La CoffeeMelodie Suite

Advertising Yourself

2009-06-05T14:21:00.006-04:00

If you want an audience the responsibility for finding it is squarely on you. Until you reach a certain level of notoriety you shouldn't expect your excellence alone to draw people. There are, for example, great shower singers in the world, but no one knows of them: and that's all they'll ever do.

On the one hand I suppose some really don't care- at a certain level people do things solely for themselves. Great art and artistry, though, should be shared, and most everyone in one way or another does seek some external validation of his work.

So what is an artist to do?

How does he show potential audiences that he is worthy of their attention?

Don't sacrifice your integrity, but put yourself “out there.” If that means attending or putting up your own concerts, singing in local choirs, or creating and distributing publicity materials then do it. Enlist the help of experts, if you like, in order to make an even more positive impression on your future fans. So may artists are unable to undertake these “down-to-earth” tasks, but they are absolutely essential for those who want to make their marks.

The simple fact is that you must be in the public eye. Unfortunately, many feel that this is a Catch-22 of sorts: I'm not “out there” because no one knows me, and no one knows me because I'm not “out there.” If this is how you think, though, you're just being weeded out and those better suited to survival- those who take the initiative- will pass you by.

No one said an artist's job is easy. Unlike so many others his output is not easily quantifiable: there is no true and objective standard by which his work can be judged, and so often great performers are passed over for no apparent reason.

Who's the “better” violinist, Jascha Heifetz or Joshua Bell? Who's the “better” singer, Luciano Pavarotti or Franco Corelli?

Who's the “better” artist, Pablo Picasso or Vincent van Gogh? Who is the “greater” composer, Mozart or Bach? The questions are almost nonsensical, for while there are certain objectives that each of these strives toward, what makes each of these an “artist” is his individuality- his uniqueness- as well as the sensibilities of the audience. It's a very interesting discussion to compare their different qualities, but pretty much pointless to say that one is “better” than another.

In the business world, though, all that matters is the “bottom line.” Athletes, too, are evaluated objectively: a .300 batting average is better than .260, a birdie is better than a bogey, and if you score fifteen touchdowns in a season it's better than scoring only four. Of course, an athlete's worth is predicated on more than just statistics, but they nevertheless play a large part.

You want a doctor who saves a large percentage of his patients, an airline pilot who's never had a crash, a bank that pays more interest on your savings. These are all measurable facts and subject to inevitable, and often justifiable, comparisons.

Now, I suppose we can often come to a general consensus that a given artist is good or bad too, but even then it is difficult to explain exactly why. They certainly don't use the tool of objective comparison in highlighting their strengths. A singer doesn't say, “I crack a smaller percentage of my high Cs than 90% of all working tenors,” and a cellist doesn't say “My tone is 55% fuller than 98% of all working cellists today.” Even if these statistics were somehow available and accurate it probably wouldn't even matter: we don't value our art and artists this way. Artists are really at the mercy of the subjectivity of their own endeavors.

What this means is that, as an artist, you can't rely on your ability alone to carry you out to the world: you have to advertise yourself in as many positive ways as possible.

True Artists Video Art Design
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com/true.html

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the author: Ralph Schatzki has been a lawyer and a teacher but always remains an opera singer, husband and father. He tries to sing whenever he can and to promote great music and singing throughout our world.

http://www.ralphschatzki.com
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com

Duty

2009-06-01T21:43:00.001-04:00

Imagine a person suddenly collapsing in a public place. A doctor, perfectly capable of helping, simply walks by. Or, a man, out hiking pinned under a small boulder, and a championship weightlifter in his group does nothing to assist.

At first glance, most people would be outraged by such non-action, even though nothing may have been done wrong under the law. Of course, most people know that law and ethics are not always synonymous.

Still, you say, “these are matters of life and death- surely something should have been done!” Perhaps, though, the doctor was on his way to a more pressing emergency, or was preoccupied with the thoughts of his son's cancer. Maybe the weightlifter was recovering from an injury that prevented him from trying to help, or it would permanently cripple him if he tried to undertake such a strain before he had recovered sufficiently from it.

Life is seldom so black and white, as much as we enjoy debating black and white scenarios: “What if the doctor was completely focused on this person, or the weightlifter was perfectly healthy?” These are interesting ethical questions to be sure, although the law still puts no duty on one to save another, unless he is in a special circumstance, caused the situation in some way, or begins to undertake a rescue.

Hey: we've got to have some rule, and it must not only take into account the victim's needs, but also the needs and rights of his potential savior: and we resist requiring people to do anything, even if they “should.”

In many cases, it ends up as a very personal choice on their parts, and for all we know they agonize over it.

I was thinking about this in the similar context of someone who has decided essentially to “retire” his skill- to remove it from the public. Should- not can- he be able to do this? What if he is an expert, or uniquely accomplished?

In the case of the weightlifter we hardly bat an eye: younger, stronger people are constantly coming up through the ranks and his career is short. When an eighty-year old doctor retires we are similarly favorably disposed to his decision: he served society well and has earned his rest.

What about a forty-year old doctor, though? He would save countless lives if he chose to continue in medicine, and then if he retires to the Bahamas...? What about a great pianist, or violinist, who decides to shelve her musical aspirations forever at the age of twenty-eight and becomes a businessperson instead? I appreciate their decisions, but what about the greater good?

Of course, in the first case the doctor probably retires because he has earned enough money practicing medicine, and in the second case the violinist quits because she hasn't made enough, but the end result is that society loses a treasure. I don't really begrudge either of these people's decisions, but I do bemoan the loss and am left to wonder why things are allowed to come to such a pass: How can we permit such an environment in which an individual's talents and gifts are thrown away? It really is a tremendous loss for us all. I don't think it's right that someone is paid so much money to perform a vital service that he can remove himself from it before his time, nor not enough that she must remove herself just to survive.

I realize this is simply a (very high) cost of living in a free market, capitalistic society: the market, by and large, determines the value of things. Unfortunately, this results in economic concerns trumping all others, including our concern for ourselves, our fellow beings and society at-large.

As a musician, I constantly ask myself what duty I owe: first to myself, but to others, as well, in ever-widening circles of diminishing acquaintance. Do I sing for myself? Yes. Solely? No, although how much my performance is for others is an interesting concern.

I guess I'm interested in what duty we musicians owe to society, even if it doesn't seem to value highly what it is that we offer. I don't have the answers, but the question should, I think, be considered.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the author: Ralph Schatzki has been a lawyer and a teacher but always remains an opera singer, husband and father. He tries to sing whenever he can and to promote great music and singing throughout our world.

http://www.ralphschatzki.com
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com

Attention!

2009-05-28T19:18:00.004-04:00

As a performer of live music, where do you focus your attention while in the midst of a performance? This, to me, is an interesting consideration since you have to juggle the demands of your craft- your technique, if you will- with the need to connect with your audience.

Put another way, how much do you break through the fourth wall, consciously or not, and how much do you strive to maintain your character and musical persona behind it?

Depending on whether or not the performance is staged, semi-staged or in concert, whether it is an audition or competition, or whether there are there costumes, sets, props and lights, can all influence your decision. And of course, let's not forget to mention the most important thing of all: you, the performer. How do you feel about it?

Cinematic actors don't have to worry about this, for they have movie cameras and microphones all around them. They just have to be their character and the director and film editors do the rest. This is hardly an easy task, however, for it takes an incredibly disciplined individual to do this well. How distracting must it be to have everyone around you, knowing their equipment is picking up every nuance of speech and gesture, while you have to maintain focus?

Still, it is not a balancing act: if you remain 100% in character then you've done your job. There's no decision to be made.

Performing live is a different thing entirely. Not only must one speak, sing and gesture in a way that it is visible and audible to everyone, but he must also play to the imaginary fourth wall that separates stage from spectator. Lack of awareness in this respect translates to a poor performance, with lines, expressions and gestures getting lost in the wings or upstage, or in self-indulgent introspection.

In addition, there is immediate feedback: you can tell if you're reaching the members of the audience- or, far worse, leaving them cold- and try to adjust accordingly. It's a wonderful way to hone your craft and improve your performance, all at the same instant!

Nevertheless, there must be something in your performance that remains “true:” true to the character, true to the musical intent of the composer, true to the director's concept. You cannot pander to the audience and put yourself above the art itself. Artistic integrity should never be compromised.

I also really dislike seeing performers who swing completely the opposite way from movie actors, engaging the audience in an insincere or totally shallow manner. To me, they are no better than the ones who indulge only themselves.

It is really a fine skill to learn how to balance the art with the need to communicate. Only a few master it, and their efforts are on a far different level from those blah performances one usually sees.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the author: Ralph Schatzki has been a lawyer and a teacher but always remains an opera singer, husband and father. He tries to sing whenever he can and to promote great music and singing throughout our world.

http://www.ralphschatzki.com
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com

Coffeelosophy - Conclusion

2009-05-28T09:30:00.011-04:00

Coffeelosophy

With the bad economy, the first thing to go is arts funding. Singing is a profession that is taken for granted just because we sing as a natural part of our existence. If the profession were not respected before, it is worse now. Gafaae and Ralph have seen a lot of artists at different levels striving to keep their heads above the supply-over-demand-in bad economy-water. Sadly, news coming out from opera companies is not good news. Gafaae and Ralph would hate to see fellow colleagues turning away from pursuing their dreams. There is a solution, and all have to join hands and address it together. It is their belief that the problem has to be addressed at the root level, but we need everyone's help to make the change happen sooner for all of us.

