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Some people are born to sing. Mark Baxter
was not one of them. Undaunted, he studied, probed,
inquired, explored, practiced and applied his findings until
he achieved the voice he had always wanted (all the voices
in the intro to this web site were Mark's). His value as a
vocal teacher is unique in that he draws equally from his
stage experience, some 3000 gigs and counting, and an
unusually diverse training. After receiving formal training
in music at The College of New Jersey, Mark hit the road with
various bands and got a real education.
"There's no better motivator than poverty. When you're
singing for your next meal, canceling is not an option.
Before training, each night I slugged it out and hoped for
the best. Now I can control my voice without holding back.
This transformation is what fuels my enthusiasm for
teaching. While I would have preferred to have been born
with a 'gift,' the struggles I went through allow me to
empathize with my students. I know first hand what it's like
to deal with vocal problems, and the difference lessons can
make."
Mark has completed hundreds and hundreds of voice lessons,
exploring various methods, and attended countless seminars
including: Vocal Pedagogy by the Functional Voice Foundation
of West Germany, Neuromuscular message, nutrition, The
Alexander Technique, acupressure, reflexology along with
various psychological and visualization techniques. Even
though he is now considered a leading authority in his
field, he continues to research with a passion.
"I don't think I'll ever tire of learning about the voice.
I've read every book out there and continuously look for
related subjects. Lately, I've been attending symposiums at
the Harvard Medical School's Department of Continuing
Education, covering topics such as Physiology and Acoustics
of Vocal Production, Aerodynamic Assessment of Vocal
Function, Medical and Surgical Management of the Performing
Artist. Phonomicrosurgical management of Benign Lesions and
Injured Vocal Cords and Laryngopharyngeal Reflex. Many of
the singers I work with have vocal damage. The medical
courses allow me to speak freely with doctors and then
translate their findings into singers' terms for my clients.
As a performer myself, I know exactly what it feels like to
sing in the worst conditions. Combining my understanding of
anatomy with stage experience allows me to help others reach
their potential... and there's nothing I'd rather be doing."
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