As first Artist of the month for 2010 we are the honored to have Velia Calvijo Calderon,
singer and Musician from Murcia, Spain.
Velia Clavijo Calderon
Musician and Singer
Forum Artistico: You are an Opera singer and voice coach, can you please tell us what is the primary reason that made you choose this profession?
Velia: Music has always been part of my life since I was little girl, listening to all kinds of music and under many different circumstances. It was a pending matter.
F.A.: Is there any person in your life that influenced your decision?
Velia: My father was a musician; It is “my father’s fault”, because of him I decided to sing and teach music.
F.A.: Looking at your biography I see that you started late to study music and singing, can you tell us the reason why and the reaction of your family when you decided to do so?
Velia: When my father was a musician it was almost impossible to be a professional and to have a family at the same time, he had to choose, it was a difficult decision. He opted for a career outside the arts.
When I told him that I wanted to be a musician he asked me to get a college degree first and that would pay for my music studies and would assure me a comfortable life. This is why I started to study a little late.
F.A.: Where did you study music and singing?
Velia: I have my Bachelor degree in music from the Conservatorio Superior de Musica in Murcia, Spain.
F.A: Living in Murcia, Spain, did you have enough work opportunities?
Velia: Murcia is a city with a lot of musical tradition and interest, but unfortunately there are not so many opportunities to work as a musician or music teacher.
F.A.:You had your own music and singing academy in Murcia, how you can define teaching to the new generations of young artists?
Velia: I select the methods to teach to very young students (5 years and older) very carefully to create the right environment in class for them, to discover the wonderful world that opens in front of their eyes.
The young students are very receptive, learning is easy and comfortable when the exercises are fun, the best thing is that they understand how useful is to study in this way.
I introduce them to some of the most abstract concepts of music through fun games involving them in a fantastic experience.
To get them acquainted with the different sounds we have to work on the voice.
All children love to sing therefore I start teaching them in the beginning a light but solid breathing technique, fundamental for a healthy development of that young voice.
It’s not very complicated, with 2 or 3 exercises before the actual class starts they get their apparatus ready, they pay attention to inhaling, exhaling and learn also to rest.
This way we start class with the right tools for a productive learning.
F.A.: Are you currently working in a project or a production?
Velia: I think in the long term. I want to introduce the teaching of music to a wide public in local schools to get the children ready for professional music schools. My intention is no other than to create interest among the new generations and give them the opportunity to make music, any kind of music.
F.A.: You performed in US and also had a brief teaching experience in US, what are your immediate and future plans?
Velia:The experience in New York was very rewarding and satisfactory, I’d love to repeat it soon.
Teaching is the focus of my career now even if I’d have to travel.
F.A.: Based on your personal experience, what would you advise to young people that are thinking of undertaking a career as an artist?
Velia: Anyone can sing or play a music instrument for their own personal satisfaction, I would encourage everybody to start playing music regardless of age, it’s never too late!
F.A.: Is there anything else that you would like to share with us?
Velia: Music has given sense to my life. I often think when I teach, when I sing or play an instrument or just listen to a nice music piece, that I’ve been very lucky to have this opportunity and I’d like all of you to try.
