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DJ Khalil - The Secrets to a 5x Grammy Award Winning Career as a Music Producer

May 18, 2023

Anyone within the hip-hop scene knows the name, DJ Khalil. He gained popularity for both his music-producing and DJing skills. The other day, Sonical.ly had a chance to sit down and talk with DJ Khal

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Ed Sheeran Successfully Defends Himself in Copyright Trial

May 7, 2023

Copyright infringement cases are very much on the rise in the music industry. Recently, Ed Sheeran was on the receiving end of one. Fortunately for him and the music industry as a whole, he won. Who

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How AI Technology Impacts Artists’ Rights

April 28, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (aka AI) is not a new thing. It has been used for various purposes like social media algorithms and Siri on your phone. However, for the first time, AI is being used in

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Who is Kiana Ledé?: The Story Behind the “Jealous” Singer

April 28, 2023

From Kidz Bop idol to R&B and pop singer, Kiana Ledé has fully planted herself within the music industry. The release of her latest single “Jealous” featuring Ella Mai adds to her growing achievements

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Breaking The Silence: A Look At Mental Health In The K-pop Industry

April 23, 2023

In the past few years, the K-pop culture has experienced a number of suicides, which has devastated the Korean entertainment industry. Sulli from f(x), Jonghyun from SHINee, Goo Hara from KARA, and

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Breaking Down The Genius of SZA’s Album ‘SOS’

April 20, 2023

Since SZA has released her latest album ‘SOS’, it has made a lot of buzz in the music industry. The album has received positive reviews for its combination of R&B, pop, and hip-hop and featured.....

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Korean Indie/Pop Rock Bands You Need To Know: Day6, The Rose, & HYUKOH

April 20, 2023

With K-pop bands like BTS, BLACKPINK, TWICE, and SEVENTEEN, Korean music has been on the rise over the past ten years. But Korea’s music culture doesn’t stop there....

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Show Me The Money: South Korea’s No. 1 Rap Competition

April 10, 2023

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WONHO: Rising Success After Departure From Monsta X

April 8, 2023

In October 2019, member of the K-pop group Monsta X, WONHO, faced allegations of drug usage, resulting in his departure from the group. Fans were disheartened by the news of him leaving and wondered..

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BMI’s Court Case Win Helps Songwriters in the Live Music Industry

April 1, 2023

Songwriters, composers, and publishers have long been underpaid when it comes to the live concert industry. However, a successful court case may be the first step to changing that.....

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How Has Social Media and Music Platforms Influenced and Evolved Music Creators?

March 28, 2023

Society has always placed a high value on music. As technology starts to become more part of our lives, social media and music platforms have become more and more prominent in the music business....

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The 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Put The Spotlight On Songwriters

March 28, 2023

The Latin GRAMMY Awards are changing it up this year for songwriters! On March 21, 2023, The Latin Recording Academy released a press release announcing various additions and changes to the awards...

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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.