La CoffeeMelodie Suite

We do what we can with our own two hands, with many pairs of hands we will achieve our goal sooner. Gafaae and Ralph focus their attention on three aspects: The artists-musicians of today. The audience -keeping today's audiences happy while developing and recruiting in-coming audiences. The up-coming artists-musicians-music lovers of the future. Coffee and baritone build the suite to be a hub for people sharing the same profession, to keep our performance-goers happy, and to pass along the knowledge to the young musicians and audiences-to-be. But because Gafaae, especially, gave up her wonderful, high-paying, first rate day-time job when she relocated, they can't offer the use of La Suite with out any compensation. TAVADesign, Souvenirs, CoreMelody, and CoffeePrograms are good examples of how Gafaae and Ralph would like to generate an income in order to compensate the cost of putting up this community. Of course, there is a page inviting anyone to become a patron. These pages are self-explanatory, and we hope that if you have read this far you would also spend a little more time visiting them.

The big picture

Exclusi ve Artists-Musicians Lounge & Gallery- Gafaae and Ralph hope to see a good mix of artists, musicians,, coaches, teachers, directors, conductors, orchestras and even opera companies joining La Suite. The time that we all did our own things individually and minded just our own business is gone. We all need friends and together we stand proud and strong. As much as Gafaae's&Ralph's wishes are that you would hire TAVADesign to

produce your next you tube video, or come to them for PR Consultation in order to gain the benefit from a profile page and the use of the discussion and announcement board, they would settle for an agreement from you to embed LCMS link to your website in exchange for a profile page with your name on the URL. Not a bad deal, is it? The sooner we have profile pages up, the sooner we build our community. Souvenirs is a market place provided to aid you in selling your CDs and other fine products at a low cost .

Classical Music Lovers Social Club- As Gafaae and Ralph are writing this long page and building the website , they introduce themselves in the community and offer their musical services and

educational programs to everyone. They hope to use the club to be the center where their audience can share music activities. You can do the same with your communities, too, and please do not underestimate the power of local fans. You need to come home to where you will be embraced by people who support you. And, please introduce them to our club so they can mingle among all like-minded music lovers. The more members we have, the better it will be for what we stand for.

Coffeeni - While offering our arts, we cannot forget that we have to build and prepare our future artists, musicians, the next coaches, teachers, conductors and directors. At La CoffeeMelodie Suite we provide education through CoffeePrograms and Core Melody. Piano accompanist apprentice award and Outreach Program are also given
through Coffee Programs. Gafaae and Ralph hope to build a Coffeeni Center for our up-coming musicians and provide musical activities and a comfort zone for our young musicians.

Please join us at

La CoffeeMelodie Suite

Coffeelosophy - part IV

2009-05-27T10:26:00.005-04:00

Coffee's dream - the awakening

After many long discussions, The Coffee family had made the decision to resign from their day-time jobs that gave them security and stability for thirteen years. They took care of loose ends, sold most of their belongings, packed up and moved back to the east coast of the United States to a town where Gafaae grew up. Since then, both Gafaae and Ralph have been honing their skills and pursuing their dreams. It took the couple awhile to realize that the singing career now is not the same as it was when they left the country the first time.

Second wake-up call

Before they left the US many years ago, they were advised by those in the business to be patient while honing their skills and their time would come. Coffee and Ralph came to see that by stepping off the career train their time probably has come and gone without them in the car. They were first in shock, then inspired by excellent young artists who are performing today at an age when Gafaae and Ralph had been told 'too young, be patient.' They understand, too, the importance of stagecraft, although they are intrigued that singing is no longer the most important thing. They also have the hardest time coming to terms with the 'tissue mentality,' where you use a singer once and then throw him away. There are so many beautiful things that can be created, singers are much more valuable than to be used and discarded as tissues.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued....
Read full story

With Apologies to Jane Austen

2009-05-26T09:50:00.002-04:00

Sense and Sensibility is one of the many best books I've read in my life. If you've never had the opportunity to read Jane Austen I cannot recommend her too highly.

The title, though- and what it represents- is what I want to discuss, for it represents one of the many essential dichotomies that we struggle with as human beings. How much in our lives do we rely upon our rationality, and how much our emotion and instinct?

A safe answer, as far as it goes, is that we must rely on both, balancing these opposites in everything we do. To be sure, there are those who do so effortlessly, but many who say this are really just avoiding having to deal with considering it in their own lives. I certainly don't believe that it is a valid justification for anyone's words or deeds after the fact: it must be a conscious decision beforehand.

I guess what I'm trying to get at is that people should be more mindful of the decisions facing them every day so that they can do the best for themselves and those around them. It's far too easy for us simply to coast along and do what we think is expected of us, and if asked afterward proffer a lame excuse. It's simply a question of responsibility.

This is certainly true as we learn a skill such as singing, in which we are constantly trying to better ourselves. As we ask “why not?” or “why?” we do certain things, we engage that rational part of ourselves in order to look for answers.

Yet we (should) also base those questions upon far more subjective grounds: “Why does it hurt when I sing high?” or “Why doesn't it feel right when I sing that passage?”

Good students always ask “why?” for a reason specific to them, not just because they don't understand in an academic sense. If I know how to do something it's because I've managed to incorporate some knowledge to fit me and my unique needs and abilities.

But far too often, students take a teacher's word as gospel and apply it in a “one size fits all” manner. They don't stop to think how they can take some knowledge and make it their own; rather, they attempt to do something they believe is what the teacher expects. They subjugate their own feelings in order to follow a (misunderstood) directive, and then wonder why it doesn't work out.

Now, of course we must first have a structure in place before we can be aware of it, and in most things we do begin by learning “the basics;” and while it is true there is little subjective analysis at this point in the learning process, it is simply because the basics are what we all share as humans. They are true for everyone.

I have always said that there are four stages of learning a skill: unconscious incompetence (you're bad and don't know why), conscious incompetence (as you learn more you know why you're bad), conscious competence (you've learned enough that you're good, but you still have to think about what you're doing), and unconscious competence (you're good without thinking about it). Notice that the pinnacle of this involves no thought!

Be aware of yourself and your feelings and, if you're learning anything other than “the basics,” never rely exclusively on an external authority. Each of us is unique, with unique abilities. The great ones are those who have the talent and have discovered for themselves how to access it. Find these in yourself, and tap into greatness.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the author: Ralph Schatzki has been a lawyer and a teacher but always remains an opera singer, husband and father. He tries to sing whenever he can and to promote great music and singing throughout our world.

http://www.ralphschatzki.com
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com

Coffeelosophy - part III

2009-05-25T13:17:00.009-04:00

(part III)

P & R Productions

Gafaae had the resources and she utilized them. With help from her company, she first put on recitals with her husband the baritone. They re-introduced themselves to the Thai society as singers-performers. Right around the same time, they were also invited as guest artists in concerts of local music organizations. Things happen for a reason, and soon Gafaae was offered adjunct voice teaching positions in the music departments of two renowned prestigious universities, while at the same time she and her husband received requests from music lovers to take them as their private students. P&R: P stands for Pradichaya and R stands for Ralph, and one music critic referred to them as, 'an operatic couple, a match made in heaven.' Together, they built their teaching studio, and also produced concerts and productions of their own, their students and invited guests - all of which happened during their 'spare time' When it rains, it pours, but this was for a good reason: a man who had left Thailand decades ago returned with his brand new opera composition in English based upon a Thai drama by HRH King Mongkut (Rama VI), an opera commissioned to raise funds for the renovation of the Grand PhrayaThai Palace in which a large section of the land was turned into a medical school and a teaching hospital. There was a lot of advertisement for the event. By then, the talk of the town was 'KhunGafaae?' - khun is a polite title given to polite people by other polite people, 'She's the top business woman, she also sings opera.' No one put her down for 'sing to eat, dance to eat,' anymore. And by the time the famous opera production took place, Gafaae's youngest baby girl was barely four months old.

The decision

None of these was by any means a full-time job. Gafaae was on cloud nine, but she was exhausted maintaining the balance of her highly competitive business, her teaching, her performing, and her three boys and one girl. When she looked at the love of her life she was filled with worry, for he looked exhausted from being sleep deprived - his waking up at four every morning in order to beat the Bangkok traffic to get to school by six, and having gone on way past midnight every night because of the teaching, performing and socializing could not last forever. Gafaae asked herself if this was worth it. By then, both her parents had retired from their positions; yet, she was not appointed as their successor. Her business was at the point that either she gained total control or she would have to move on. On the peforming front, both Gafaae and her husband felt they fell into the 'local' category, but the even greater frustration came from being so far away from the mainstream singing culture and the consequent lack of access to teachers, coaches and more companies; not to mention all the other factors which are important in order to further their study in order to add to their singing and stage craft. Gafaae realized that she had to make a decision.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued.......
Read full story

Coffeelosophy

2009-05-24T10:32:00.008-04:00

(partII)

Putting her dream on hold

While studying first as an undergraduate and then as a graduate student, all the teachers, directors, and coaches kept telling Gafaae and even her future husband that they both were too young for an operatic career, that they should be patient and wait until they were 28...30....32....older so that their voices had time to grow and settle into the repertoire they would perform. Gafaae had a tougher time since the teachers were too worried about figuring out the right 'fach' for her. She had a rich warm timbre of a mezzo but also a lot of ringing high notes. Was she a mezzo or a soprano? What should we do with Coffee? She graduated with a lot of confusion. Suddenly, the very dear thing that was the biggest part of her life was taken, stripped, and torn down. Since Coffee and the Voice were one, she lost her most trusted friend - herself-

Her mother could not have found a better time to make her this wonderful, out-of-this world, unsurpassed business proposition. While looking for her own 'Coffee-identity' she and her husband had their first child. Like all new parents, they fiercely felt that they had to provide and protect their baby boy, and since being a clerk at a law firm and working retail while trying to gain more singing experience would not be sufficient, Gafaae decided to pack up her small family and move to Bangkok, where she would remain for the next 13 years with three more additions to the family.

