Voice Messenger of the Day: John Leehane

We're so grateful to the growing community of vocal experts, performers, teachers and voice enthusiasts who have contributed to our Indiegogo campaign, helping us make our documentary film about the unsung power and beauty of the human voice. You're truly making it possible to finish our film. Meet today's "Voice Messenger" of the day!

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Name

John A. Leehane 

Title

Of an age Artist

Who is your personal vocal mentor or inspiration?

My vocal mentor or inspirations number three. All ladies...
#1, Rachael D. with her measured tones.
#2, Kate W. with her Iow, extra special level of attractive delivery, which encapsulates knowingness in a humour all her own.
#3, Lauren L., who is a person in the UK media, and frankly just has me smiling at her vocal character. 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone who wants to do what you do and is just getting started?

To achieve say, a modicum of such individuality one notices this difference of self to others around. I believe it to be by dint of regards towards others and with a peaceful approach to all, and all circumstance. There is no secret to getting started, though for myself it is an artful place I have arrived at. Good luck and bon voyage.

Tell us why you contributed to the Voice Messages Indiegogo campaign.

I figured that I'd been influenced not only by a few persons and their physicality, but by their voice and meanings too. I wished to help enable this project out of my own curiosity.

Tell us more about you.

Well, what may I tell which is helpful to the reader? Smiling, I can say I have of an age discovered my leanings into the written and pictorial arts. I am very undereducated to think I may impact by my own design into any area or echelon of these topics. However, after the past few years of scrabbling around and acquaintance with ways and means, I hope to add to that general motion I perceive in the world which is begging for peaceful and settled and renewable ability within it. I hope to help create a Planetary ease up and chill down. I believe in this aim... thanks. 

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Voice Messenger of the Day: Natasha Marchewka

We're so grateful to the growing community of vocal experts, performers, teachers and voice enthusiasts who have contributed to our Indiegogo campaign, helping us make our documentary film about the unsung power and beauty of the human voice.  You're truly making it possible to finish our film.  Meet today's "Voice Messenger" of the day!

NAME:

Natasha Marchewka

TITLE:

Voice Talent and Presentation Skills Coach (Voice Presentations Ltd.)

WHO IS YOUR PERSONAL VOCAL MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?

Vocal Mentors… Singers: Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole, Karen Carpenter, Oleta Adams, Annie Lennox, India.Arie, Eva Cassidy…and countless more.  Voice Talent: Randy Thomas, Tish Iceton, and many more whom I only know by voice and not by name.

WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO DO WHAT YOU DO AND IS JUST GETTING STARTED?

Decide if being a freelancer/entrepreneur is in your blood, then, ask other voice talent the hard questions about money, time, and energy to determine whether voice acting is right for you, beyond the sound of your voice.

TELL US WHY YOU CONTRIBUTED TO THE VOICE MESSAGES INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN.

Beyond verbal communication, the voice and all its nuances deepens all communication and the full expression of who we are. I am fascinated by all that is elicited by the voice and this documentary explains this phenomenon from every direction.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION.

Being a “Voice Talent” came to me as a bit of surprise, as did being a “Presentation Skills Coach”. A graduate of Radio and Television Arts and a Singer, my business is a natural extension of my education and passions and yet, I spent a lot of time flitting about, moving from one side of Canada to the other, one side of the US to the other, plus the Caribbean for good measure. And yet, through the magical power of technology, I am able to run my business with the flexibility of a gymnast voicing commercials and business videos from my home studio and communicating with coaching clients over the phone and Skype. I love what I do. The voice, technology, creativity…all coming together.

Website: http://NatashaMarchewka.com

Twitter: @NatashaVOX

Facebook page: http://facebook.com/NatashaMarchewka

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Voice Messenger of the Day: Mary Jane Copps

We're so grateful to the growing community of vocal experts, performers, teachers and voice enthusiasts who have contributed to our Indiegogo campaign, helping us make our documentary film about the unsung power and beauty of the human voice. You're truly making it possible to finish our film. Meet today's "Voice Messenger" of the day!

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NAME:

Mary Jane Copps

TITLE:

CEO/Founder, The Phone Lady (Telephone Talent Inc.)

WHO IS YOUR PERSONAL VOCAL MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?

My immediate thoughts were actress Lauren Bacall and jazz singer Betty Carter, but my journey to honouring the power of the human voice on the telephone starts with my mom, Eunice Connolly Copps. 

I grew up in a small northern community, far away from my mom’s family and many of her friends. But even the friends that lived nearby had their hands full with growing families--or were housebound by harsh winter weather. The phone in the kitchen was my mother’s lifeline and its “ring ring” or the sound of the rotary dial was, for me, an overture to theatre. 

