Voice academy to host competition

Vocal Power Academy of Calabasas is sponsoring the inaugural Vocal Power Singing Competition, open to singers of all ages and styles.

Singers will audition in front of a panel of music in- dustry professionals. Four finalists will be chosen in each of three categories: Contemporary/Commercial (includes pop, rock, jazz, blues, alternative, R&B, country), Opera, and Music Theatre.

The final 12 singers will perform in front of the panel of 12 high profile industry judges at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood on Jan. 21. The winner in each cat- egory will receive a cash prize of $200. The overall winner will receive an ad- ditional $500 and the "au- dience favorite" will receive $50. All performers are wel- come and encouraged to apply. There is a processing fee of $25. For an application visit lizhoward@vocalpowerinc.com.

Elisabeth Howard's Vocal Power Method provides tailor- made lesson plans for students at every level to meet their personal and professional goals. Beginning singers quickly find their professional voice while professionals will hone their craft and bring their talent to the next level of ex- cellence.

The Vocal Power Method is proven to be safe and effective and successes can be heard on Broadway, American Idol, MTV, and in thousands of singers worldwide. Instructors teach breath

management, projection, sup- port, chest voice, head voice, falsetto, mixed voice, safe belting, range expansion, vi- brato control, vocal dynamics, vocal colors, licks and impro- visation skills.

Teachers are also instru- mental in helping singers build their repertoire and hone au- dition and performance pieces.

In addition to private voice lessons, Vocal Power also hosts an array of performance workshops, culminating in high-end vocal showcases at some of the notable blues clubs, jazz bars, and theatres in Los Angeles.

Performance workshops put techniques to use as vocal- ists learn performance and au- dition skills while becoming comfortable singing in front of small groups and large au- diences alike.

The academy also pro- vides services to singers looking for assistance in the recording studio as well as guidance in developing their image as artists and entertainers.

Vocal Power is actively involved in the Calabasas community and works closely with the Calabasas High School music and the- ater departments and with choir teachers throughout the area. Countless public school and Viewpoint students are training with Vocal Power, now in its 27th year.

For more information on the competition, private les- sons, workshops, and show- cases, call (800) 829-SONG or visit the Voice Power site www.vocalpowerinc.com.