PAULA RICH-MCGOWAN
Instructor: Voice
Styles: Pop, R&B, Soul, Classical, Country
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Influences: Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Adele, Ella Fitzgerald, Christine Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, Pink, Prince, bruno Mars, Patsy Cline, Rascal Flatts.
“I started singing when I was about 12 - I remember waiting for my parents to be out of the house so I could blast the tunes and sing. Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall album inspired me to do this.”
“It’s hard to say the moment that I decided to be a singer. It was such a progression that its hard to pin point. I had been to see some great concerts and it made me want to sing professionally - I realized the level I wished to progress to.”
“My favourite musical memory would definitely be seeing Stevie Wonder perform - there was an energy from the stage at the Ottawa Civic Centre - it was like hearing music from the soul.”
“R & B would be my favourite style but I love all genres depending on the mood I’m in - which can change daily. Rock would be be next followed closely by country.”
“My favourite top 3 songs would probably be Adele Someone Like You, Etta James At Last - an all time fave is Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. I have a list of more than 50 but it really is endless.”
“I think one of the important things a student should know is technique is the foundation. It shouldn’t harness you but without it you can only progress so far.”
Performed at Massey Hall Toronto, Confederation Centre P.E.I. NAC Ottawa, Royal Theatre Victoria and other top venues across the country
Swing Sisters Big Band, Canadian Armed Forces Band, and many pop, tribute and R & B bands