MaryHelen + Musician in Burbank, CA

SEEKING

ABOUT

I am a lifelong performer, lead singer, backup vocalist, voice teacher, and vocal coach. My vocal performance experience ranges from a cappella trio lead to gig band lead vocalist, to musical theater soloist, to session singer, to backup vocalist, to singer/songwriter. I just love music, am compelled to sing—whether anyone is listening or not—and have a deep hunger for creative musical collaboration with other artists and musicians.

I am a classically trained vocalist but my roots go much farther back to my rural upbringing where I was raised on a unique mix of bluegrass, country, acoustic folk, 70s rock, top 40s pop, big band jazz, vocal trios and opera. From Jewel, Alison Crause and the Dixie Chicks to the Lennon Sisters, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, to Pink Floyd and Queen, to Celine Dion, Backstreet Boys and Jessica Simpson, to Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland, I was exposed to an eclectic range of musical genres and artists.

My sisters and I formed a band and vocal trio beginning at the ages of 8, 10, and 12 and performed at local events, festivals, fairs, weddings, churches, and talent competitions throughout Wyoming and Colorado until going our separate ways for college. My siblings and I also learned violin, guitar and piano and were the go-to musical act in our small country farming community. In college and beyond I branched out to choirs, choral groups and chamber music, orchestra, Musical Theater, jam bands, gig bands, a cappella groups and an original acoustic duo.

I am now located in Los Angles, CA and my primary livelihood is teaching private voice lessons and providing one on one vocal coaching sessions to singers, actors, and speakers.

During the beginning and height of the pandemic, all live performances ended for me but I’d really like to get back into it now and would love to find a passionate group of musicians to collaborate and perform with on a somewhat regular basis.

Screen name:

MaryHelen

Member since:

Sep 11 2023

Active within 1 week

Level of commitment:

Committed

Years playing music:

20

Gigs played:

50 to 100

Tend to practice:

2-3 times per week

Available to gig:

2-3 nights a week

Influences

As a lifelong musician and lover of music, I have been influenced by a wide range of artists and genres. It would take too long to name each and every band, artist, or vocalist who’s style and artistry has shaped my musical tastes and sensibilities but some of the most prominent vocal influences include:

Jewel, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachin, First Aid Kit, The Wailin’ Jennies, Nickel Creek, The Civil Wars, Imogen Heap, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Demi Lovato, No Doubt, Queen, Blondie, Pat Benitar, Toto, Journey, Kansas, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, Billy Joel, Nightwish, Evanescence, Sonata Arctica and Muse.

Instrument experience:

Vocalist:

Expert

Vocalist - Soprano:

Expert

Background Singer:

Expert

EQUIPMENT

Keyboard and stand, acoustic guitar, acoustic violin

MUSIC