stayc main image

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

Read more
stayc main image

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”.

Read more
stayc main image

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

Read more
stayc main image

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...

Read more
stayc main image

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

Read more
stayc main image

Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

Read more
stayc main image

Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

Read more
stayc main image

The Creative Act: Rick Rubin’s Knowledge Turned Into A Book

February 17, 2023

What happens when a famous music producer takes an interest in self-help books? The Creative Act is your answer. But who is Rick Rubin? Without a doubt, Rubin has an impressive track record in the

Read more
stayc main image

Behind the Music: The Audio Engineer

February 14, 2023

The music industry is a place full of musicians, producers, and creators who have the magical ability to make those perfect sounds we hear everyday through our digital devices. We want to listen close

Read more
stayc main image

Koji Kondo: Nintendo’s Melody Maestro

February 14, 2023

What do popular video games franchises Super Mario, Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have in common? They were all produced and published by Nintendo, and the iconic music themes that you hear in...

Read more
stayc main image

Taylor Swift on Industry Sexism and Music Rights

February 8, 2023

Being a successful woman in the music industry is no easy feat. Not only do they deal with the typical trials and tribulations of being a musician, but there are also gender-specific challenges.

Read more
stayc main image

What’s the Ideal Length for a Single— Are Songs Getting Shorter?

February 8, 2023

“Is it just me, or are songs getting shorter these days?” This is a question I have often pondered, especially in the last few years. It appears that in the era of social media, attention spans are

Read more

Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

stayc main image

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...