After the first five-years

Success was the key word, and success it was! Gafaae, although working under her parents' direction, but still with the belief that soon she would have total control of the enterprise, put in a lot of hard work and it paid off - she was on top of the world. One of the topmost leading business(wo)men she was, and standing by her side was a loving husband with his very highly respected and prominent job as an international school teacher at one of the best schools in Thailand. They were proud parents of three happy and healthy boys. They dined at five-star restaurants and took vacations at their own beach condo and mountain-top get-away villa, and they were regular guests at the Ambassador's residences of several countries. When Gafaae was stressed from work she went to her favorite jewelry stores and, judging from what she brought home with her each time, she was stressed quite often. Still, with all the success she had, she woke up everyday with the same thing that popped into her head - Why am I NOT singing and what am I doing here?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued........
Read full story

Coffeelosophy!!!

2009-05-23T08:30:00.005-04:00

(part I)

A fancy name for 'About Us' in which to tell our audience about the philosophy behind the whole La CoffeeMelodie Suite idea!!!!

Why Coffee?

Because 'Coffee' is the English equivalent of a nickname given, at birth, to the soprano behind La CoffeeMelodie Suite.

Who is Coffee?

Once upon a time, in a far away land, a baby girl was born. There was nothing extraordinary about her, except that she came with a head full of thick dark hair that resembled one of The Beatles, and a pair of huge dark-colored eyes. What really struck everyone, though, was that her skin color was reddish brown, unlike her fair-skinned mother or her deep, dark brown-skinned father. That- along with her father's addiction to coffee- was when they decided that her nickname was to be 'Gafaae,' which translates to 'Coffee' in English.

What about Melodie, and why is it not spelled the normal way?

If there was anything else special about baby Coffee - besides her thick head of dark hair, big black eyes and her unusually dark reddish brown skin - it would be her voice and her musicality, which shone through even at a very young age. The course of life has taken Coffee from her homeland to the western part of the world, back to her homeland, then back once again to this part of the world, where she finally has a chance to fulfill her dreams both as a musician and as a person who wants to make the world a better place. Her life's journey has given her the opportunity to explore things from different aspects, to try different things, and to put all that she has learned and experienced together to create something else even better.

So, while at first glance there is nothing remarkable about her, there is really nothing normal about baby Coffee, now a fully-grown adult who loves fiercely her family and her music. When Coffee makes melody, she goes beyond simply making 'melody.' This is why we think that, in naming her enter prise, it can be anyhing but normal. CoffeeMelodie, therefore, fits very well with her unusual character. We make it La CoffeeMelodie Suite because there is more than just a soprano in this Coffee.

From Coffee (bean) to a voice major?

At the tim e Coffee was growing up, the Thai phrase 'sing to eat, dance to eat' extended its meaning to professional musicians. Child-stars were frowned upon and would not be recognized until much later, and no good parent would support his child's musical talent. In fact, they would try to suppress and shield it. Just like anywhere else in the world, even up until now, the music profession was not regarded either as a real career, nor a proper career for scholars and those from 'good' fa milies. Baby Gafaae was not an exception. Her parents tried hard to guide her away because there were already two successful (yet still not noble) musicians in her father's side of the family.

Throughout her life, Gafaae has had to fight for her beliefs. It was drilled into her head that she was to go to 'real' school, to graduate with hgh rank, and to carry on the family's import/export marketing business and to continue building the business empire. She was allowed to sing only at special occasions and only with the pieces that were chosen for her. Sadly a nd confusedly, she obeyed. One day, however, in a land far away from home, a young adult Coffee ready to go off to college was asked, '...with so much passion in music and that singing voice you have, why don't you apply to a music school so you can have formal study? Why not follow your dream and make it come true?'

Up to the present day, Gaf aae recalls only two wake-up calls, and the first was that very question. She secretly applied to a music school in the northeast and, with help from family friends, went for an audition. Only after she received her acceptance from the college did she break the news to her parents. Instead of congratulations, though, her mother showed up at her doorstep. After a long lecture, her mother decided to let Co ffee attend the music school to learn 'how to' sing (chuckled), so that her daughter would have her 'fun' instead of getting a 'real' education, but only after asking from Gafaae that she would promise to return home to Thailand immediately after her graduation where, with guidance, she could take the business and expand its empire into the next century. If her mother had paid attention, though, she would have realized that Gafaae never ga ve her that promise. She had put her hands together and 'wai' her mother with her head bowed to her chest - a manner that expresses respect to the elderly- but the promise was never made. Later on, Gafaae realized how passionate she felt about singing and kept buying time to keep her away from the family obligations, to more studying (how much more studying can there be for singing?) to getting married to the man that she loved - a law degree graduate who came to the music school for an artist diploma in opera - whom she met on stage - while she was still an under graduate student - at the opening of the second act of Puccini's opera La Boheme.

To be continued....

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Read the full story

American Idol and Artistry

2009-05-21T09:16:00.001-04:00

That's quite a title, isn't it? I'll nip your protests in the bud and tell you that I now find the two virtually incompatible. The fact that Adam Lambert made it all the way to the finals of season 8 of American Idol might make one feel good about our society's perception of artistry; but I submit it is, rather, a clear indication that most of the public remains truly ignorant of what art really is.

Now, don't get me wrong: I think the winner Kris Allen is a perfectly capable performer with a nice voice and seems like a genuinely nice fellow (as does Adam), and I think he'll find a modicum of success as a musician. But if you watched American Idol this season, you could see from the outset all the way to the end that Adam was in a different class from the rest of the contestants.

As a professional musician I marveled at the thoroughness of Adam's preparation week after week, and how he yet made everyone feel that he was just effortlessly gliding through a song as if he were a “natural.” Now, of course he is a supremely talented individual, but I suspect most who watched couldn't grasp the work that he had put in behind the scenes in order to create that image. To me, it was perfectly apparent that Adam is the first AI contestant who is a real performing artist (and I do not use that term loosely), one who makes conscious decisions about every aspect of each performance.

Why am I disappointed? Well, the fact that more Americans preferred Kris's performances to Adam's is a clear indication they prefer the generic, simple things to the well-thought out, crafted ones. Perhaps I'm being an elitist, although I think there are connotations associated with that word that overshadow its true meaning, namely one who likes the best. I do think that many didn't like Adam because they thought he was “too much,” or “over the top,” but I have to ask these folks, then, what it is they want from their performers.

Yes, Adam made it to the finals. He impressed enough people with his prodigious ability to enable himself to finish second. It's disappointing, though, that America prefers (even good-tasting) white bread to an hearty, artisan multi-grain. Perhaps that's the lesson, after all: if you're going to offer fare to the public, give them what they want. Don't put pearls before swine.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the author: Ralph Schatzki has been a lawyer and a teacher but always remains an opera singer, husband and father. He tries to sing whenever he can and to promote great music and singing throughout our world.

http://www.ralphschatzki.com
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com

Music Seen not Heard

2009-05-19T23:28:00.004-04:00

[Disclaimer: There are many generalizations in the following piece. Many exceptions exist, and always will. This article is intended as a general indictment, but not as a blanket one.]

As time goes by, we have- for better and for worse- become more and more a visually-oriented society. Fifty, sixty, seventy years ago, radio was the prime form of entertainment in the home, only to be usurped by television and its additional visual component in stunningly rapid fashion.

I don't blame television exclusively. In fact, it very well may be that it, too, is a symptom rather than a cause. Also, there's no doubt that the way things look has always been a very important part of our lives. I simply believe that the balance has shifted to such a degree that the visual now trumps all else, regardless, and that this has led to the loss of much that is valuable.

This has affected all aspects of culture, especially the arts and- of course- music. Where musicians before focused first on the music itself (well, duh!), they later shifted to looking at the overall “package,” and now place image above all else- even musical skill and artistry. I call this (not entirely accurately) the MTV effect: as it has become more and more apparent to them that flashy special effects were more effective than anything at improving the bottom line, artists have done and producers have required more and more, until this has become the central thrust of most musical endeavors.

At first this was great, because musicians at the time still had musical sensibilities, and the videos served to enhance the art by enabling artists to put yet another distinctive mark on their works. However, as time went on, what had been the magic ingredient to improve the dish became the dish itself. Gone was the main ingredient, replaced by a pound of seasoning.

What's interesting, though, is that there are still many situations in which our visual apparatus is not at all required. In an elevator, for instance, or at a shopping mall, we hear music without any accompanying video. In fact, this is true “music” as the word is understood.

On the flip side, there are not too many times we watch musicians perform with the sound muted. Oh, sure, there are times when we walk by a storefront and see a monitor with the newest star gyrating on the screen. It may be that several people are watching. It may even be that he or she is most well-known for those gyrations rather than for the actual music. I submit, then, that this person is a dancer who sings rather than a singer who dances. Music without sound is nothing.

Many will take issue with me and say that this distinction is arbitrary- that an artist is an artist. I don't dispute that. On a certain level, artistry- whether it be defined narrowly or broadly- is artistry, and I would be the last person to begrudge someone his success, even if he were a poor musician.

You see, I love beauty in art, and if someone's efforts are appreciated widely then he has brought something beautiful to people's lives. In no way would I diminish something so wonderful.

However, I am also for honesty and for the recognition that any choice requires a sacrifice. Most of today's musicians are simply not as good at music as yesterday's. Why?- because the music is not as important a component of their overall performances and because they have less time to devote to it, their attention being focused on other aspects of their work.

