Tiara Abraham has recorded her first album in not one but six different languages. She talks about her musical journey, shares some tips to budding singers and talks about her favorites from the music industry...
Q. Since when did you start learning music?
I joined a children's choir when I was 6. I was the youngest in the performing group. I was lucky to have found a teacher for honing me in western classical singing as it is usually difficult to find a teacher willing to teach a young child.
Q. When was your first recording? What song did you record?
My first recording in the studio was 3 weeks before we released the audio. My first song was Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" a Latin classical song which I learned about 2 years ago.
Q. Tell us a bit about your latest album.
My debut album, 'Winter Nightingale' has 9 songs. I have sung them in 6 different languages which are Spanish, Italian, French, German, Latin and of course English! The songs are in different genres, like Classical (Western), Folk, Traditional, Broadway. People had heard me at several events, and often asked for a CD, so we finally decided to make one. The idea to start an album came at the last moment. I wanted to make a Christmas Holiday album.
Tiara with her audio & recording engineer, Andre
Q. How did you come up with the idea of singing in 6 languages?
I wanted to give my album a global and universal appeal so that many people can enjoy my album. Being a western classical singer, most classical songs are written in these languages and I love to sing in these languages.
Q. Are you proficient in all the 6 languages? Or did you learn it during the recording of the album?
Yes, I have taken 9 college semesters in Spanish, Italian and French. But I learned to sing in Latin & German easily. I pick up the pronunciations fast.
Q. Which language did you love singing the most and why?
There is no specific one since I enjoyed singing in all these languages. But I liked to sing in Italian a teeny weeny more.
Q. What is your favorite genre of music?
Of course Western classical !! But I like songs from other genres. I like Adele's 'Sky Fall' and Josh Groban's 'You Raise Me Up' and Bruno Mars "Up Town Funk" . And I also love Bollywood music!!
Q. Who is your idol and why?
Of course, I would love to be known as a world famous singer like Adele, Celine Dion but I actually do not have any idol. I look up to my mom because she gave up her own dreams and ambitions to be there for my brother & me, and encouraged us to pursue our talents and dreams.
Q. Do you listen to Indian music? Any favorites?
I watch a lot of Bollywood movies & TV shows. I like John Abraham and & Salman Khan. My favorite bollywood numbers would be Yuva's "Baadal", 3 Idiots 'Zoobi Doobi" , Dhoom 3 "Kamali" and "Malang" songs. I hope to work with AR Rahman on some Western Classical & Bollywood fusion song.
Q. Any tips for the budding singers?
1- Based on the style of singing, learn the correct techniques for that style such as breath control, posture, pitch etc from a good voice teacher.
2- Do not sing for long periods of time.
3- Don't shout or yell as it may harm your vocal cords.
4- It is good to have at least 15 to 20 minutes voice warm-ups.
5- Practice, even if it is for 15-30 minutes a day. I try to sing a minimum of 30 minutes for 5 days a week.
Q. Who all are there in your family? Whom are you closest to?
I live with my parents and big brother, Tanishq. I love them all equally because they all are very special to me. Our parents support and encourage our talents. Because I enjoy singing, Math & foreign languages, they support me & encourage me to do what I like. They do not tell us that we should study a certain field. I also have 2 pet cats, Chubby & Lucky. They are always there hanging around me when I sing.
Q. How do you balance your studies and music? Any tips for the beginners?
It is hard to balance them together if you go to a regular school! But for me, I manage a lot because I am home schooled and also because I am accelerated (I have skipped grades). I do my school and college work while I am in the car or travelling in the plane or while waiting in university campus for my brother to finish his classes. As you can see, I do my work when ever I get the opportunity to finish it. The most important thing is, you have to have the motivation, you can then balance your education and your hobbies. Singing is not a hobby for me, as I am planning that as my profession!
Five favorite singers
- Classical genres:
Kathleen Battle
Rene Flemming
- Pop & Classical cross-over genres
- Adele
- Celine Dion
- Josh Groban
Favorite bands/musicians
- David Foster
- AR Rahman
- Hans Zimmer
What is your passion? Are you following it? Share with us in the comments below what would you like to be passionate about and why!