Warm greetings from London!

What? study? Why do you want to keep studying? – said my colleague, when I recorded a
track in studio. I answered with a Latvian proverb: “You live, you learn.”

I already taught others for some two years before going to London and I am proud of the
results. With a twelve year old girl Karīna Hvojnicka, we finished the recording of her second solo album, where I contributed as her vocal teacher, vocal arranger, co-producer and also as a songwriter. Just before leaving we recorded a duet together for my Spanish style R’n’B song “Argentina” in Russian, and we also made a video for it (you can see it here: www.youtube.com/user/showdiva. It all was nicely presented on October 30, at
Karina’s album presentation.

My second student Vladislavs Šurins , who is 17, signed a contract with EMI after hard
work together and recording of our duet – cover of Christina Aguilera song. I wrote new
lyrics to it in Russian – “Sing with me”.

My previous experience (studies at Riga Dome Choir school, “Contemporary music rhythms” programme or Jazz department, as it is called among students) has proved one thing – studying is one of the most reliable ways to get into musical circles, to start collaborations, to find new contacts and friends. Although previous experience has had a big role and is dear to me, my priority now is concerts, songwriting and producing – studies and teaching comes after that.

After graduating in the Jazz department I didn’t want to stop, and decided, as I told my
friends, “to do everything possible to continue studying music abroad and develop my career there”. Most of them encouraged me, but some laughed and called that “a stupid dream”. Well, now I’m here, and they don’t laugh anymore. Why UK? Very simple – it is one of the most influential countries in musical industry – besides USA and Germany. USA was too far, Gemany’s main problem was German language, but UK seemed the perfect choice.

I started to search universities. I was ready to sacrifice 3 years for a bachelor’s degree. But there was not enough information about vocal teachers. Most of the schools were not in London and the three year term kept confusing me. Then one of my course mates – a
drummer - told me about London’s DRUMTECH School. He told me, that the vocal courses are also available there. And then my colleague, great singer Sofia Rubin told me about the same school – Drumtech, Vocaltech, Guitar-X and Keyboardtech.

The First temptation of Vocaltech was the teachers list – their experience and collaborations with mega stars - George Michael, Craig David, Beyonce, Annie Lenox… The list is very long and it keeps expanding. I contacted them, sent my CV, and they sent back information about scholarship contest in collaboration with Radio SWH. I prepared hard, sent vast amounts of information about my experience, motivation letters etc., to prove my rights to claim for scholarship.

I got into the finals together with 7 other people, some of whom I was acquainted with.
Nobody knew what the task would be. I was asked to sing 3 songs of different character. The songs I chose were: ballad of Mariah Carey, my own joyful song „PLAYER” and one gospel (a capella). Of course, I prayed, worked hard on my vocal technique and I think my choice was right. For example, in a ballad there are the lines: ”If you look inside your heart, you’ll find a real hero, you don’t have be afraid of what you are”. I was the oldest candidate, I had doubts, and some people said that I had little chance, because I’m Latvian. I answered with a lyrics from my new song: ”Trust yourself, coz God is inside us”.

It all worked. First I was told “Over-ready” (that was written on my shirt that day - „Ready,
more than ready”), I won the prize for a One Year Diploma course. But it all ended with a
decision to give me a place on the Master Performance Course because of my experience.

Master Performance - here you can see the subjects they teach and the conception they offer.The College has an accredited bachelor degree by Thames Valley University and also 1 year Diploma (preliminary course). In relation to my Master Performance Course, everything here happens very fast, very exciting and what’s most important – with a perspective to develop one’s singing career.

I owe a lot to everyone, who supported me. In Latvia I learned everything there was. Big
thanks to Indriķis Veitners, who created „Contemporary music rhythms” programme, to Tālis Gžibovskis – for 7 days “paradise” in Saulkrasti (master classes by pedagogues from all the corners of the world), to Māris Briežkalns – for festival “Rīgas Ritmi” (Riga Rhythms), and finally to Francis Seriau, the Director of Drumtech, Vocaltech, Guitar-X and Keyboardtech. and Zigmars Liepiņš, president of Radio SWH, for listening with heart and soul and making a decision I wished for.

I will certainly write about London, adventures and first impressions – but next time.
All the success to you, as well.

Sweet kisses.

Yours, Nicol J

www.nicol.lv

www.youtube.com/showdiva

www.myspace.com/nicolstyle