| Attention "American Idol" wannabes: It's time to | | | | original songs. Though she's always been a singer, |
| come out of the shower and into the spotlight. | | | | singing schools propelled her to a professional level. |
| Though musical talent alone won't guarantee | | | | "My classical and jazz vocal training enabled me to |
| successful singing careers, the proper education | | | | sing folk and pop music with better tone and in a |
| from performing arts schools provide the | | | | healthy way that preserved my voice," she |
| opportunity to make your unique voice heard. | | | | explains. "I can often use a wider range of notes |
| Warming Up | | | | and styles because of my training." |
| For many performing artists, choosing singing | | | | Making Beautiful Music |
| degrees over more traditional pursuits is the only | | | | For those pursuing singing degrees, Puleo |
| way to be true to themselves and their calling. | | | | recommends researching the technique taught at |
| That was certainly the case for Sunita Puleo, 29, | | | | the singing schools that interest you. "Make sure it |
| who holds a bachelor's degree in music with a | | | | will not end up hurting or straining your voice," she |
| concentration in vocal performance from | | | | cautions. |
| American University (Washington, D.C.). | | | | Once accepted into performing arts schools, Puleo |
| "[Vocal performance] was more of a challenge to | | | | advises taking as much real-world coursework as |
| my whole being than my government major, | | | | possible. "Double-major if you can, or get a |
| which I dropped," explains the New York City | | | | master's degree in something complementary, like |
| native. "Singing involves my brain, but also my | | | | music production or marketing," she counsels. |
| heart, body, and soul. It's very physical and | | | | "You can come out with an awesome voice, but |
| emotional work to interpret a song well." | | | | if you don't know how to market your talent or |
| And, performing arts schools offer plenty of | | | | team with others who do, no one will hear it." |
| hands-on experience, which is critical to gain the | | | | To launch successful singing careers, Puleo |
| practice necessary for perfection. "There were | | | | underscores the importance of well-rounded |
| lots of opportunities to be in musicals, concerts, | | | | musicianship. "I've met many instrumentalists who |
| and recitals," says Puleo of her degree program. | | | | refuse to work with singers because we're known |
| "Tons of coaching was readily available." | | | | for not knowing or caring about things like keys, |
| Singing Her Own Song | | | | time signatures, improvisation, and style," she |
| With a degree under her belt, Puleo continues to | | | | says. "Love music, not just singing." |
| sing, teach voice lessons, and direct children's | | | | Spoken like a true American idol. |
| musicals, and she recently released a CD of | | | | |