I notice this when I am in the elevators, shopping malls and grocery stores. I can hear the difference. I suppose many don't mind, as they imagine the music videos playing in their heads, but what if you've never seen it?

Speaking strictly musically, I think the older music is better. As I write that, I can't help seeing that it echoes the sentiments of all other generations as they compare their experiences to those of younger, more current ones. Maybe I just don't understand the “new way.”

Perhaps. But I've also been around long enough to see (and hear) the difference. For all their advantages, people of a younger generation don't have that.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the author: Ralph Schatzki has been a lawyer and a teacher but always remains an opera singer, husband and father. He tries to sing whenever he can and to promote great music and singing throughout our world.

http://www.ralphschatzki.com
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com

Substance over Style

2009-05-15T12:21:00.002-04:00

Well, today I'm trying to get some music back in my head. As I become more mature (a euphemism for saying I'm getting older), I find this to be a slightly more difficult task than it was for my younger self. My memory's not as rock solid as it once was- some would say I'm delusional, and that my memory was never too solid to start with...but then, that just proves my point, doesn't it?- and all the nuance that composers put in seemingly just to trip you up is hard to retain. (I know: variety is the spice of life, but why does Mozart have to be so darn hot?)

In some ways, though, things are easier, now. I'm far more musical, having years more experience under my belt, and I've inevitably picked up a few tricks that serve me well from time to time.

All this has made me think: Why are more experienced artists cast aside for younger ones? Experience in performance can not be overvalued, yet every day we hear of green performers- and I don't mean envious- replacing established stars. This is a great loss for everyone, not least the public, whose expectations are slowly lowering as a performer with years of artistry is cast aside to the curb in favor of a fresh, young face who barely knows his right from his left.

In recognizing how I've changed through the years as an artist, I can see where I've improved and where I've declined. I cherish the areas in which I've grown, I bemoan the things that I've lost, and I accept that this is process is inevitable.

Younger artists, though, are ignorant of this: they only know the now, since they have as yet no significant past experience to think back upon. As such, they are typically brash and confident, if not subtle and experienced. This certainty appeals to many. Unfortunately, this world of ours seems to be much more drawn to confidence, now, than to actual ability: we're becoming more and more an image-based, rather than substance-based, culture.

Now, image is not a bad thing- it's simply not the only thing. We need to be sure to impress people with substance, and then perhaps they won't think any less of us simply because we've lost our brashness and replaced it with artistry.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the author: Ralph Schatzki has been a lawyer and a teacher but always remains an opera singer, husband and father. He tries to sing whenever he can and to promote great music and singing throughout our world.

http://www.ralphschatzki.com
http://www.la-coffee-melodie-suite.com

Where do we go from here?

2009-05-12T06:24:00.002-04:00

So, the economy is in a recession, and arts funding is being cut or even eliminated. Opera companies and symphonies are filing for bankruptcy, and the public loses more and more of its cultural treasures every day.

Hardest hit, in a way, are the performers themselves. Audiences move on and organizations disappear or restructure, but artists and musicians still have to survive, both financially and spiritually. With so many outlets becoming unavailable, though, what are they to do?

If live musical performances were more valued, of course, the problem would be less acute. The movie industry is hardly in financial straits, simply because the cinema is so well-entrenched in society. Television appears to be here for the long haul, as well.

Unfortunately, live performance doesn't have the cultural foothold that cinema or television do. Part of this is due to other economic realities. (Movies and television programs are mass-marketed, and all one needs is a way to play them in order to enjoy. Live performances are- well- of course, live, and require the actual performers to be present!)

Yet, there are still- and always have been- local performing arts groups that satisfy a community's hunger for the excitement that only live performance can bring; although even these, too, are now feeling the pinch of tightening purse strings. But while the larger of these entities- symphonies and opera companies- may or may not be able to survive, it is the perfect opportunity for smaller organizations and individuals to fill the void.

New times call for new methods, however, so no one should expect “business as usual.” Novel approaches and cost-cutting will be the norm, and those who are content to sit back and play the game the old way will not be at all successful; especially considering that those ways are what got us to where we are today.

Still, I am guardedly optimistic that a new generation of art lovers will be born from this economic crisis, for the necessity that will motivate diligent artists will prompt them to reach out to any group they can, to demonstrate in ever-more intimate, and therefore effective, fashion the unique power that live performance can bring. It is now up to the artists to carry out this important mission.

By Ralph Schatzki
For La CoffeeMelodie Suite

Acknowledge the ART within your heart.
Make the MUSIC from your soul.

Sing&Play&Meet&Eat

2009-03-14T12:50:00.003-04:00

When: Saturday, April 4th,2009
Where: A private Residence in Easton, PA - will be reveled with a RSVP 'yes'
To RSVP please go to http://www.meetup.com/Classical-Opera-Musicians-of-the-Lehigh-Valley-COMLV/

What: "Sing&Play&Meet&Eat = Make great music, make good friends and have great food (I was told many times that I'm a good cook!!!)

Since last month's meeting was an introduction, this up-coming meeting should include 'action'!!!! I would like to invite all members to get together for Sing&Play&Meet&Eat This is an informal setting. The idea is for all of us to share our talents by performing to and for each other - singing, playing instruments, etc - in a positive and friendly environment. Members who are 'Friends in ' Classical/Opera Musicians & Friends of the Lehigh Valley, please, do come and enjoy the arts with us! Let's plan to meet around 4 pm. The actual Sing&Play will start at 4:30 until 5:45. If you are/have friends who are pianists and like to accompany voice, please come/invite them along, otherwise, we'll just take turn accompanying each other! We'll have time after the Sing&Play to Meet&Eat - I will provide food and beverages (non-alcoholic) - both for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. There is a small charge of $6.50 for good food. Please RSVP soon!

Please prepare up to 3 pieces that you would like to sing and/or play for us!

I would love to see all of you and can't wait to share our talents and experiences."

Please go to COM-LV official site for details http://www.meetup.com/Classical-Opera-Musicians-of-the-Lehigh-Valley-COMLV/

Singers Unite! - by Ralph Schatzki

2009-02-23T18:38:00.011-05:00

http://www.meetup.com/Classical-Opera-Musicians-of-the-Lehigh-Valley-COMLV/

I've posted before about how singers have to take the initiative in creating performance opportunities for themselves and their audiences. Not only is it good business practice, but it is such a unique privilege to be able to bring great music into peoples' lives. There's nothing quite like a live performance to enrich the soul.

Still, musicians often feel that they are “against the world” in their endeavor to perform. Let's face it: it's not as if the want-ads are full of job listings for freelance performers, and audiences aren't usually beating down our doors clamoring for us to perform.

There's a bred-in-the-bone distrust of fellow musicians, as well: in the past, the few jobs that were available were fiercely fought over, and musicians would often try to keep whatever information they had secreted away from others in an effort to remove their competition and hold onto their precious domains.

Now, the competition-cooperation dichotomy is one that truly fascinates me, and I could devote many, many chapters of a book to its discussion. Don't worry: I'm not going to subject you to that, here. What I will say, however, is that we should make a clear distinction between jobs that are advertised versus ones we create.

When the Metropolitan Opera throws out a casting call, you'd be a fool to inform your five closest rivals. After all, you want to be the best singer that gets heard. This is the traditional way of thinking about getting hired.

In creating jobs, however, we are not in competition with each other at all. In fact, there is tremendous strength in numbers that only our cooperative efforts can bring about. If singers can get together and brainstorm various ideas about how to generate performance opportunities, it's the better for all of us. We can introduce each other to our acquaintances thereby generating a large audience base, and we can be there to troubleshoot each others' ideas.

Remember that your product is unique, so there's no need to worry that someone will preempt your product. If I buy a Mercedes today, that means I won't buy a BMW tomorrow. But if I go to a soprano's recital on Thursday it doesn't mean that I'm done with recitals until I get a new one, and that the baritone's performance on Sunday is off-limits.

It's a rough world out there, and we need friends to help weather the storm. Don't be one of those artists who sits on the sidelines and complains about the unfairness of it all, and how you don't get a chance to perform. Take charge, and along with your colleagues band together to strengthen the community of artists wherever you find yourself. It's not only in your best interests, but your duty to the Art.

http://www.pradichaya.com/coffeemelodieandcommunity.aspx

Singers in 2009 by Ralph Schatzki

2009-02-23T16:36:00.004-05:00

It's 2009, and we have our first African-American president. We're in a recession, if not a depression, and an unprecedented stimulus bill has been approved by Congress. And opera companies- an important portion of this country's artistic community- are failing.

We are all of us in the position of having to make difficult decisions, and there's no doubt that having food on the table (never mind having a table) takes precedence over an evening of music. Still, I don't believe that the arts should be relegated to (or beyond) the fringe of human activity. As a singer and performer I'm rather biased in my views, of course, but I will nevertheless defend the arts over many other activities as being worthy of our time and effort. Entertainment is a facet of our lives that we crave: it diverts, it enriches, it makes us feel complete. And music is something almost everyone enjoys on a daily basis.

But that discussion is for another time.

For now, I want to rally fellow musicians to the cause. The old saying goes, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” Well, I believe that the tough times we are entering- and things are not getting better anytime soon- actually gives rise to the opportunity to make the arts both stronger and a more integral a part of American life.

What we need is action. We can no longer wait for any opportunities to come our way, but rather we must make them. Yes, it's true that people will now spend less on entertainment than what they may have used to, but that doesn't mean they won't seek it out or they need it any less. And I believe this opens a door of opportunity.

It's time to approach audiences at a grass-roots level, to introduce them to artists that may, one day, be world-famous. Then, they can say, “I knew him when he was just starting out.” Do you know any movie or sports stars? If so, isn't it great? You can say, “I know so-and-so,” and everyone looks at you through admiring eyes. If not, don't you wish you did? (Come on, admit it...)

