lenora helm

"Marlon Saunders is one of the very few vocal musicians who has the experience, the talent, and the insight to teach the "how" and "why" of achieving a healthy, seamless voice.  Plus, his successes wearing many hats as producer, writer, vocal arranger, performer and educator affords any student a veritable treasure chest of invaluable wisdom to map a road to success!"

-Lenora Zenzalai Helm, award-winning jazz vocalist; professor of music and co- director of vocal jazz ensemble, North Carolina Central University

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marlon offers versions of the following workshops for music schools and departments, choral groups and independent musicians. Please contact us for more information about bringing Marlon to your school or organization.

 

WHEN HEAD MEETS HEART YOU WILL SING: A WORKSHOP FOR THE CONTEMPORARY SINGER

Whether it’s rock, R & B, pop, or gospel, all singing has a system of study that has to be mastered in order to sing with ease and confidence. In this workshop, Marlon Saunders encourages you to sing from a place where there is no fear, worry, or negative thoughts about yourself or the singing process. This workshop is suitable for beginning, intermediate, and advanced singers. Marlon offers the basic principles of voice production, musicianship, song interpretation, and vocal health. Easy-to-follow exercises that incorporate breathing, phrasing, and diction are included. Students are asked to prepare a song that will be performed during the master class.


I’VE GOT THIS DEGREE, NOW WHAT?: MAKING YOUR WAY IN
THE MUSIC BUSINESS

Many singers graduate with music degrees only to be left very confused about how to make a living in the competitive music industry. This workshop offers advice on preparing for auditions, creating an impressive press package, networking, managers, agents, and lawyers. Marlon also discusses what to expect when you make your move to the competitive music cities. He also emphasizes the importance of keeping a positive attitude while you’re waiting for your big break. There will be time allotted for question and answers, as well as feedback on recordings.


THE SINGER MEETS THE EAR

This workshop focuses on singing within a group setting. Emphasis is placed on voice-part singing, and the function of the voice as a harmonic component within the chordal structure of a song. This process is achieved through the study of contemporary songs, and chord progressions in order to provide a unique experience for the musician, with a focus on improvisation, the use of rhythm within a contemporary setting, and executing vocal parts quickly. This workshop is very popular and a lot of fun!