Page 12 - Classical Singer magazine 2019 Fall University Issue
P. 12

Overcoming Adversity
and to be an advocate for my disorder through Autism Speaks.
I was honored to perform at the Metropolitan Fashion Week for
the Autism Speaks gala at Warner Brothers Studio and then sang at the Autism Speaks gala at LA’s Union Station the following year.
I have also sung the national anthem for Autism Speaks’ annual walk several times. One of the coolest gigs was appearing as a soloist for the Light Up the Blues concert to benefit Autism Speaks at the Dolby Theatre, featuring Jack Black as the MC and musical guests Stephen Stills, Burt
Bacharach, Sheryl Crow, and Judy Collins.
Anything else you would like to add?
In high school, I was featured in a PBS SoCal LAaRT segment illus- trating the importance that music and the arts have played in my life while managing my Asperger’s syndrome disorder. After that aired, I heard that it had an effect on people. Suddenly, parents with kids on the autism spectrum had hope because they saw that their child had a chance at success. I knew exactly how they felt.
Growing up, I was told that I was limited. I was told I would never make it as a singer, would never go to college, would never drive a car, and would never live on my own.
I promised myself I would prove them wrong. I graduated from USC with a BM in vocal arts on a full scholarship, studying with Rod Gil- fry, and I lived away from home in an apartment for all four years. I’m now earning my master’s in vocal performance at CSU Fullerton and last summer I obtained my driver’s license.
My dream is to show people that someone on the autism spectrum can make it. I want to have a career in singing so I can set an example and inspire hope to other people with disorders. I think that if you truly believe in a goal and you try hard enough to attain it, a dream can become a reality.
Michelle Latour is active as
a teacher, singer, writer, and adjudicator and lives in Las Vegas. She has been on the full-time faculty at several universities and owns a private studio, the Latour Voice Studios. You can visit her at www.thelatourvoicestudios.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Jaehee Kang (left) and Anderson as Francesca and Samaritana in Cal State Fullerton’s production of Francesca da Rimini, 2018
12 Classical Singer | September/October 2019
RESOURCES FOR SINGERS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS
by DAVID L. JONES BOOK + 2 CD SET
A MODERN GUIDE TO OLD WORLD SINGING
AN INTRODUCTORY VOICE LESSON WITH DAVID JONES
book & CDs available @ amazon.com
ARTICLES & INFORMATION
Conce+
pts of the Swedish-Italian and Italian Singing Schools
Featuring exercises for both the female and male voice student
www.voiceteacher.com www.voiceteacher.com/facebook
photo by Diana Pinto


































































































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