But even if 99% of performers will never achieve stardom, it doesn't matter. A live performance, whether it's a play, opera or basketball game, is infinitely more satisfying than a recorded or televised one. We've become such a media-driven and media-obsessed culture, that the “true” experience has become something of a rarity. Still, even the most jaded audience (and by that I mean a group of high school teenagers, but the premise applies to all) never fails to be impressed by a live event- especially if it's relatively intimate- where it becomes something tangible, real, to be touched and savored. It becomes something that touches them somewhere deep inside, and connects them to an aspect of themselves that before they didn't know existed.

We need to bring music to the living rooms, the way it used to be one, two, three hundred years ago. We can increase the number of people who love great music, which in the future will pay untold dividends for generations through more music lovers and more support. For most of us, a major performance at an international venue is even more of an unattainable dream than ever before; but that doesn't mean we can't create and bring great music to audiences that will enjoy it equally as much.

This means each of us must become an advocate for this art form in which we passionately believe. We have to take the initiative, to advertise and promote, to “talk it up.” We have an advantage, too: we can bring music into people's homes where a lot of entertainers are actually constrained by their grandness- movie stars can't bring a film production to a house, and Kobe Bryant wannabes don't shoot hoops with neighbor kids for a few bucks. It just isn't done that way, but we musicians can touch people on an individual level in a live performance. That's what it's all about.

And that's what we need to do.

Please visit http://www.pradichaya.com/coffeemelodieandcommunity.aspx for details.

The Value of Musicians

2009-02-04T13:54:00.004-05:00

by Ralph Schatzki

Music is one of the most important parts of our lives. Who has never sung, whether in the car or in the shower? Who has never tapped his fingers or feet along to the a rhythm of a song he heard on the radio? Tunes are stuck in our heads for hours sometimes despite our best efforts, and we hear music everywhere: from elevators to commercials to people humming on the street.

To call oneself specifically a musician, then, is to acknowledge not only that music plays an even more central part in one's life than the already extensive role it plays in everyone's, but that in doing so there is a pursuit of excellence that can be achieved only through both talent and diligence.

This cannot be overstated. Because nearly everyone- at one time or another, and sometimes even more often- engages in musical activities, it is often extraordinarily difficult for a professional musician to be taken seriously. After all, music is something we all do, so how can one person's musical activities be viewed so qualitatively differently?

There is also the fact that music, viewed as our birthright, is not something so arcane as to be valued in the same way as, say, a doctor's medical knowledge or an electrician's ability to repair faulty wiring. How can someone be paid to do something that we all understand- at least to some degree?

Most of society's professionals are able to command the fees they do, not simply because of the services they provide, but because they have put in those countless hours of work beforehand that enable them now to provide us with the best service money can buy. Yet, professional musicians put in no less time- in practicing, in rehearsing, in developing technique, in learning music- and still the perception so often is that their fees, if they are even lucky enough to be paid at all, are only for the performance itself: as if all that preparation is conveniently forgotten and the audience is simply amazed at the performer's “natural talent.” Now, there are extremely gifted musicians whose talents extend toward and beyond the prodigious; just as, I'm sure, there are medical prodigies and engineering prodigies. Most, though, just have an aptitude which is buoyed by years of training and hard work..

So, the next time we hear a great musical performance we should think about all the hours the musicians must have put in to make it happen: assign to it an hourly rate and see what kind of a deal we're getting. Above all, we must resist the urge of assuming that a professional musician is just like everyone else and that he needn't be paid. It's a lot of work to put on a good performance, just as it's a lot of work to be a good doctor.

Now, there's no question that in a strictly utilitarian sense music isn't as valuable as medical or electrical knowledge, but- remember those rhetorical questions at the beginning?- most would agree that it is indeed centrally important to our lives. Just because its value is not of the same kind, though, is no reason for it to be any less respected. I can put on a band-aid as well as the next person, but I still pay my doctor. We all can hum in the shower, but we should pay our musicians, too.

CDs are available for purchase now

2008-12-16T17:06:00.006-05:00

The Music Store: http://www.pradichaya.com/themusicstore.aspx
Atists: Pradichaya Gafaae Poonyarit & Ralph Schatzki

Les melodies d'operas

Contents: O mio babbino caro
Abendlich strahlt der Sonne Auge
Io son l'umile ancella
Vision fugitive
Depuis le jour
O Carlo ascolta
Col sorriso d'innocenza
I've got a ram Goliath
La ci darem la mano

Don Quichotte & Classic Show Tune Favorites

Contents:
Wunderbar
Some enchanted evening
The impossible dream
Show me
I could have danced all night
Chanson romanesque
Chanson epique
Chanson a boire

For pricing details, please log on to
The Music Store: http://www.pradichaya.com/themusicstore.aspx

Special saving on shipping when purchase two CDs and more!
Please write boutiqueinquiry@pradichaya.com so I can calculate the shipping discount for you!

Looking forward to seeing you all.
Thank you very much,
Pradichaya Gafaae.

Opera as Sushi...Yummy!!!!!

2008-11-16T14:53:00.016-05:00

by Ralph Schatzki -www.ralphschatzki.com

Opera. Just the word itself conjures up images of overweight people in horned helmets, singing at the top of their lungs in a language no one understands. To top it off, people dress up in their finest clothing to attend, pay exorbitant prices for non-refundable tickets and look down their noses at everyone else!

Who in their right mind would want to go to an opera when there are so many alternatives? TV, movies and video games are all cheaper, easier to get to, and usually in English. Not to mention, if your friends ever found out you went to the “opera”- you have to say it with your best imitation of a hoity-toity accent- they'd never let you live it down. It's much easier to find camaraderie in front of an NFL game, drinking beer and yelling at the screen, or going shopping with your friends and talking about the latest gossip.

Remember when you were a child and your mom put some strange looking plate of food in front of you and said, “Just try it- you might like it.” Sometimes you did and sometimes you didn't, but at least you tried. Occasionally, too, something that you disliked initially became something to cherish: it “grew” on you. For example, some people don't like sushi at all while others find it irresistible. Still others have developed a taste for it over time.

Not your typical sushi, but they look yummy!

Uhhh...I think we found nemo - just kidding!! I love how food can go beyond taste, it's a visual art form. Opera is audio art, visual art, and art for the soul.

This is not sushi, but I can't help putting an opera theme to it: In the front row stand Calaf and Turandot, and we have Ping, Pang, Pong - members of the royal court, as well as the townsfolk in the back row.

In this way, opera is a lot like food. Sure, opera's not for everyone, and a lot of people know at least enough about it to realize they want nothing to do with it, but just because your best friend doesn't like something doesn't mean you won't, either. Like any matter of taste, we each have to make up our own mind about it, and we can only do that by trying.

I've known a lot of people who swore they would never eat raw fish and are now true sushi lovers. It is the same with opera, as well. Many, who had earlier expressed their disdain for it, saw an opera and fell in love at first sight. Others developed their appreciation over time. You might be one of the former- “try it, you'll like it”- or one of the latter, who takes great pride in having accomplished something worthwhile (remember: we take the most pride in those things we work hard for).

Opera is not simple: it is the common effort of so many accomplished artists toward a single goal. This is why it is so difficult, and also why it is so rewarding. You may not like it at all, and that's your prerogative, but you owe it to yourself to try it, at least once.

But who knows? You may be one of those who really likes the flavor. You'll never know until you make the effort.

So, have a bite. It's what your mom would say.

Today's blog - A Singer's Plea, by Ralph Schatzki

2008-11-07T12:42:00.011-05:00

I'm giving the keyboard over to Ralph - my dearest baritone. This is something that you may find interesting ..or not :)

A Singer's Plea

It's tough to be a singer. I'm not looking for sympathy, necessarily, but a little understanding- just a little- would be nice.

We have a passion- a compulsion- that cannot be denied. Everyone sings, and in a way that's part of the problem, but we have to sing.

Other musicians are compensated for their time and labor. It is apparent to everyone that a performance entails a lot of work: learning and practicing music means hours and hours in a practice room beforehand. Can you imagine asking a pianist to perform for free? Or a trumpeter?

Now, I have nothing against pianists and trumpeters- they deserve to make a living from their hard work; yet, when singers ask to be compensated they are looked at askance, as if they have incredible temerity. “How dare you want to be compensated to sing?” is the common reaction to a singer's request to be paid.

Why is this?

I think a couple of factors come into play, here: First, as I said, everyone sings. Some only hum in the car on the way to work, others are shower singers, some are amateur performers and (the masochistic) are professionals. Therefore, a lot of people believe that it is not a skill deserving remuneration.

Can you play the oboe? Can you diagnose your strange rash? Can you dunk over Yao Ming? No? Well, that's why those who can get paid to do so.

Never mind that there's a world of difference between Luciano Pavarotti and the tone deaf homeless guy on the subway.

Now, of course it's not that simple. Luciano Pavarotti was paid very well to sing. And, of course, most of us have played basketball, but since we're not great it becomes a purely avocational exercise. The second factor, though, taken in conjunction with the first, I believe, explains the problem:

Singers- unlike other musicians- deal with uniqueness all the time. Each of us has a unique instrument, and is therefore evaluated exclusively via subjective criteria. We can pretty much tell whether a basketball player is good, and we can even tell- to a significant degree, at least- which pianist is good. A basketball player either makes a shot or he doesn't. A pianist hits the right note or he doesn't (I know- there's more to it than just that).

Now, Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain were both great. I don't know who was greater, but any such debate has some semblance of objectivity since each put a standard-sized ball through a standard-sized hoop.

