Professional singer and musician for 11 years who LOVES helping serious artists SOAR!

Find out more about Marlon

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favorite instrument?

  I have been singing since I came out the womb and haven't stopped! My grandfather and mother have released albums, and my mom would force us to sing harmonies when she drove us places. Singing in choirs, ensembles, bands, and musical theatre demanded that I continued to train my voice and ear to a professional level. Even as I added guitar and piano to my current musical talents, it was so I could keep singing and become songwriter. I have been able to release two albums as lead songwriter and vocalist!

• Is there a particular type of music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  Ooo ...for genres, musical theatre and old school gospel. I will listen to any song on loop with deep lyrics and storytelling that makes me sing or dance.

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  Voice: So, I always have to tell my students that it's the weirdest thing I have to teach about singing, but it's the way that makes the most sense to people and is the most effective. To train their body to push from it's diaphragm, I have them sit down and push like they're doing a #2 on the toilet. This shifts them from pushing from their throat so their vocal chords can just focus on making the note.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Violin...smh. I started playing at 11 and have quit twice. There are no frets. Plus, if you're technique is poor, you sound awful...and there is little wiggle room between bad and awful. I loved it for a good while but playing it in the recording studio broke me.

• What are your keys to success?

  Respect the talent that you're given, and ask yourself, "WHY AM I LEARNING THIS INSTRUMENT?" Don't waste your time if you don't have a goal or a purpose. Be ready to start practicing at least 15 minutes a day to get your body acclimated to your new skill set.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  Tina Turner- she doesn't have the prettiest voice, but it's raw! She sings EVERY LYRIC with an intense conviction.
  
  Fred Hammond- prolific songwriter with no fear to challenge his style or genre. He has dynamic voice and storytelling range to capture the human experience.
  
  Lin Manuel Miranda- A true story teller using a myriad of music styles with no bounds of where his music can take him. Writing, performing, producing, discovering, and taking risks in the world he loves. He also has a ton of fun during the whole creative process.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  Every music adventure will train you for the next. Embrace that special time to make mistakes.
  
  Do your best to join a improv troop. It will train for every life situation where you have to speak with confidence but have no idea what's going on. Try to become a improv musician.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  1) It brings me great joy revealing and affirming every small skill set a musician has so they know how gifted they are.
  
  2) I love meeting a musician exactly where they're at.
  
  3) I am very intense and silly.