”If you think you`d like to be a professional singer, karaoke is a great opportunity to try it out,” said Rosalie Loeding, associate professor at Illinois Benedictine College, who says young singers can only benefit from live performance.
”Every singer needs a place to try material out, to learn to work with an audience, to gauge the audience reaction to them. And, for the young singer, practice is not always available, and it is usually expensive,” said Loeding, who has taught for 25 years.
Though she does not view karaoke performances as the ”end or aim” for would-be singers, she applauds the opportunity for young professionals to hone their performing arts skills.
”Learning how to react to an audience that is loud, that is not listening-performing under those conditions and learning not to break down, not to quit, but to keep on singing-that is a valuable experience,” said Loeding, who has recommended karaoke to a student who is reaching for a professional career as a singer.
”And, you never know who is sitting in the audience,” said student Geri Uszcienski, who sought Loeding`s advice. ”I am working on a master`s degree in music voice performance from Illinois State University, but I came to Chicago because it`s one of three cities if you are looking for musical exposure,” said Uszcienski, ”and karaoke has taught me how to keep my composure on stage.”
Loeding also points out that many talented karaoke singers are not planning to make a career of singing.
”Some never intend to be professional performers,” she said, ”but it`s fun for them to sing.”
”It`s entertainment,” agreed Lee Kesselman, director of choral activities at College of Du Page, Glen Ellyn, ”but what is missing is the collaboration-working with other musicians.”
Ironically, the origin of karaoke can be traced to products designed for musicians. Early post-World War II albums made with one lead part missing-either vocal or instrumental-allowed performers to practice without the hassle of coordinating a session.
But those albums, on the Music Minus One label, did not offer the opportunity to perform live. And the chance to perform live, in front of cheering friends, is attractive even among those off the bar/lounge circuit.
At Central School in Bloomingdale, organizers of last year`s Halloween party opted to give the kids a chance to try karaoke. Did the kids like it?
”The kids were in line to sing from the time the karaoke opened until the time it closed,” said principal John Markgraf. ”Many bought tapes of themselves singing with the music. It`s kind of a nice keepsake.”
