[Bret Brizzee]

Originally Posted by Jon Morss

Bret -- It sounds like a great class to start with. Pretty much in line with some of the first instructions that I was given. Classes are great and help you meet other folks that are interested in the same thing you are. I have one with Julie tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it.

As far as copy is concerned, do look at magazine ad for samples. Also transcribe television and radio commercials. These should get you started with examples for your readings.

One question though, in the year 2007 why on earth use a cassette player? You could probably find a portable digital recorder with USB connection for nearly the same price.

Oh, yeah. Character voices are an interest of mine as well. Voicing for animation is my ultimate goal.

Hey Jon! It's good to know things are on the right track. Meeting other people with the same interests is always exciting - I'm just hoping I don't scare anyone off with my quirky personality. ;-) Ahhh, I envy you! I'd love to attend one of Julie's Workshops!

I'm thinking of grabbing one piece of copy from a magazine (most likely a science or digital design magazine), one from a television ad of some sort, and one from Stephanie Ciccarelli's Voice-Over Script Collection. I worry about grabbing stuff directly from television or radio, because I'll be tempted to mimic the original performance.

Cassette Tech - As Connie mentioned earlier, I think it has something to do with ease-of-use. That, and the fact that CP Casting probably doesn't want to spend all the money required to convert to digital recording for workshops. We all share one $80 Shure microphone and one amplifier.

Animation is a riot! How could anyone not love such an incredible field?

Originally Posted by Moe Egan

Thanks for the follow up...glad to hear things got off to a good start! Will helped me a lot with getting rid of the "radio" sound I built up over the years....that 'always happy shine' over every read.

Will seems incredibly versatile, not only as a VO artist, but also as an educator.

Originally Posted by connieterwilliger

I'm sure the reason for it is that Will has a cassette recorder for recording during the class. I have the same problem in my VO class at City College.

If a student is using a cassette, then I can play back their assignment, do a critique, give direction and re-record all on the same cassetter.

However. a digital recorder should work for the homework. Ask the instructor if you can bring in your digital recorder for the playback, but buy a cassette for the class to record what you do.

Right now I have students who have regular size cassette recorders, mini-cassettes, digital recorders and some who hand me a CD. But in order to record everyone and keep it as spontaneous as possible in a non-studio environment, I need to stick to one recording format. I can play back on CD or full-sized cassette in the class, if the student uses another method of recording then have to bring in their recorder.

I am looking for alternatives for the Spring Semester. There are small studios where the students can record their homework and end up on a CD, but the bottom line is that I need one consistent method of recording that requires the least cost for the students.

So any suggestions would be welcome.

[Edit] Actually I have found that I can plug the mini plug from the mic cable into some of the smaller recorders the students use, so that might be an alternative as well. But for those who give me a CD, I need something to record their new stuff on during class.

Will is using the cassettes because the facility (CP Casting) only offers a cassette recorder. Microphone > Pre-Amp > Amp > Tape Deck. We won't be recording anything on them from home. Our homework is to find and print the copy so we can read it in class.

For your Spring Semester, Connie, it would be convenient if you could contract with some music/office supply chain for a bulk order of simple portable digital recorders. You could include the cost of the recoders in price of the class. With digital, you could have your students walk in, plug the devices into a laptop, and play them straight away. Most of these devices also have microphone-in 1/8th inch jacks as well. As an added benefit, you would have the option of copying the files to your hard drive for later reference. The problem here is cost. I'm not sure if any chain could offer you something cost-effective. Even still, the price of digital voice recorders is dropping all the time. I own and love Olympus-brand digital recorders for dictation. You might be able to find some for $40 a piece. The investment is worthwhile, because these things have many uses!

Originally Posted by Bob Bergen

Glad you enjoyed the class!!!! And it's nice that others who have taken with the same instructor have good things to say! That's really the best way to research VO teachers. Ask around. Just keep in mind that just because someone raves about a teacher doesn't mean they are good for you. If you can audit the class first, that's a great (and free) way to know if you and the teacher click. I know in LA some VO instructors don't allow auditing. I'm not sure why. I myself would never take a class without checking it out first. Heck, ya test drive a car before purchasing it. I always allow folks to audit before taking my class. They can't participate, but they can observe.

A good teacher should challenge and push you in a nurturing way which allows you to keep trying. They should also be honest and available to you. You should never feel afraid to ask questions, even if the instructor already covered the topic. But they should never sugar coat. Agents and producers don't sugar coat. But again, their honest feedback should be done in a way that is encouraging and constructive.

This was sort of covered on another thread, but even if you get just 5% more from a class, it's 5% more than you came in with. I've been teaching my animation VO workshop for over 20 years. My curricular is basically bits and pieces of every VO instructor (and several animation directors) I worked with over the years.

Commercial VO is the day to day bread and butter of the business, no matter which market you are in. Animation, promo, imaging, etc., are other genres that, if you are interested, you can pursue as well. But commercial is the most important demo you will need once you look for an agent.

FYI-if you ever want to put together a weekend animation workshop in Boston let me know! I teach my weekend seminars all over the country!

Will -- at least with respect to what I have observed so far -- keeps things light. He knows how to direct without being nasty. He communicates well. Everyone asked questions, and he responded as well as could be hoped.

I have never heard of workshop auditing. To be honest, I wish Boston had more VO workshops/classes... at this point, there are none to audit anyway! Still, this is a great tip to keep in mind.

Haha, Bob, you do a good job of "selling" your workshop! I would be there in a split-second.

Concerning the animation vs. commercials bit - That makes sense. There is always a company or organization in need of a voice for their product or service. Even the MBTA (the "T" subway) has a voice. Animation, on the other hand, is not nearly as infinite... and the competition is arguably more fierce. *sigh* At least I still have my competitive, perfectionist spirit going for me!

Thanks for the workshop offer! I'm not quite sure how one would go about organizing such an event. I will see if there is some way I can find the other VO/VA enthusiasts here in Boston. It would certainly be a worthwhile experience!

Originally Posted by GregLittlefield

Bret, I'd bet that if you moved to anywhere from Las Vegas, it would seem more humid. :) Thanks for the updates! I'm keeping an eye peeled for a good workshop or class up here to take next.

Amen! At least the temperature has dropped!

Let me know if you find anything interesting here in Boston.

Also, if anyone has knowledge of one-on-one vocal coaches in this area, I'd love to hear about them! Teachers, maybe, below $80/hour?

Thanks for the helpful thoughts and comments, everyone.

Bret