Vladimir Horowitz and Arthur Rubinstein were tremendous pianists. I don't know who was better, but they both played the same instrument so such a discussion makes some sense.

This rationale doesn't hold for singers. Some people think Maria Callas was the greatest singer who ever lived, and others can't stand to even listen to her. Can we really compare her, in any objective manner, to Zinka Milanov? They were both singers, yes, but they played different instruments. Maria played Callas, and Zinka played Milanov.

Singers work harder, in fact, than other musicians, since we not only have to deal with the added component of language but are also subject to the vagaries of individuality. We have to build our instruments as well, in addition to performing on them, and they are constantly changing on top of that.

And yes, we are “musicians.” I can't tell you how many times I have heard the phrase “singers and musicians,” as if we are exclusive of them. The worst example of this was at a concert where the organizers, solely as a means to prevent paying the singers, wrote in the program that they were “paying the musicians, but the singers were donating their voices!”

If we hone our craft and instrument for years, and practice for hours to prepare for a performance, are we less-deserving than Michael Jordan, Maria Callas or Vladimir Horowitz? This is the hard work that turns an avocational performance into a professional one.

Of course, I can practice for years and never get paid to play basketball, just as many singers can practice for years and not get paid, but there was never any question that Michael Jordan would get paid for his skills. I just don't want any and all discussions with singers to begin automatically with the assumption that their efforts aren't worthy of compensation.

About Ralph Schatzki: http://www.ralphschatzki.com

CoffeeMelodie Boutique: Video Presentation

2008-11-01T16:16:00.007-04:00

I talked about the boutique the other day - and how you can help CoffeeMelodie keep the music alive in your hearts - please see October 29's blog - http://www.coffeemelodie.blogspot.com/2008/10/coffeemelodies-boutique.html

Today I made a video advertisement and put it on

Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YlsWM8-i4E
(for my channel, please log on http://www.youtube.com/pradichaya)

Myspace - http://www.vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individualVideoID=45647935

and Google - http://www.video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7369048876058852478

Just in case you'd rather not click on a link and bother with another browser (I don't blame you, I'm the same way!) I also attached the video right here on this blog for convenient viewing. I hope you all will like what you see enough to go do some browsing on my website - http://www.pradichaya.com/coffeemelodiesboutique.aspx These items make such beautiful gifts for someone special and especially, they make wonderful gifts for yourselves.

Also, a reminder, if you like the singing at the end of this video, please follow this link to my MP3 store and purchase the music that I list there! (The blog that talks about it is http://coffeemelodie.blogspot.com/2008/10/coffeemelodie-mp3-music-store.html)

A million thanks to all of you!

CoffeeMelodie's Boutique: http://www.pradichaya.com/coffeemelodiesboutique.aspx

2008-10-29T14:40:00.024-04:00

Two days ago I promoted our brand new MP3 Store. Today I'd like to give a reminder about our CoffeeMelodie Boutique - located at http://www.pradichaya.com/coffeemelodiesboutique.aspx

As I said before, I'm all about the singing. waking up in the morning, every breath I take , going about my daily activity - there's not a moment that I'm not all about singing. I sing and I share everything I know about singing to everyone who wants to receive. CoffeeMelodie is my central head quarters - http://www.pradichaya.com/coffeemelodie.aspx In order to keep my teaching through the outreach program going and growing, in order to present artists and bring the music to the community, I started a cute little boutique at CoffeeMelodie's corner to generate the funding.

These are some samples from CoffeeMelodie's Boutique.

Blue-color Enamel and Smoky Ripping Enamel Pattern on Silver, with a pair of Bright Blue Jade - set with Brown Diamonds Bangle Bracelet was purchased in the spring of 2005, as one of a five-bangle bracelet set (of different colors). This piece of jewelry was made by 'Jaa Jewelry' of Thailand (also my Rajini School classmate), whose reputation in jewelry design and making is highly-regarded among the Thai socialites and the members of the royal family. Her clientele also includes high-ranking dignitaries, royalty and world leaders.

The uniqueness of this piece was topped off with its finishing touch - the smoky-color enamel that starts on the outer side on the back of the bangle. the smoky enamel runs right onto the blue enamel and creates an intriguing ripping pattern on it.

Silver Bangle Bracelet - weighs 74 grams

Two oval shape Bright blue Jades - total weight - 16.70 carats

Twenty-two Brown Diamonds - total weight - 0.51 carats

Will fit wrist size up to 7"

Red-color Enamel and Smoky Ripping Enamel Pattern on Silver, with a pair of Velvety Red Jade - set with Brown Diamonds Bangle Bracelet

The uniqueness of this piece was topped off with its finishing touch - the smoky-color enamel that starts on the outer side on the back of the bangle. the smoky enamel runs right onto the velvety red enamel and creates an intriguing ripping pattern on it.

Silver Bangle Bracelet - weighs 74 grams

Two oval shape Velvety Red Jades - total weight - 16.70 carats

Twenty-two Brown Diamonds - total weight - 0.51 carats

Will fit wrist size up to 7"

Orange-color Enamel on White Gold plated on Silver, with a pair of White Jade set with Brown Diamonds Bangle Bracelet

Silver Bangle Bracelet with White Gold plated - weighs 74 grams

Two oval shape White Jades - total weight - 19.01 carats

Thirty-six Brown Diamonds - total weight - 0.52 carats

Will fit wrist size up to 7"

Smoky Quartz with Brown Diamonds set on White Gold plated on the Twisted Style Silver Bangle Bracelet

Gold plated Silver Bangle Bracelet - weighs 78 grams

Two Smoky Brown-color Quartz- total weight - 12.14 carats

Twenty-two Brown Diamonds - total weight - 0.49 carats

Will fit wrist size up to 7"

Smoky Quartz with Brown Diamonds set on Gold plated on the Twisted Style Silver Bangle Bracelet

Gold plated Silver Bangle Bracelet - weighs 72 grams

Two Smoky Brown-color Quartz- total weight - 11.00 carats

Twenty-two Brown Diamonds - total weight - 0.50 carats

Will fit wrist size up to 7"

Please visit CoffeeMelodie's Boutique for pricing and other details.
http://www.pradichaya.com/coffeemelodiesboutique.aspx

ART fills up and completes the HEART.

CoffeeMelodie MP3 Music Store

2008-10-27T16:43:00.006-04:00

So far, everything that Ralph and I do under CoffeeMelodie always goes back to the purpose of making the music become alive (or more alive) here in the Lehigh Valley, PA. I do a lot of crazy things such as selling items from my personal collection, selling smaller items hand-crafted from Thailand, offering sassy, classy performances right at the clients' homes (a program called Melodie-on-the-Go), all the way to downright asking for monetary support. I was born with the music in my heart and music is what I do best. Here I am in this nice town (great for bringing up my foursome) I might as well do what I can in the area that I know best. I would like to be able to pass the musical knowledge to the younger generation. I would like to create and generate the love and the passion in music and plant it into people's hearts. I hear people often say "We're trying to make a living here, we don't have time for this (music, classical, opera - to be exact)" It's up to me to help reminding the people that Music is the cure to all troubles, and singing is the best medicine to the soul. Why, don't we all sing in the shower everyday? Operatic, classical, musical broadway, spiritual and other kinds of music all the way to ((gasp)) pop music - these are music. Think of classical music as green eggs (and ham, Sam I am). Try it and it's your choice, but please don't deny anything you haven't tried. I was raised in a culture far away from classical music. My great uncle was a musician and with the passion in jazz, big band and Thai classical pop (yes, there is such thing) My late uncle was a famous singer and composer who never learned how to read music, yet, he captured everyone's heart by bringing out his passion through his arts of singing. I grew up singing pop music and was not introduced to the 'other' kinds of music until I came to the US many, many years ago. CoffeeMelodie's main purpose is to reach into people's hearts and bring out the gentleness, the kindness, the love, etc. though music.

Today, I proudly would like to present another mean to bring CoffeeMelodie towards its goal. An online MP3 music store is opened for direct purchase of our music both as singles and albums for as little as $0.99.

Please visit our store by clicking on the player, or please copy and paste http://www.soundclick.com/Store/byArtist.cfm?bandID=886780 to go directly to the store,

or http://www.soundclick.com/PradichayaGafaaePoonyaritandRalphSchatzki to go to the main page. Please click on a song title displayed on the player below to hear song sample.

Please help Ralph and me keep the music alive by helping us spread the word.
Thank you very much.

So long, farewell--(NOT)The Von Trapp Family

2008-10-24T23:13:00.001-04:00

This is too good not to share!!!!!

