Allison McFarland is a Singer / Songwriter, Vocalist, Multi-instrumentalist, Visual Artist, and a Silicon Valley Director of Engineering and Advisor to Startups. She grew up in St. Louis and Los Angeles performing in a multitude of Rock, Jazz, A Cappella, Techno, Alternative Rock, Metal, and Musical Theater projects. In her professional life, Allison has over 30 years experience in Silicon Valley typically as a CTO / Director of Quality Engineering / Program / Project Management and Release Management, in both startups and large corporations, and has shipped over 340 Consumer and Enterprise products, some of which are now in the Computer History Museum. Here is a techology timeline here.
Allison began learning instruments at a young age, starting on violin in 3rd grade and purchasing her first flute and piccolo combo from Mr. Mel Bay himself at Mel Bay Music in Kirkwood, MO. She went on to formally study Flute / Piccolo and Tenor Sax as her primary instruments, then became a multi-instrumentalist. Allison is certified in ProTools (101, 110) for recording engineering (see the LinkedIn link for all of her video and audio related work which spans everything from the first smartphones, security software, consumer electronics, and automotive). She performed in high school in symphonic band, orchestra, marching band, show choir, jazz band, All District Choir, took college music theory in high school, and performed in punk, pop, rock, DJ and techno bands in St. Louis, Los Angeles, and the San Jose Bay Area.
Allison studied voice with Mark Baxter (Steven Tyler, Scott Weiland, RENT, Tonic) and Tony Lindsay (Santana, 11 time Grammy winner, Aretha Franklin), and woodwinds (Flute/Piccolo, Tenor Saxophone) with Michael Burke (The Muny/St. Louis Municipal Opera). She is currently working on an album with Alain Johannes (Queens of the Stone Age, Chris Cornell, Them Crooked Vultures, Mark Lanegan, PJHarvey).
Some of the notable bands with which she performed include:
- Veracity – Allison’s original Alternative rock band – Los Angeles based 1996-2000
- Solo Album – with Alain Johannes – (upcoming to be released)
- Basment Sessions – Jack Endino – Hungry Dogs (upcoming to be released)
- .:Glitch:. – Peter DiStefano (Porno For Pyros) / Allison McFarland – 2017 (to be released)
- Voices In A New World – CircleSongs – David Worm (Motion / Bobby McFerrin)
- The New Horizon Singers – Shelly Cohen (Tonight Show Band Leader)
- Characters & Company Musical Theater – West Side Story – Dance Lead
- Scotch and Soda – Allison’s current Bay Area based Jazz group trio to quintet
PARENTS: As a Mom / parent of two, I always want to fully know as much as I could about someone instructing my child to feel at ease. I have added my LinkedIn information here for you to view. I have held Security clearances for Government projects (which includes going through full LiveScan, fingerprinting, and full background checks) and some for schools and camps where I taught.
Allison is currently working out of Keith Holland Guitars in Los Gatos, CA. https://g.co/kgs/s8LLVZN
Learn To Sing
Learn to sing all different styles of music, but mainly foced on rock, pop and a cappella performance, learn to understand and read music. Learn proper diction, breath support, pitch, tone, how to sing and not lose your voice, how to treat your voice like an instrument, learn proper vocal care so your voice will serve you when you sing! I am a mom of 2 kiddos, and I have worked in the past in camps mentoring youth, I mentor young women engineers in STEM, and taught Rock and vocal performance at School of Rock for 1.3 years.
Performance
Learn how to stand and perform on stage, use a microphone, use a monitor, dress the stage, emote and address the audience, learn what not to do, and most of all how to have fun! :D
Overcome Fear
Are you nervous or terrified at the thought of getting on stage or performing? I used to be that person too! I have helped tons of people ages 5-Adults overcome this fear and some go on to perform with groups on stage and have their own bands.
I will walk you through how to disarm these fears and
Contact
Contact me at allimacartist@gmail.com to inquire about vocal coaching lessons.
Music should be fun and music is for everyone! Sing everyday!