Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Which genre of music or film do you enjoy most, and why?
- Who is your favorite singer or actor, and what do you like most about them?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- coach /kohch/
- tone /tohn/
- mimic /MIM-ik/
- client /KLAHY-uhnt/
- lifestyle /LAHYF-stahyl/
[verb] – to train or teach someone in a particular skill or activity
She coached the basketball team to victory.
[noun] – the quality or character of the sound of someone’s voice when singing or speaking
The singer worked tirelessly with her vocal coach to develop a warm and rich tone suitable for classical ballads.
[verb] – to imitate someone or something, often to entertain or mock
The comedian could mimic the president’s voice perfectly.
[noun] – a person or organization that receives services from a professional or company
The company values feedback from its clients.
[noun] – the way a person lives, including habits, behaviors, and choices
He adopted a healthier lifestyle after his diagnosis.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Eric Vetro is a well-known vocal coach who has worked with top singers and actors like Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Angelina Jolie, and Timothée Chalamet. He is celebrated for helping celebrities refine their singing skills, prepare for roles, and enhance their vocal techniques. For example, Vetro coached Grande to achieve an operatic tone for her role in “Wicked,” helped Jolie prepare to sing as Maria Callas in the biopic “Maria,” and trained Chalamet to mimic Bob Dylan’s voice for “A Complete Unknown.” In an interview with Reuters, Vetro discussed his methods and introduced his online singing course through BBC Maestro.
Vetro tailors his coaching to each client’s needs, whether it’s improving technique or maintaining vocal health. For actors like Jolie, learning to sing opera without prior experience can be challenging. Vetro worked with her over several months, starting with basic exercises before advancing to complex techniques. He emphasizes the importance of identifying what makes a performer’s voice unique, especially when portraying real-life musicians. His BBC Maestro course offers practical tips and advice based on his experience with celebrities. It provides a well-rounded approach to singing, addressing not just vocal techniques but also lifestyle factors like diet, daily habits, and vocal care, making it a valuable resource for aspiring singers and performers.
Vetro tailors his coaching to each client’s needs, whether it’s improving technique or maintaining vocal health. For actors like Jolie, learning to sing opera without prior experience can be challenging. Vetro worked with her over several months, starting with basic exercises before advancing to complex techniques. He emphasizes the importance of identifying what makes a performer’s voice unique, especially when portraying real-life musicians. His BBC Maestro course offers practical tips and advice based on his experience with celebrities. It provides a well-rounded approach to singing, addressing not just vocal techniques but also lifestyle factors like diet, daily habits, and vocal care, making it a valuable resource for aspiring singers and performers.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Who is Eric Vetro?
- What does Eric Vetro help celebrities with?
- What does Eric Vetro emphasize when coaching singers and actors?
- What challenges did Jolie face when learning opera, according to Eric Vetro?
- What kind of lifestyle factors does Eric Vetro’s course address?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever taken a singing lesson? If so, what was the most challenging part? If not, what skill would you like to learn, and why?
- Have you ever watched a movie or show where an actor had to sing? If so, who was the actor, and did you think they sang well? If not, would you enjoy watching a movie with actors singing? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that it is important for actors to train their voices for roles?
- Do you think online courses like the one Eric Vetro offers can be as effective as in-person lessons? Why or why not?
- Do you think being a great singer is a natural talent that some people are born with, or is it a skill that anyone can learn with practice and dedication? Why?