Happy Birthday, my sweet Justin

2008-10-07T08:44:00.011-04:00

It's Justin's birthday today, he's eleven. Justin is number 3 out of 4 in our family - he's our youngest son. When he was born, he weighed nearly 10 pounds, if my doctor didn't induce me (two weeks before full term) he would have been bigger than everyone in our family. Justin had a full head of black hair just like his brothers, the eyes were big and more almond. - shaped. Of the three boys, he got the best looking chin , my 'Thai' nose, and fair skin. His first cry was so quiet, almost like a cat's purr and I didn't believe that it was actually a cry, since both Brendan's and Nicholas' baby cries were very loud. and could wake up the whole neighborhood. As a baby, Justin was calm and quiet and he started to talk much later than Brendan and Nicholas. We were living in Thailand at the time and all our kids were brought up in bi-lingual environment. Justin would have the hardest time expressing himself and I could tell that he tried to make the best of his limited vocabulary. He's also known as strong-willed determined kid who always fights for what he believes is right (still does) If rules are set, and they make sense to him, he'd strictly go by them. But, if he feels that they are not reasonable, you would never get him to follow them! I have to laugh every time when Justin stands up to his belief - he's not any different than me! I had such a hard time growing up because I was brought up in a strict household, that, plus having gone to a Thai school for all 'refined' young ladies, which put even more restrictions to my need to be independent. I was always the one who stubbornly broke the rules, if I believed that the rules were 'wrong' and 'unreasonable' I got myself in troubles many times. Now, seeing how Justin and I are so much alike, I have to use what I know to make it pain-free for him, to function well within a society. He's also fiercely loyal to his brother Nicholas, who believes in a non-confrontational peaceful way of life. There were many incidents of an almost 2-year-old Justin going out of his way to 'protect' his 4-year-old brother in pre - kindergarten. His limit in vocabularies didn't stop him. In his attempt to scare away the big bullies (K-1) he would string together all the words he knew and screamed them out repeatedly."PeSin drives the van, PeSin drives the van, PeSin drives the van" as he put his tiny little body between Nicholas and the bullies. The so-called K-1 bullies covered their ears and quickly ran away. Justin was also notorious in his pre-k, k, and grade schools of putting in requests to be seated with different groups of students in his classes because other children - ".......don't pay attention to the teacher, that was very wrong, and it bothers me" Last year in fourth grade, it took a homeroom teacher, a counselor and his school principal some 2 plus hours of sitting and talking, even begging him to please finish the PSSA test. They got him to finish it and the result turns out that he was above average. He explained to everyone that he didn't want to do it because he didn't feel that it was necessary since he just did the school foresight test and that should have been enough. We did not talk or discuss about the PSSA therefore we did not influence him in this matter. I believe that he finally agreed to finish the test only because he didn't want to get his teachers and his school in trouble. I still have fears that Justin could seriously get himself in troubles because of his fairness and his righteousness. But then again, he's very smart. Hopefully he will have easier time blending his own rules from black and white to something more compromising. He's also very sweet, very kind, and, as I said before, is fiercely loyal to the ones he loves. When our little Kaitlyn came along, Justin would stay up with me to help me with his little sister. He's very proud to finally become a bigger brother and this never changes. His sweetness and earnestness touch people around him. Last school year, the school counselor and his 4th grade teacher were involved with helping him see the world from other people's perspectives - or, plainly, to help him understand that things will not always be the way Justin sees and wants them to be. Justin understands, but probably still doesn't agree. At the end of the school year, they were sad to see him leave, and they had tears in their eyes when they said goodbyes.

I asked Justin what his wish was for his birthday. Instead of running down a gift list, he simply told me that he wanted ice cream cake with 'kao niew' - a delicious sweet sticky rice cooked in coconut milk and coconut sugar. He'll get this wish today, plus a few other things.

And I ramble on and on...and on

2008-10-06T15:08:00.011-04:00

I dropped off from blogging a whole month - many things to do, a lot to think about, that, plus the day-to-day things makes it hard to write without the thought that I could have been doing something else! Okay, so I admit, I'm not so good at keeping journals. If I would just put my thoughts into words, we'd get a lot of ramblings of broken sentences. The way the mind works is very fascinating. Well, I think mine is anyway - since I underestimate the ability of my own mind most of the time! I can start on one subject and things will get rolling and the ending will be quite different. I do a lot of teaching even when I called myself a 'sales person' when I worked at Chuayjuljit. I had to give the sales people reasons to get motivated, and my talk had to convince them. Well, sometimes it worked with certain people, and sometimes it worked with other people. Sometimes it took kind and encouraging words with a lot of praises, and sometimes I had to be pushy and nudging them a little or a lot, that also depends on who and when and where I worked with at the time. I just kept plugging away - my objective was to sell my products to the sales people, and to sell the idea of 'how-to-sell' along with the tools (yet, another how-to) so my people can sell my products for me. Everyone who's doing anything (or not) has to have some sales personality within her/him in order to survive. Now that I'm no longer in the sales business - I still see myself as a sales person, selling my product in which I truly believe. The product is my voice, my art, the love and the knowledge of the music - all the learning that accumulated over the years, and still going. I'm out here selling my product as a performer, and the tools in refining and putting the product together and make it your very own package - as a teacher. Singing is much more than talent. Yes, talent plays a big part, but one has to put other elements into the singing to make oneself a singer. Ever since I was young, I loved to sing, and it made me so happy just to sing. In fact, when I was a young adult and started to sing the 'proper' way, the joy of singing gradually decreased. The more we learn, the more important we need to keep everything balanced, or we can end up being miserable. Knowledge is only good when one knows all the how/where/when to apply it, otherwise, it's like digging a hole while letting yourself sink in it. Knowledge backfires if you serve it, instead of letting it serve you. Well, same with just about everything else, isn't it! I have to keep reminding myself that I can't let what I know become my own handicap - a baggage that I carry with me everywhere. And, at this point in life, having been there and done that, I can't help but knowing a lot, which makes it very easy to slip into the dark side, which draws out the cynical part of me. Cynicism = negativity = holding place = regression = oh boy, I've fallen and I can't pull myself up. The more I learn, the more I see, the more I say 'balance' Again, that goes into everything you do. You know how everyday when you get into the shower you just open your mouth, sing your heart out, when you finish with the shower you feel refreshing and have a sudden splurt of energy? Notice how 'happy' and 'relieved' you feel? That's the feeling I believe we all have to achieve and maintain.

Ha! I just gave a sample of how my mind travels from one subject to another! I've been rambling!!! I don't know what good this does to anyone but it's effective on me! Now I'm going back to my regular work with that refreshing thought as if I had just sung in the shower. May be I'll even sing - putting in all the know-how elements and the talent and the joy, 'as-if-I-had-just-sung-in-the-shower' Woohoo!!!!

Pradichaya Gafaae Poonyarit

2008-09-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

CoffeeMelodie - Reaching for the Star --our first official Music Educational Outreach Program at Easton Area High School

2008-09-06T10:59:00.045-04:00

My alma mater - Easton Area High School

After pestering my high school music director a little more than a few times, he found a slot for me to come in for a day to give my presentation and to work with the students.

I was exhilarated. What a thrill to go back to my old high school, walking the same hallway to the familiar choir department. The building has been renovated, and the choir room now is where the band room used to be, and new rooms were added for voice lab, piano lab, theory, and composition classes. I'm sure a lot of effort and perseverance of one particular person whom I regard as my very first mentor went into making it all happen. I saw the same two small practice rooms through glass windows - an electric keyboard was an addition in one of the rooms. The memories came pouring back - even the smell was the same as I remember! I almost see myself hanging out in the hall with my friends waiting for the bell to ring so we could go to choir - except that this time I wasn't a part of the group. The students gave me quick glances and went back to their conversations. They all are so young, so vibrant and so eager to join the world out there. Immediately my energy tank got filled up, the grogginess of having to get up at five went away. My outreach program is a new addition to my organization - which is, also, new. CoffeeMelodie is my baby. I decided a few months back that since the Lehigh Valley , PA is where my baritone (my DH Ralph Schatzki) and I make our residence, this is where we will make the most out of our musical knowledge. I feel that both my baritone and I have a great deal of life experience, been there and done that, and it's time to pass this knowledge to and share such a wonderful experience with other people who have the same desire and passion and the love of performing arts as we do.

They may not be aware of that yet, but there's no harm in our introducing, poking, teasing, stirring, searching, and, building the love of the music. I have a strong need to do what I can to produce lovers of music - whether they will end up being singers/performers, directors/conductors, instrumentalists, or anyone on the music producing industry side, all the way to fans and audiences. My baritone and I, we are two idealists with strong principles. It doesn't matter that we are only two individuals, we've got to start somewhere - and this is where we start!

Thanks to my high school choir director Ed Milisits, not only did he insert my program into the busy routine of his, and his colleagues - Pete Descher and John Shilanskis- but he also sent a young pianist - Mike Nelson, a high school sophomore- on short notice to work with us on accompanying our pieces. We guided him through our three pieces in the aspect of "vocal accompaniment - how to - the crash course" as best we could within the short period we had. The result turned out really well. I'm sure Mike will agree with me that, now that he has three pieces under his belt, he is able to accompany them any time. Kudos to you, Mike!

We were to give a presentation in the first period choir which is 10th through 12th grades (7:20 am) and the freshman choir (around 9'ish am) and to conduct three classes of voice lab (8'ish, 10'ish, and 11'ish) My concern was the time factor. As any opera singer, or any singer, the body is my instrument: I carry it with me everywhere I go, and I make sure to take very good care of it. Because this was my first official CoffeeMelodie outreach program, I spent a good amount of time on the preparation, which had an unfortunate drawback on my body - I was excited, nervous, and, most definitely anxious - it involved in tossing and turning the night before so I ended up with only two hours of sleep. I didn't let that get in the way and managed to give myself a very thoughftul and careful twenty minute warm-up session before we rushed out and dropped off my youngest daughter off at my adopted parents' house (I adopted them). After I checked in at the front desk I went to the choir room and was told that there was still a meeting going on. I was directed to another room where Mike was rehearsing the pieces and I managed to vocalize for a few more minutes before I proceeded to the choir room. Seeing young faces perked me up. Mr. Milisits let us know beforehand that he kept our coming as a surprise to the students. He also asked our son Brendan who is a senior this year to introduce us. They were surprised, alright! We started the program. The size of the choir is around 180 people - as big as I remember. When the freshman choir is added it becomes almost 250 people - I wonder how many risers they use for a concert?!?! I recognized some students as Brendan's friends. I had on the program "La ci darem la mano" that Ralph and I shared, followed by the ever so popular aria "O mio babbino caro" which works wonders every time - though Lauretta is not my calling card, but then again, neither is Zerlina. Ralph presented "Some enchanted evening" as our last piece. Thank goodness that both my baritone and I were singing well. I wasn't worried about him, it never ceases to amaze me that he wakes up, hums a few notes, and is warmed up and good to go. As for me, it normally takes some time for the throat to remember its soprano-ness. Not yesterday, I was able to get into my soprano-dom and did my soprano thing at the crack of dawn - phew!!! Instead of laying out the story (boring), after each piece, we asked students what they saw, how they felt the piece was saying to them, along with questions such as - from what style or period the piece is, who they thought wrote the piece, etc., then we added just enough info and kept it light. What an enthusiastic group!!! The students were eager to participate. They were responsive, and quite knowledgeable, and, most definitely, curious. Afterwards, we answered some questions and concluded our programs. EAHS music department has a very good group of talent, and I believe that I saw some students who will further their study in music beyond high school. Wow!!!! It was a big success. We felt that we had touched each and everyone of them a little here and there, to various degrees. We are hopeful that what we did helped spark a beginning of new love (if not already) and desire in music in these beautiful young people. We look forward to seeing them again soon. As far as our outreach program, this was a beautiful beginning, and we hope that we will have more opportunities to offer it to other schools in our neighborhood. This is the beginning of something wonderful and we continue going after our dream and reaching for that very star.

