Vocal Range and Learning

*Shared with permission*

By ETA Ruben Castillo Highland Park NJ
www.myspace.com/thekingamiproductions

So I just came across a YouTube video that shows Elvis' vocal range. As a student of music, it amazes me what a range Elvis had without being a trained singer. I've met some vocal teachers that cringe when I say that I'm a tribute artist, especially an Elvis Tribute Artist. I have to say that I'm proud to be an ETA and proud that I have this vocal range that I can do the range of songs that Elvis did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ0Rhm59vsY

I've done a lot of learning my first full year as an ETA.

1. You can always change up your style, no matter what age/size/color/height you are. I was always afraid that people would criticize me about being overweight or too old to do songs from the fifties or sixties. Well, I changed it up July of last year and I think it was the best thing I've ever done. Change is good!

2. Unlearn what you've learned and the student will be come the master. Being a musical theater actor most of my life, I had to project my voice and sing in a certain style similar to opera where the voice is truly treated as a musical instrument. There's a video of me from February of 2007 when I started out in the business on YouTube an I'm leaving it there to see how much I've changed my vocals since then. I was all about power power power then. Then I started studying the way Elvis opened his mouth...what a difference!

3. Always, ALWAYS treat everyone with respect no matter who they are. I've met a lot of really nice people in this business and I've encountered some real jerks. Sure, I'd wanna give the jerks a piece of my mind, but as was said in "The Godfather": Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. They'll soon learn they're missing out.
AND Always, ALWAYS acknowledge your fellow performer, no matter who you are. Last year at a gig that I was performing at, the ETA who went on before me really didn't acknowledge me or that I was doing a set right after him. Some people started to leave...Thanks a lot pal! So, during my set I went out of my way to acknowledge not only the ETA that was coming after me, but also the other Tribute Artist in the audience who became a dear friend of mine. Be generous, be grateful, be courteous, and be a gentleman.

4. Be a ETA Counselor. It's a lonely world for an Tribute Artist. We're always being judged and compared to other Tribute Artists, not against the one we are paying tribute to, Elvis. To that end, support some fellow ETAs out there, whether they are the local guy who works at a gas station or the Vegas Corporate guy. Make them your friends, because frankly, no one knows what we go through but our family (if their supportive) and other ETAs. I invite anyone to contact me to talk or seek some advice. And while on this topic, I learned something else this year about comparing and competing. When I go to a contest, I think of "how can I best showcase my talents so that I give the best possible performance ever" rather than how can I beat this guy. Sure, someone might be thinner, taller, have better voice, better moves...but they aren't me. So, with this way of thinking, I'll always be a winner! So let them have their moment in the sun...I'll have mine too.

5. Give them everything you've got, no matter how big or small of a crowd. We've all been there...we've played to hundreds, maybe thousands, and then we've played to a room of 10 to 15. I had an experience this past October where I had just come from two great venues and then I played to two venues that I would say were not "Elvis Friendly". Be that as it may, those two places I didn't give them my all and it showed. I became the tribute artist I loathed, that played to the emotions of the crowd (or lack of emotion) and I felt like lethargic. Make sure that each and every time you are on stage, you are ELECTRIC and CHARISMATIC and always smiling! Give it 120% and it will pay off...I did it the next gig and the crowd and myself were utterly satisfied!

I know that I'm pretty adamant and wordy when it comes to entertainment. Some people are of little words and just do what they do. But I believe in education for the common good. I'm not out there to think I'm better than my fellow ETA. I just like to express myself so that maybe others will take something from it and use it and pass it along to others.

Till next time

Ruben