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How to Create a Joyful Song Like "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

July 24, 2024

Creating a song that radiates joy and energy, much like Pharrell Williams' hit "Happy," is an exciting challenge for any music creator. Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting out...

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Blackpink’s Lisa Dominates iTunes with New Single ‘Rockstar’

July 24, 2024

Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...

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Why Nas' Illmatic Deserves the Top Spot: Rap Lyricism at its Finest

July 17, 2024

Nas’ debut album, Illmatic, has been crowned the greatest rap album of all time by Billboard, and for good reason. Celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and profound storytelling, Illmatic set...

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How to Create a Viral Chart-Topping Song Like Tommy Richman's "Million Dollar Baby"

July 8, 2024

Creating a viral, chart-topping song is the pinnacle of success for many music creators. Tommy Richman’s "Million Dollar Baby" exemplifies how to craft a hit that resonates with a wide audience...

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Crafting Music Like Jeff Bhasker: A Guide for Aspiring Music Creators

July 2, 2024

Jeff Bhasker is a legendary figure in the music industry, celebrated for his outstanding contributions as a producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. His Grammy-winning career has seen...

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The Magic of K-pop: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

In the ever-evolving world of pop music, K-pop has emerged as a global powerhouse, captivating audiences with its unique sound and stunning visuals. John Seabrook’s book, "Song Machine: Inside the...

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Blackpink’s Lisa Dominates iTunes with New Single ‘Rockstar’

June 30, 2024

Music enthusiasts and aspiring creators, take note! Blackpink’s Lisa is making waves in the U.S. with her latest single, "Rockstar." Released late on Thursday, June 27, the song quickly shot up the...

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Unlocking the Secrets of Pop Hits: Insights from "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory"

June 30, 2024

Have you ever wondered what makes a pop song stick in your head, or how some artists consistently produce hit after hit? John Seabrook's "Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory" pulls back the...

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TWICE’s Nayeon on Solo Debut, Songwriting, and Spoilers: Insights for Aspiring Music Creators

June 27, 2024

As the eldest member of the global K-pop group TWICE, Im Nayeon embodies big sister energy: she's protective, loving, and playful. Her playful nature sometimes leads to spoilers, much to the...

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Celebrating Joyful Rebellion: Lake Street Dive's "Good Together"

June 24, 2024

In a world often divided by strife and discord, Lake Street Dive emerges with their eighth studio album, "Good Together," a jubilant testament to the power of joy and unity in music. Scheduled for...

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Kygo's Summer Serenade

June 24, 2024

Kygo, the maestro of summer vibes, returns with his self-titled album just in time to soundtrack your sun-soaked days. Released to coincide with the summer solstice, this album reaffirms Kygo's...

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Luna Shadows' 'bathwater' Album Delivers a Deep Dive into Self-Discovery and Reflection"

June 24, 2024

Luna Shadows has finally unveiled her long-awaited LP, "bathwater," a deeply personal journey through emotion and memory. Released independently on June 21st, this album marks a significant...

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Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

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The Mariah Carey Masterclass, aptly titled "The Voice as an Instrument," promises an intimate look into the artistry behind the iconic singer and songwriter's success. Mariah Carey begins the class with a powerful statement: “When we talk about the power of your voice, there can be power in anything from a whisper to a scream...and then there’s the power of self-expression, I want to do this because it’s in my heart.” This sets the tone for a course that delves deep into songwriting, music production, and the nuanced use of the voice as a potent tool for artistic expression.

As someone eagerly anticipating learning from Mariah Carey herself, the prospect of uncovering the secrets to writing melodies, creating harmonies, and arranging instruments is undeniably thrilling. But does the Masterclass deliver on its promise and justify the investment of time and money?

Inside Mariah Carey’s Masterclass

Mariah Carey's first-time open-door policy to her music-making process in The Butterfly Longue is both unprecedented and enlightening. The course comprises 9 lessons, focusing on diverse aspects such as producing with your voice, lyricism, writing with samples, background vocals, and navigating the complexities of the music industry. Notably, students are treated to the exclusive experience of Carey instructing Grammy Award winner Brandy on backing vocals for a new version of “The Roof.”

Despite its concise duration of 1 hour and 44 minutes, the Masterclass is dense with insights, offering a compact yet rich learning experience. Each lesson is supplemented with a 29-page workbook, enhancing the educational value with additional reference material.

Curriculum Highlights

The curriculum stands out for its comprehensive coverage of Carey's approach to music. Lessons on producing with the voice and lyricism offer deep dives into her creative process, emphasizing the significance of personal experiences and emotions in songwriting. The course uniquely includes non-technical discussions on background vocals, featuring insights from legends like Luther Vandross and Chaka Khan, alongside practical advice on voice care and industry survival strategies.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Insightful exploration of Mariah Carey's songwriting process.
  • Coverage of less frequently discussed topics like background vocals and music industry challenges.
  • High production value and personal anecdotes from Carey.

Cons:

  • Shorter than desired, leaving audiences wanting more.
  • Limited in technical depth.

Value for Money

Masterclass offers a subscription model, providing access to Mariah Carey's Masterclass and over 180 other courses for $180 per year. Given the unique insights and Carey's charismatic teaching, the course represents a valuable investment for aspiring musicians and fans alike.

Enrollment Process

Enrolling in Mariah Carey’s Masterclass is straightforward via the Masterclass website, with various subscription options available to suit different needs.

Conclusion

Mariah Carey’s Masterclass transcends a mere tutorial on singing and songwriting. It’s an invitation into the heart and mind of one of music's most revered figures. For those passionate about music and aspiring for a career in the industry, Carey’s wisdom, shared through this platform, is an invaluable resource. Despite its brevity and a desire for more technical depth, the course's unique content and Carey's engaging delivery make it a worthwhile investment for any music enthusiast looking to find their voice in the world of music.