On the day of my first anniversary of being a student of Maestro Carl Franzen, I stood truly transformed. I remember vividly our first meeting/lesson. His standard was to see if I liked and wanted him for a teacher and if he could work with me as a student, and if I had any potential.

I told him briefly about my singing in the past, and how I lost my voice in 2004, unable to speak above a whisper for nearly two months. After I got my voice back it lacked strength and would give out after singing one song. He played a few scales to hear my voice. He told me a little about the technique he teaches and about the tenor passaggio. He then gave me an example of open throat and lowered larynx singing. I was blown away with the power, expression and agility of his singing. It was in that moment that I knew I liked him and wanted to be his student if he would have me. I asked and he said yes.

Not only did he give me back my voice but a lot more. My mom was never able to see any of my live performances, so it was a treat for her to listen to the recital songs Carl posted to his site. She said, ' I had to turn you down, you came through the speakers very strong and loud.' She told me it sounded very good and to keep up the good work. She related an old dream of hers, since she had a voice like Lily Pons, to sing opera music, but the family didn't have money for vocal lessons. I remember as a child hearing opera music and her singing along.

So, with this background influence and teaching, I that feel Carl has given me the possibility to leave a wonderful singing legacy for myself, my mom, family, and my extended family (fellow students) within the Carl Franzen Vocal Studio. I went from having a small misused weak voice, to a very strong dramatic ringing tenor voice with a C2-D4 range, with a nickname of 'Godzilla.' I feel like I'm one of the luckiest students in the world.

Thank you, Maestro Carl Franzen.