Her listening and laughing, the story telling and offered advice, her organizing of events and meetings--and sometimes the tears and frustration--became the background music of my pre-school years, and made me believe that the telephone had a powerful magic.

I still do believe that--well, maybe not the magic part. But what I’ve come to understand, as I’ve moved through a career that’s included typewriters and Dictaphones, Dewey Decimal and microfiche, smart phones and 3D printers, is Marshall McLuhan’s theory holds true: “…people are changed by the instruments they employ.” 

For me, the change, the connection, that occurs when we pick up the phone and speak to each other, rather than click away on our keyboards, is incredibly powerful.

WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO DO WHAT YOU DO AND IS JUST GETTING STARTED?

It really is as simple as picking up the phone and calling someone, having a conversation. In business, you do have to prepare for your calls. Phone conversations have a lot in common with public speaking, so there is thought and effort involved. But to use the power of your voice to connect with others and sustain relationships, simply phone your friends and family and talk to them.

TELL US WHY YOU CONTRIBUTED TO THE VOICE MESSAGES INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN.

I believe in the power of the human voice. In song, on the screen, in conversation, on the radio … there is so much information in the sound of our voices. Our voices are an essential part of how we communicate. I’m concerned that we will accept an unintended consequence of technology--abandoning our voices for words on screens.

TELLS US MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION.

Much to my surprise and delight, I am living my life as The Phone Lady. I work with businesses and organizations that want to communicate with their clients and prospects, showing them how to use the telephone to inspire conversation. 

Website: www.thephonelady.com
Twitter: @thephoneladyca

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Voice Messenger of the Day: Hannah Marie Gatt

We're so grateful to the growing community of vocal experts, performers, teachers and voice enthusiasts who have contributed to our Indiegogo campaign, helping us make our documentary film about the unsung power and beauty of the human voice.  You're truly making it possible to finish our film.  Meet today's "Voice Messenger" of the day!

NAME: 

Hannah Marie Gatt

TITLE:

Founder of Sing with Hannah / Voice Teacher

WHO IS YOUR PERSONAL VOCAL MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?

Regina Spektor was a huge influence on me as a teen- I loved the way she played with words and sounds, using her voice as an instrument. As a teacher, my students continuously inspire me. It takes guts to share your voice with people- it's not about being perfect all the time, it's about connecting with others.

WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'D GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO DO WHAT YOU DO AND IS JUST GETTING STARTED?

I love the quote by Earl Nightingale — 'Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway."

TELL US WHY YOU CONTRIBUTED TO THE VOICE MESSAGES INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN.

I am a massive vocal geek so supporting the documentary was an exciting prospect- the more information we discover and share, the better off we all are! I am thankful to all those who have already broken ground and shared their discoveries with us..

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOU AND/OR YOUR ORGANIZATION.

I passionately believe that music belongs to everyone- we all have a voice, and like any instrument, you can learn to play it! Singing is a powerful and beautiful means of expression, and one available to us all. This belief informs every aspect of my teaching- whatever your age and ability, you can improve your voice, and most importantly- you can enjoy it!!


Website: www.singwithhannah.com 

Twitter: @singwithhannah

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It's easy!  Read this to find out how. 

Voice Messenger of the Day: Jocelyn Dueck!

We're so grateful to the growing community of vocal experts, performers, teachers and voice enthusiasts who have contributed to our Indiegogo campaign.  You're truly making it possible to finish our film. 

We have begun to put the spotlight on these vital "Voice Messengers," to highlight our gratitude. Introducing our first Voice Messenger: Jocelyn Dueck! 

Name: 

Jocelyn Dueck

Title:

Pianist/Coach/Language Specialist

Who is your personal vocal mentor or inspiration?

Margo Garrett, collaborative pianist, and the many opera singers I work with daily

What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone who wants to do what you do and is just getting started?

Collaborative piano requires a broad culture base, but cultivate one niche (operatic languages, conducting, Alexander Technique) during your many years of training. It will pay off later.

Tell us why you contributed to the Voice Messages Indiegogo Campaign.

I am a pianist who is deeply moved by the human voice. It is why I chose collaborative piano.

Tell us more about you and/or your organization.

I was fortunate to have mentors in the field of language diction who helped me understand optimal vocal resonance: Pierre Vallet and Thomas Grubb shaped my thinking and my method. I started the Center for Language in Song in order to train young singers in the art of singing well in English, French, Italian and German. I coach and teach these languages at the Manhattan School of Music, The Juilliard School, and Bard College. I also premiere many works by living composers at the piano. More Info: www.jocelyndueck.com.

Would you like to be a featured Voice Messenger?  After you contribute to our Indiegogo, simply send us a photo and the answers to these questions to info@voicemessagesdocumentary.com!