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Meet NewJeans: The K-Pop Group Taking the World by Storm

March 22, 2023

Even if you haven't heard of NewJeans yet, there's a good chance you'll soon be humming along to their infectious tunes. The Korean pop group is quickly gaining international attention and breaking..

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Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

March 31, 2023

Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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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.