Every now and again, while sifting through my iTunes library, I come across some recordings from my time studying voice with Wendy Kallen and Jim Uselman in California. I loved studying voice, and was focused on it to a fault. It is ultimately what led to my decision to become a chiropractor. Sometimes people tell me, "Well you can keep singing anywhere; there are plenty of voice teachers around."
No I can't. Maybe I'm picky, or maybe I'm proud, but there is just something different about Wendy and Jim and the way they teach voice. It just makes sense to me. Of course, that may have to do with the many times they pull out an anatomy book or model of a larynx and appeal to my scientific side. But there is also an aesthetic quality to their voices and those of their students. I wouldn't ever claim that they're the best in the world, but they're definitely on to something. I look forward to a time in the future when I can again study with Wendy or Jim.
Here are a couple of those recordings I mentioned. I recorded these on my iPhone after Wendy's Christmas Recital in 2008.
Laurie singing "Where is Love"
My good friend Jonathan Orara singing "If I Loved You"