Thank you EAHS choir members, thank you Pete and John. Big thanks to Mike and Brendan. And, Mr Milisits, thank you for telling me to go after my dream, and for believing in me.

From a coffee bean to an opera singer -- continue

2008-08-26T15:19:00.030-04:00

Now that I told you a little bit of the story behind Thai nicknames, I can continue with my given nickname.

At his first glance at me, my dad burst out his impression, "Her skin color is as dark as roasted coffee beans" beaming, he reached for me. My mom -who never told me how she actually felt about that comment - assumed that my dad wanted to name me กาแฟ because of my (dark) skin color (as dark as coffee bean)

กาแฟ = Gafaae = Coffee There! You have it! I proudly present my nickname - Gafaae or Coffee.

My dad explained to me when I was a lot older that what he said didn't have any negative connotation to it. (Right! Not to HIM) He was just amazed to see a cute little baby (me) with dark skin, big black eyes, jet black hair that was so thick and shiny, and looked cropped as if I was one of The Beatles (maybe because they were so popular at the time - Now you know to which generation I belong). Because he was so excited to see me - his first born, he didn't realize that the story behind my name would be told over and over by close, and not-so close relatives, and he felt sorry that I had to put up with it for all these years! Later on, I was grateful that he didn't say "She looks like The Beatles, let's name her John, Paul, George, and Ringo" Now, you try adding 'Nong' to those!

Ok, so I became NongGafaae to everyone. When I was very young, I didn't like the name, and often felt embarrased when I was asked. Most common comments that came right after would be, "Oh...you're so dark you must be Black Coffee" (Gafaae Dum กาแฟดำ). I would get very angry and started making faces at the person(s) who made this comment, which then brought on another comment, " Uh..oh, now you're angry. You need to add a lot of milk and sugar to the coffee" (Gafaae sai namtaan sai nom กาแฟใส่น้ำตาลใส่นม) I was only a little girl, raised in a culture that taught me to be respectful to adults, as a kid, I could only swallow my feelings. Now as an adult, a mother myself, I remind myself to carefully choose my words around children. Things that are not that big of a deal to us, might be a big deal for children.

My mother, we never spoke about it, but she later started to call me 'Faae' short for Gafaae - which, on its own has no meaning - but I have a feeling that it was her way of helping me out. I wasn't embarrassed anymore when was asked for a nickname since it was just 'Faae' - a meaningless word that was just cute-sounding (Please don't forget to add Nong to the front of the name - NongFaae - now, doesn't that sound much better - and super cute!!!) Little did I know, when I later came to The United States, this shortened nickname would have great effect on my personality into adulthood- specifically relating to my self-esteem and self-confidence.

Hmmm.... Should I change the title to "What's in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

Naaaah!! Let's continue with the story.

My parents' business had a lot to do with westerners and those of western descents The Thai word for westerners and the like is farang ฝรั่ง - the same word also means guava, a delicious fruit that I turn to whenever I feel that I need to go on a diet. How a westerner is related to the fruit I have yet to find out. My first encounter with the farangs (oh, yes, all ex pats in thailand adapted the word and have been using it as an English word) was when I was a little more than three years old (yes, I remember!!!) There were two , one Australian and one British men. I called them LoongNoel and LoongJack. Loong means 'older uncle' Again, with the Thai's respect system, we call people by relating their ages (by estimating how old we think they are - from the way they look) to our parents. Well, in this case, my parents asked me to call them Loong I didn't figure that out on my own! Anyway, my two farangs spent so much time with my parents and I felt close to them. (Also, every time they visited Thailand, LoongJack would bring me the cutest teddy bears!) They first attempted to call me Faae, but failed miserably. Every time my name would be pronounced differently as if they were referring to different persons. They giggled and gave up, and called me "Coffee" From then on, my farang nickname is Coffee, while my real one remains 'Faae'. You know what, I did not get a single 'coffee' comment from any of the farang Loong. Whether they thought that having 'Coffee' as a name was odd, I'd never find out since they never made any comment. Later observation taught me that the farangs' mannerism is quite different than the Thais' The Thai adults - those who love you and mean well will comment and criticize you (the younger ones) and give you unsolicited advice relentlessly. The farangs that are close to me will make a comment only when I ask for it. With just the right amount from both Thais and farangs, it would be perfect!

There was one thing, though, that I did, that stopped people from paying attention to my name (or anything else about me - "Oh, she's so dark, just like her dad" "Why is she so tall? She doesn't look 'Thai' at all") It's the singing. Every time I sang - which was all the time - they (the adults) literally stopped and listened. I was told that I started singing even before I could walk, that my singing voice was big, full, and warm - not the sound that anyone expected to come out of a child's mouth. If someone has proof for that it would be my LoongJack, with whom I lost touch since the early 80's! He had several recordings of my singing. I have a lot of memories about how I'd burst into songs anywhere and at any time. I'd remember being on a bus going into the city with my grandparents and I would start singing. I'd be walking in a department store and burst into song. I'm not talking about singing children's ditties, I was singing songs that were played on radio stations at the time. Thanks to my parents who always have the music in their hearts. They'd sing together, play the recordings, and took me to places where there were live performances. Also, the hired help around the house, who listened to their favorite radio station while doing chores. My parents told me about the time that they took me to a small concert, and before they knew it, I was up on stage (uninvited) and started to sing along with the performer. Yikes! I can't imagine how awful that was for the singer and the embarrassment I caused my parents! I don't remember how that ended, but do remember very well through my pre-school years that I was not to run up and take over the stage from the singer, or, the police would put my parents in jail. The thought of my parents being put away really scared me, and stopped me from trying to take the stage. Little it did to my desire to be there, singing away. It was so bad that it hurt - have you wished for something so badly that it hurts? That's the feeling. I believe that my parents sensed it. From way back then, even until now, the notion of singing and wanting to become a singer was not a usual career choice. My mother, especially, kept telling me over and over that it was ok to sing for relatives (especially when my mother was the one making the demand), but never ever sing in public - not on the stage, and never, ever sing for money!!!! Here's a Macauley Caulkin Home Alone moment for you. (((Gasp))) As it turned out, I did everything my mother told me not to do.

Well, a small coffee bean was going on a big journey!

From a coffee bean to an opera singer - an intro

2008-08-25T15:49:00.003-04:00

I simply started out as a coffee bean.

Hi, I am Pradichaya from Bangkok, Thailand. Many years ago, when I was born, I was given this beautiful name - Pradichaya . It's Sanskrit, and I was told that its meaning is 'a person who speaks with honesty' Also, my name was to match my mother's 'Sutcharit' - honesty.

But I was also given another name. Just like any Thai, we have nice long lavish first names. But because of the nice long lavish names, our parents would come up with nicknames for us to simplify the process of calling their children, especially when they are in trouble and parents are angry. Who has time and patience to call out fancy long tongue-twisters too difficult to pronounce anyway? (Never mind that they were the ones who gave us these names!) Nicknames usually come from favorite pets - cat, mouse, pig, elephant (they sound better in Thai, really) - anything but dog (no dog - it's considered rude, disrespectful and insulting all the way up the family tree), things, anything cute - they're big on insisting that their kids will be cute forever.

To sum it up, we often hear: Maew-cat, Mu-pig, Noo-mouse, Chang-elephant, Fa-sky or the color blue, Sai-sand, Naam-water, Mamuong-mango, Shompu-rose apple, Chompu-pink. My favorites are names that derived from English (they're all considered cute): Jawd, Jeb, Cookie, Pinky, Top, Mikeun, Samy or My, etc. These names are equivalent to George, Jeff, cookie, pinky, top, Michael, smile, respectively. To top it off, children are referred to as 'Nong' by parents, relatives, family friends, hired help in the household (lived in maids, nannies, drivers, gardeners) Nong literally translates to younger sister and brother, also indicates the respect that the person has for you (if you're called 'Nong') and for your parents - when added to the already cute and adorable names, it emphasizes that the already cute and adorable names are even more cute and adorable. Here are some samples of how we (Thais) are referred to: NongChang, NongTop, NongNoo, NongShompu, NongJeb. The term Nong remains with you for a long, long, long time, may be until you grow old - really, really old.

At this point, you probably wonder: To which nickname is she referred?!?!?!?

If you haven't found out already (of course not, then you wouldn't be wondering) I'll fill you in after I come back to the blog. (No, it's not coffee bean - though, that sounds pretty good)