are your favorite composer and Broadway show, new or classic?
I have loved many Broadway composers but I would say my favorite of all time is Frank Loesser and the shows Guys and Dolls and Most Happy Fella.
Q: What brings you continued happiness, big or small?
My faith makes me happy and my continued teaching. Watching the results of my teaching so that others can reach their full potential vocally. Also, lecturing and doing Master Classes to promote my book.
You've heard the best advice a Master Singing Teacher can give!
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BOOK REVIEW:
Revered singing teacher to the stars Marge Rivingston has written a new book Do You hear What I Hear? which is a definite must have for those interested in a singing career-or for anyone who just wants to sing better. With a foreward by Bette Midler, a former student, and a CD replete with vocal exercises for both the male and female voice, this is one book which is much much more than just your ordinary autobiography.
First, Marge Rivingston had a fascinating career in New York under Joe Papp @ the Public Theatre long before she started coaching privately. Her students read like a list in Who's Who,
including Midler, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Estelle Parsons, Kaye Ballard, Treat Williams, Faye Dunaway, Sarah Jessica Parker, Andy Gibb, and Lesley Gore to name a few. Not just actors who needed to learn how to sing for a particular role, but real honest-to-goodness singers who wanted to improve their vocal range. As Midler boasts: "You can improve the tone of your voice past all recognition, past what you yourself thought possible, and that is Marge Rivingston's gift."
Rivingston's advice includes health tips for the voice. I particularly enjoyed this section, as step by step it presents all the normal problems singers encounter and then attempts to answer the questions on what to do if...for example, you are subject to excessive hoarseness or lack the proper endurance to sustain the notes of a song. There are also a variety of warm-up exercises to keep the singer (singing student) motivated throughout practice. What a practical and handy reference book for every type of singing enthusiast! I know I'll treasure it.
