Musical Composition, Theory, Songwriting, and Singing/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I can answer all kinds of questions regarding singing techniques, practice, performance, vocal recording technique and harmony vocal arranging.

Experience in the area

I have been a professional singer/songwriter and vocal arranger and teacher in the music business since 1965.

Organizations

BMI, Folk Alliance, SummerSongs, Inc. (I am the founding director)

Publications

Singer Magazine

Education/Credentials

I have a doctorate in Music Education from Harvard.

Awards and Honors

Platinum record for my vocals on Jimmy Buffett's Son of a Son of a Sailor, 3 times nominated for a Grammy in the background singing category, MVP in the motivational singing category of the Assoc. of Multi-image Assoc. Annual awards two years in a row.

Past/Present Clients

I have sung with, recorded with or opened shows for Mort Sahl, The Byrds, The Dillards, Dillard and Clark Expedition, John Kay (Steppenwolf), The Association and Big Brother and the Holding Co. (Janis Joplin), Steve Miller, Quicksilver Messenger Service, 13th Floor Elevator, Chocolate Watchband, Jefferson Airplane, Dan Hicks & his Hot Licks, Cream (the Santa Monica Civic auditorium 1968), Little Feat in concert.  I wrote and performed commercials for Toyota's campaign to plant a tree for every car bought, Carnation Dairies, and produced a public service announcement for the Navajo Nation called "Black Mesa" to protest the misuse of the land around the Four Corners power stations in Arizona. In 1977, while working with Emitt Rhodes on a record for Elektra, I joined Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefers.  I appeared in the movie FM with the band, toured the U.S. and earned a Platinum Record for my singing on Son of a Son of a Sailor. Also, I've recorded with Art Garfunkle (Fate for Breakfast) Suzi Quatro, Danny O'Keefe, Yvonne Elliman, Jennifer Warnes, Albert Brooks, The Credibility Gap, Steve Gillette and earned a Grammy nomination for my work on Arlo Guthrie's album The Power of Love.  In addition, I have recorded a series of singing lessons which have been sold world-wide by Homespun Tapes since 1985.

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Recent Reviews from Users

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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
John09/22/09101010 
Tarik ahmed09/02/0910101010 
Alfred09/02/0910101010Hello Penny Nichols, First and foremost I .....
Tarik ahmed08/30/0910101010 
jen05/17/0910101010thanks, I had no idea i was .....

Recent Answers from Penny Nichols

2009-11-15 ear monitors:

Hi Ashley: You are walking on broken glass my friend. First, go get your hearing checked to make sure there is no damage to your ear drums. If they are OK, go get the best ear plugs that you can find

2009-09-01 The Basics of SATB:

Alfred: If you cannot afford to take music lessons near where you live or at a college in your area, you might try Homespun Tapes online music instruction. I teach for them and they send music lessons

2009-08-22 Different Roles:

Hi Donna: Each of these roles are only helpful in certain situations. If you are very focused, experienced and highly motivated, I would suggest playing all these roles yourself. It could save you

2009-08-21 Singing Question:

Try finding a vocal coach who specializes in Rock or Pop. I doubt any other type of teacher would be able to help you with your quest. This is a largely misunderstood and misused part of singing, so

2009-08-21 Developing the voice:

Hi Donna: when you are 16 years old, your body is not fully developed as an adult and that includes your voice. The vocal instructor probably was just trying to keep your daughter's voice healthy until

 

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