Craig Derry

. The BIO . Vocal aerobics is a method of vocal training that pertains to the building of the diaphragm muscles that enable recording artists and all singers to perform with accuracy, confidence and consistency. The audiences that hear hit songs over the radio and see hit videos want to see these songs performed by their favorite artists. These artists must be prepared to deliver inspiring live shows, whether on T.V., or at clubs or in concert. Craig Derry has developed a regimented exercise program that has assisted successful artists both famous and not so famous in improving projection, breathing, ear training and endurance. . A vocalist himself, and a performance tested singer, who has worked all over the USA and the World for more than 20 years, Mr. Derry is familiar with the obstacles and the extreme demands that human voice incurs while touring. Things like colds, fatigue, overt shyness, stage fright, hoarseness, and the overall rigors of the road are not impossible to overcome. What he learned and what most singers learn is that by training and working on specific techniques we can get through it all. This is why vocal aerobics was developed. . Some of the artists that have worked with Mr. Derry come from every category and genre of music: Marc Anthony, K7, La India, Brenda K Stat, Robert Clivilis (C&C Music Factory), George Leman head up the latin alumni. Ashanti, Lumi Dee, D’Angelo, SWV, Total, Lil’ Mo, Angie Stone, So For Real, Next, Missy Elliot’s: Torre Carter, Nicole Ray, Gina Thompson, P Diddy’s: Sherrie Dennis, Mario Wynans, Tammy, Wyclef Jean’s: The Product, Glenn Lewis, Jimmy Cozier, Olivia, Popular talk show host, Oh Drama Julissa, 106 & Park’s: Free, Teddy Riley, Blackstreet, Al B. sure, Roc-A-Fella artist: Rell, Mowtown artist’s: Her Sanity, Pop group The Hansons, Benny Medina’s British boy band Northern Line, Regina Belle, Will Downing, Mary J. Bilge. . Mr. Derry also sang in various background ensembles with Martha Wash, Kelly Price, Lisa Fisher, Melanie Daniels, Cindy Mizzelle, Audrey Wheeler and Brenda White-King. He has also sung background for everyone from Mick Jagger to Michael Jackson. . This very enriched involvement with singers in all capacities through the years even legendary singers from the golden era of R&B Issac Hayes, Solomon Bruke, Etta James, Wilson Pickett, Ronnie Isley, Luther Ingram, Chuck Jackson and Linda Jones encompasses volumes of information passed on to fellow singers as vocal aerobics. . . . Also... here's some press on me . ******************************************************* IN GEAR magazine . ******************************************************* .It’s easy to hear the difference between a trained singer and an over promoted amateur. Have you ever wondered where the skills of the vocally talented come from? Do you assume its just good luck in the genetic lottery? It can be but not necessarily. Many popular singers rely on a secret weapon… no it’s not throat coat- it’s their vocal coach, Craig Derry. .Celebrity vocal coach Craig Derry has worked with everyone from Etta James to Mary J. Blidge to Kevin Lyttle to Ashanti and even the Backstreet Boys. He’s been in the business long enough to be involved in Michael Jackson’ earlier hits and more recently the Backstreet Boys comeback album. His insight, due to his expansive overview of musical development throughout the years, only adds one more strong point to his resume. .Derry’s roster of clients also includes Marc Anthony, Ashanti, K7, Brenda K. Star, Robert Civilis (C&C Music Factory), George Leman, D’Angelo, SWV, Total, Lil’ Mo, Angie Stone, So for Real, Next, Missy Elliot’s Torre Carter, Nicole Ray, Gina Thompson, P. Diddy’s Sherrie Davis, Mario Wynans, Tammy, Wyclef’s The Product, Glenn Lewis, Jimmy Coizer, Olivia, 106 & Park’s Free, Teddy Riley, Blackstreet, Al B. Sure, Rock-a-fella artist Rell, Motown’s artist’s Her Sanity, Hanson, Regina Belle, Will Dowing and Benny Medina’s (J-Lo’s ex-manger) British boy band Northern Line. .For good reason, Derry remains a staple on many record labels “must have” lists for artist development projects. His keen sensibility and ability to get the most out of a person’s vocals, keep him in high demand. He commonly focuses on teaching artists a practice known as vocal aerobics. A technique he developed himself through trail and error during touring. .Derry’s development of vocal aerobics came from the need to prevent the obstacles that occur when touring. Obstacles that are caused by the extreme demands put on the voice while on the road. This includes things like colds, fatigue, overt shyness, stage fright, hoarseness, and the overall rigors of the road. Though none of these are impossible to overcome, training is needed. Vocal aerobics has proven effective over and over again. .More recently, Derry has opened his doors to include even more students by offering a group class every evening, Monday through Saturday at Progressive Studio located in the Film Center in Midtown Manhattan. As to be expected this group class is often over flowing with students, all eager to work with Derry. .When I asked Derry how he continues to work so vigorously to meet the high demand put on his time he responded by saying,“ How do you feed thirteen children with 12 biscuits? You make biscuit soup.” .Then with a chuckle and a grin he said, “I do my best to make sure everyone has a chance to learn the tools they need, to be successful.” This was a perfect example of the kooky but correct twists of insight I found when talking with Derry. .Henderson has been in the business since the early nineties and believes Derry is everything anyone could ask for in a vocal coach. Henderson says he is happy to be able to learn from him through assisting him on a daily basis. In discussion Henderson recalled a time in years past and he says, “I was a student and I wore out his doorstep...” .“I’ve never heard a better voice and I’ve never met a better human being,” says Henderson. . .
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