Chuck the mug, sing out loud

The number of bathroom singers probably outnumber the number of regular singers. But though the four walls of a bathroom become a closet recording studio where several voice modulations and pitches are tried, many of the novice singers do not muster the courage to sing in public. This is where Sunil Koshy and his wife Archana Hallikeri, both techies, can help out. Singers and trainers, the couple are the brains behind the endeavor From Mug to Mike which will be conducting a Kochi Bathroom Singer workshop. From Mug to Mike is a pioneering initiative helping bathroom singers Chuck the Mug and grab the Mike. This start up is aiming to make professional singers out of bathroom singers.

A trained singer familiar with Carnatic and Hindustani style of singing, Sunil explains the concept, “It is inspired by the millions who simply love singing, for those who would like to graduate from mug to mike, but just don’t have the nerve to!” Motivation is the key for any singer to come out and perform and the couple hopes to provide that through their workshop in Kochi on September 24. Started four years ago, Sunil explains the need for such a workshop, “There are people with good voices but with no opportunity to learn. There are some elderly people who have a keen interest to take up singing but think it is too late to start learning. Others just want so start singing in a decent period of time. We address all these people!”

The workshop is a total package which is informative and educational and is held in a recording studio. The workshop usually lasts for 5-6 hours and Sunil and his wife aim for a totally integrated package. Sunil says, “The other highlights are that this workshop provides on a platter the basics of traditional training and also tips and tricks of singing, including voice culture, studio singing and other nuances of film singing that are not taught usually in traditional music systems. Many myths and misconceptions about singing and learning music will also be busted.” The interaction with the participants does not finish with the workshop. “The main highlight of this workshop is that each participant gets to record his or her voice in a high-end studio, a truly unique experience for a bathroom singer! Also, a detailed and critical analysis of the participant’s singing — his/her strengths and areas for improvement will be given.” There are three levels of the workshop before one can go on stage — Primer, Advanced and Stage Show Preparatory workshops.

The workshops have been happening in Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and UAE. Sunil is a techie-turned-singer, vocal coach and composer. Archana designs the workshops along with Sunil, interacts with the participants from different backgrounds, understanding and helping them realise their musical dreams. So, on 24th, get a step closer towards realising your musical dreams.