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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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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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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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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.

Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Productionmariah-carey-masterclass-review-vocal-productionMarina TakiFeb 19, 2024The 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...