Earlier this year Facebook suggested a friend for me: Wendy Parr. We had several friends in common through the music world; some real, some virtual I suppose… as Facebook goes. I get a lot of friend requests and I want some semblance of control and privacy about what I share so I opt for subscriptions and usually only connect if we meet at an event or are introduced. I suspect others feel this way too. But taken in by the deep fuschia streak prominently and proudly displayed in her raven black hair, I got a streak of whimsy and clicked “Add Friend.”

 

She accepted and over time we’ve shared posts and commented on each others and our friends’ posts. But what happens when Facebook connections such as these move out of the virtual realm and become reality? In a surprise encounter I found out and it is lovely.

A couple weeks ago, I attended Vocalize U Artist Intensive where singers, teachers, and industry professionals from around the world convened to share in knowledge and the joy of singing. I was in Dave Stroud’s temporary office and peering out the ripple paned window into St. Mary College’s central courtyard I gazed on a bustling group gathered tightly around a smallish figure. In a flash my eye caught a raven-head with a bright fuschia patch.

 

I flew out of the door to introduce myself in person. Wendy’s eyes popped and she threw a big hug around me. We didn’t get much time to catch up in that moment but I made sure to watch her during my time at VU and the notice the response of others around her. She is obviously beloved by all who know her.

 

Here’s what I’ve learned about her in recent weeks:

 

Wendy believes in the authenticity of the spirit and her job as both a teacher and artist is to express ‘the heart of the artist.’ She has been working with voices for over twenty years and as a founding member of the Speech Level Singing organization helped create a training program that now includes over 200 teachers around the world. Wendy’s focus is the road from technique to style, effort to authenticity.

 

As a songwriter, her song Dreams on Fire produced and co-written by AR Rahman is featured on the Grammy and Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack.

 

Wendy has been performed and worked with Patti La Belle, Bette Midler, AR Rahman, Paula Abdul, director George C. Wolfe., written and recorded for AR Rahman, Dance Dance Revolution, Kangaroo Kids, Hipnotribe, Derek and the Darlings, Rhythm DB and most recently released a live EP in an Americana, Alt. Country style available on iTunes. Wendy’s love of culture and her skills as a musician make her versatile in both her artistry and teaching.

 

She is able to balance a voice in minutes and teach the artist the skills to maintain great vocal consistency and build strength which leads to the greater ability to style. Wendy provides the tools artists need to stay healthy and consistent in a demanding touring, performing and recording schedule. Managers, producers and record labels count on Wendy to provide the support their artists need.

 

As a vocal producer working side by side with the artist’s musical producer, Wendy provides the trust, tools and support they need in the studio to create a great performance.

 

Her clients include platinum selling artist Nancy Sinatra, Regina Spektor, Matt White, Nicole Atkins, Suzie Q (India), Leehom Wang (Asia), Rain (K-Pop), Mandy Gonzales (Wicked and In the Heights, B’Way), Mark Griffin, 2AM Club, Jaswinder Singh and actors Ann Cusack, Cyd Charisse and Brittany Murphy. Wendy has been an instructor of voice at UCLA, Lab School NYC, and has led Master classes in technique and performance worldwide including Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Poland, Liverpool, and the UK.

 

Remember how I was saying she is obviously loved by all who know her? This is most evident because of the movement she champions at WeAreBeautifulPeople.com (WRBP). It evolved from one song of inspiration written and performed by Wendy, to a collection of a myriad of media and stories to workshops led at schools and in communities to serve as an avenue  to tell the world what it truly means to be beautiful.

 

Watch Wendy as a soloist on the promo for WRBP:

 

Wendy recently let me know she will be returning to LA once-a-month to teach privately and in workshops. I’ll do my best to keep you updated when she is available in your area. In the meantime, read her vocal tips on her website at http://www.wendyparr.com/. Make sure to leave a comment on her blog as a way to thank her for sharing her time and expertise!

 

Wanna chat with fellow fans who love to sing with Wendy Parr? Join the discussion on our I Love To Sing Facebook page!
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Have you worked with Wendy? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!

 

 

  • Rachel Zamstein

    Yes! I am grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to share a few lessons with Wendy. I learned so much in such a short period of time and I watched my voice grow literally over a few days more than it previously had in years. I hope to see her again! Love always.