There is a new book that helps direct parents and children how to sing. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says the author is Nickel City Opera Founder and artistic director Valerian Ruminski.
Ruminski performs in national and international operas with his powerful bass voice. He studied at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia. In 2001, Ruminski made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera House. He decided to write his book titled "Starting to Sing: Book 1- Children and Beginners" to offer advice on a the proper way to sing.
"You have to decide whether they have potential or not, so the first voice lesson is an inquiry into that question. You have to test the child. You play a tone on the piano and ask that child to repeat that tone, to sing it back to you. That’s the first sign that there’s an ability there," advises Ruminski.
Ruminski said he doesn’t believe that anyone is “tone deaf”.
“I think the only person that is tone deaf is a person who has damage to their ear,” Ruminski declared.
Runinski’s book outlines 23-suggestions for teaching children to sing.
“My experience is that parents sometimes take it too far or they don’t take it far enough,” said Ruminski.
This Wednesday, June 21st, Ruminski will appear at Talking Leaves on Main Street, Buffalo at 7 p.m. to discuss his new book.