SUCCESS UPDATE: It was a cold but sunny morning in Bellevue, WA. I was driving down Highway 90E heading to my water aerobics class as I listened to Star 101.5 . As I was exiting the highway the moment I have been waiting for unexpectedly happened ! I heard Becky saying : "Rachel! Great to see you!" Becky was me! My first paid radio commercial. I couldn't believe my own ears. It was a rush ! I had found a gig a while back on Craig's List. A company was looking for a female voice talent. I responded to the ad but they replied that they had already found someone for the spot but that they really like the ranges in my voice and would keep me in their database. And then a couple months later without any action from my side I got the email: "Would you be interested in auditioning for a Sono Bello commercial? We found your VFA demos in our database and would like to hear you." I went to the audition which turned out to be a "non audition". We talked for a while and then the producer took me to their studio. In 10 minutes after 3 takes we had the spot recorded! It was amazing. Thank-you VFA for helping me get closer to my dream job!
I am flying so high in this experience! It's like a drug that I am addicted to now. All my friends that have heard my demo just can't believe their ears. It feels awesome to hear statements like "You are so great, very sensual and relaxed. I could not stop listening to your recording because listening to your voice was so soothing. Why do I go to de-stressing clinics when I could be listening to your voice instead?" John taught an unbelievable class, and was an incredible coach at the recording studio. He has amazing voice coaching and directing talent, and knows how to transport you directly into the script you are reading at the time. His passion and talent for this field is very evident. I see that there a lot of resources to refer back to on your site as well! This is just too exciting!!!! I encourage everyone to take the Master Class: "Fasten your seatbelts and let the journey begin"...
SUCCESS UPDATE: 2011 has been the most rewarding year to date for my voiceover career. I completed a project for my town of Apple Valley, CA called "State of the Town" which, as the name implies, gives the citizens a snapshot of where the town is economically and where it is headed. It is currently on their website, www.applevalley.org.
An even more rewarding experience was completing an audiobook entitled "Ace of Hearts" by internationally known author Jean Holloway. It was quite a challenging endeavour, however I loved doing it. Trying to do several character voices, some female, was the most difficult part. I worked with a great engineer locally and the author was very pleased. It is currently available on iTunes, CD Baby, and the author's website, www.deckofcardz.com.
I attached a small snippet. A sample is also available on my website, www.mrkeysvoices.com.
Thanks to what I learned at Voices for All for making this possible.
SUCCESS UPDATE UPDATE: Since I last talked to you I have done several commercials. I did one commercial for my husband's business on the radio last year; and he actually was called several times in one month. The producer said that I was a natural and did not make one mistake. I wrote my whole commercial. Then, last month , I did another radio commercial for my own tutoring business; and this producer also said that I was a natural and no mistakes. I Never get nervous. I have never had so much fun. My bank, friends, etc. have been trying to find me some more work. One of our friends just took my demo to his boss because he needed a voiceover commercial; but, he needed a man. He did say, however, that my demo knocked his socks off. He also said he would keep me in mind so that if anyone needed a woman's voice; he would call me. I have never had so much fun. Thank you for all the great fun training.
SUCCESS UPDATE: So far, I have done three commercials on the radio for my husband's welding business. The producer said I was a natural and I did not make any mistakes. It was so much fun. I did not get nervous; just had a ball. I love doing commercials and hope to do more eventually. Thank you all for your great help.
Hi everyone, I have NEVER met so many great, caring, fun people in my life in one company. I have been so excited since I returned home from the training in Milpitas, Ca in Feb. 2009. John suggested that I tell the whole town and find a company who wants a free commercial. I took one of my demos to my bank and the whole bank said I sounded better than most people on radio or tv. They even gave a demo to the radio station. I am in shock. Thank you for giving me the confidence. My husband is (within the next 3-4 months) going to make half my classroom into a recording room. Saving our pennies. I am looking forward to the advanced training class. Please keep me informed early enough to save some more pennies.
SUCCESS UPDATE: I got my first job! Andrea Langworthy, my VFA Master Teacher, was kind enough to refer me to a client, and I got my first job. I'm not sure what is more exciting- being successful at a voice-over, or knowing that people like Andrea at VFA really do back you up and do their best to nudge you forward into this business. Thank you, Andrea, for being a caring teacher. Thank you, VFA, for being a quality company.
The VFA Master Class was an excellent experience. As a retired teacher, I really appreciate an instructor who knows exactly what she wants to present and knows how to present it effectively. This class takes all the mystery out of voiceovers. Andrea Langworthy's supportive coaching made the demo experience stress-free and extremely positive. I feel very prepared to enter this field, both from a vocal and a business standpoint. Thank you very much.