Return To 'Perfect Pitch'

[David Elliott]

Some time back we had a discussion about "perfect pitch", and what it really means.

I think the link posted below is an excellent example of perfect pitch in the human voice. I also believe that this is something a person is "born with", and that it is something that cannot be taught or learned.

This is what I would describe as being "perfect pitch", which is not merely the ability to "duplicate" a specific tone, but also incorporates the gift of not deviating from the "key" or note of a given sound, other than perhaps a natural vibrato (if that is the singer's style.)

This is Jackie Evancho, of Pittsburgh, PA, and who just turned twelve years of age!

Since being on America's Got Talent, Jackie has gone "Platinum" in the recording industry, (surpassing many adult recording stars such as Barbra Striesand, Sarah Brightman, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, etc.) as well as having released recordings with those artists and more, and just finished her first movie, with Robert Redford, which is to be released early next year! I think she is phenominal, (literally) and would predict that she will become one of the greatest singers in the history of the entertainment industry!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvuMA_YsoA8

David

[LarryD]

What a voice ! You have to see her in person to really appreciate her voice.

[David Elliott]

What a voice ! You have to see her in person to really appreciate her voice.

Yes, isn't she amazing? This child started singing when she was seven years old! Her Mom took her to see the musical "Phantom of the Opera" and the kid started singing songs from it around the house. When her Dad heard her from another part of the house he said, "Who is that?" They didn't even know she had a good voice!

She started singing opera of course, but is now known as a "crossover" singer, as she sings pop also. What is even more amazing, she insists on learning songs in the language they are written in, Italian, French, etc.

Here is a great example... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6GA88T-1nw

David

[David Elliott]

"I have been teaching music for a very long time at the University level and I see great danger for this little girl unless she is properly coached. I don't know if she even has a vocal coach but if the does, her coach is not concerned with what will eventually happen to this cute little child if she doesn't get proper technique that will suit her body's age and development... It looks and sounds to me as if this little child is simply mimicking what she hears and does have a natural ear. However, she is in danger in my opinion...just trying to help, not hurt this beautiful and talented child...Jack Baker"

Jack,
Yes, several of the things you have mentioned have been in the "comments" sections under video clips of her (don't remember which ones but if you want to check them out I'm sure you know how.) Regarding Jackie's coaching, it's my understanding that she indeed has had "some" professional training, and from one of the foremost voice instructors in the Eastern United States. I believe however, that this training has been rather sporadic, because of her rather intense performing schedule, as she has been on tour several times throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.

I first became aware of Jackie through my Granddaughter, as they live very near each other there in Pittsburgh, and are the same age!

As I said, there are several "comments" on YouTube, pertaining to Jackie's "chin wobble", and also her "breathing" while singing, and the family has addressed those things, as apparently they have been aware of this and have been assured that her age will allow more "refinement" of her voice control as time passes. In fact, there is even a video clip, with a section by a noted physician discussing that, and it was his opinion that Jackie's voice would only get stronger with age, and that the parents should not worry about it! I believe her "demeanor", arm movements, etc. are not uncommon in opera, and are considered a sign of expressiveness, and after all, she IS an opera singer first and foremost!

David

[Mike Nye]

Just imagine what she'll sound like when she's 25 ! ! !

[Norm]

I'm a little more blunt.

There's this story about Dolly Parton going to Nashville and her people approaching Chet. She was thirteen or something...

Chet sent her home. "Go home...go to school... get an education then come see me."

I realize her and Dolly's voices aren't in the same ballpark but Chet's advice is very sound. Don't run her on being little, cute, and singing well...let her get some foundation. If the talent is there it will still be there after graduation. She'll still only be 18.

Regardless of the quality of the lassie's voice I see exploitation. She's great and she's so YOUNG! She may, later on, when being Young isn't the hook anymore, be able to make a living singing. We can't say for sure because the paying public is so fickle.

But right now she's being run like a racehorse.

[Mike Nye]

Good point . . . It's all in the parenting . . .

[David Elliott]

I'm a little more blunt.
There's this story about Dolly Parton going to Nashville and her people approaching Chet. She was thirteen or something...
Chet sent her home. "Go home...go to school... get an education then come see me."
I realize her and Dolly's voices aren't in the same ballpark but Chet's advice is very sound. Don't run her on being little, cute, and singing well...let her get some foundation. If the talent is there it will still be there after graduation. She'll still only be 18.
But right now she's being run like a racehorse.

Yes, naturally those thoughts also occured to me when I first heard of Jackie, and before I researched her "background" (if you can HAVE a background at twelve years of age!) But I became more and more impressed with her family life, parents, values, motivations, etc. and all of my "speculation" in that area was dispelled, the more I looked into it, and from what I've been told by my children in Pittsburgh.

Child exploitation in show business of course, is definitely nothing new, (as in Shirley Temple, Deanna Durbin, Elizabeth Taylor, Sammy Davis Jr., and so on), and she is definitely NOT being "run like a race horse", and her "show biz" aspirations are definitely her own, and she is NOT being "pushed" by her parents etc. In fact, her tours have been greatly curtailed by her parents, and against her wishes, until later this year, for example. Her education is relatively "normal", some of it has been "online", but when she is in Pittsburgh, she attends regular school, etc. and I understand her grades are excellent, etc. In fact she describes this very thing in several YouTube clips, and with emphasis on the fact that her folks keep her "down to earth" as she calls it! One must also remember that in this day and age, (unlike in years past), entertainers can go on "tour" and be back home every couple of days, what with air travel. She always travels with at least one parent, and one sibling, and often with her Grandmother also accompanying her!

I think it IS possible, for a child entertainer to maintain a relatively normal childhood today, despite all the accolades and adulation being heaped upon her, and if you listen carefully to many of her interviews (on YouTube, not just her singing), I think you'll see what I am talking about, and you'll see why I consider her to be an "exception to the rule", in show business!

David

[Norm]

I agree with Jack and feel the same way. Shelooks like a sweet child. Just want the best for her. I just don't have a lot of faith in human nature. Dollar signs tend to cloud judgement sometimes.

[Mike Nye]

Due to her age (and talent) EVERY Child Advocacy group on the planet will be keeping a close eye on her.

So, DON'T go losing any sleep that she'll end up another Whitney Houston . . .