Today we’d like to introduce you to Dean Shepherd.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first sang on television at the age of four, singing back-up for my mother who had been a finalist for Miss Colorado. By the age of 13, I was making a full-time living as a singer and musician, performing all around the country as well as on TV.
For many years I split my time between teaching (private lessons as well as supervising the voice programs at several colleges) and performing (touring the world and working with many great artists including David Foster and Celine Dion).
After witnessing the changes to music first hand (from streaming services to the pandemic), I became frustrated by how unsupported singers are in today’s industry and decided to launch Vocal Dimension. As the place for vocals, Vocal Dimension offers private vocal coaching, vocal recording, as well as artist development workshops and events to support today’s artists.
My experience as a vocal coach, performer, music director, and recording artist uniquely positions me to guide artists in the direction of their dreams.
I love helping singers achieve their goals.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The music industry is full of obstacles and challenges. There are definitely easier ways to make a living, but not necessarily as much fun.
A big challenge today is the “want it now” mindset. Although an artist can be “discovered” and become a star overnight, the odds of this happening are still remote, similar to winning the lottery.
Making a living as a singer and musician comes down to the basics—know who you are and where you’re headed, practice your craft, work hard, cultivate good relationships, and engage with your audience. Music is a lifestyle that you must foster and build every single day.
On a personal note, setbacks and challenges can be a blessing in disguise. A few years ago, I was moving heavy equipment for a gig and suffered a serious spinal cord injury. For a year, I could barely move my arms, my right leg was entirely numb, and the ringing in my ears so loud I couldn’t hear the television.
While recovering, I realized my performing career was over so I focused on vocal coaching full-time. By concentrating on one thing and becoming the best at it, fantastic things started to happen, leading to bigger and more exciting opportunities and culminating with the opening of Vocal Dimension.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the founder of Vocal Dimension, a music studio that provides vocal coaching, vocal production, and additional training for today’s contemporary singer.
I specialize in vocal technique, performance, and training, helping singers be successful both on stage and in the studio.
As mentioned on my website, I am proud of creating a safe place for singers where they can come together as a community and support one another. I am also happy that I can offer my services at affordable rates so singers can train with me regularly. Vocal coaching shouldn’t be priced as a luxury item.
As a vocal expert trained in contemporary vocal technique, performance, style, and recording methods, I can assist singers throughout their musical journey.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Choosing music as a career is a risk in and of itself. You must hustle, network, practice, train, forego sleep, sacrifice many comforts others take for granted such as health benefits, unemployment, etc.
Opening a music studio on Ventura Blvd. in the midst of a pandemic was a big risk as well. How long will the pandemic last… will the vaccines be effective… will people be able to have in-person singing lessons and recording sessions again?
Fortunately, Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime allowed me to work with artists all around the world, as well as local too. Zoom has integrated some great sound settings for music. As things open up and people become fully vaccinated, it’s great meeting artists in-person again. But with LA traffic, some are choosing to stay virtual for many of their sessions!
Like getting married, adopting a puppy, or having a child, there’s usually not a perfect time to take a risk—you have to weigh your options, create as solid a plan as possible, and go do it!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.vocaldimension.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanvocalexpert/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deanvocalexpert
Image Credits:
Ella London
