HOW IT ALL STARTED

        We are musically – gifted people. We play or listen to music a lot. And although not everyone is endowed with superior singing talent, many can simply carry a tune… deserving a round of applause.

        With the advent of the Karaoke, minus-ones and sing-along joint in the early 80’s, singing suddenly emerged to be a very popular hobby, career or amusement. In the gatherings, everyone is expected to know how to sing.

        While many sang well, some were either too shy to even hold the microphone or too scared to face the audience. The rest “almost died” of nervousness. Immediately, Butch Albarracin saw the need to establish a training school.

         Thus, the Center for Pop Music Philippines was born in 1984.

        Through research and experience, Albarracin developed and introduced anew training curriculum in pop singing specializing in voice and stage performance development. It stressed the need to overcome shyness to achieve confidence.

        An unconventional way of coaching and training called “Student Buddies” was also introduced. The training concept of the Center for Pop Music Philippines revolutionized voice lessons and departed from the usual, traditional cubicle type, one-on-one singing lessons.

        Singing classes were made more exciting and enjoyable. A stage was set up, in the studio. Sound system and spotlights were installed and the guests (composing a friendly audience) are allowed to watch. “It’s like a musical festival of some sort where my child is the star even she’s just starting to learn how to sing”, observed a parent.

        The very first studio was a garage of the Albarracin residence. Butch had to bring out the cars to give way to the class and bring them in the evening after the class. From the “garage studio”, the Center for Pop Music Philippines has now sprouted to 18 braches with extension classes in several schools in Metro manila.

        From the first class in 1984, the training was conducted with passion to bring out the best of every student. It has succeeded in training unknown individuals to become today’s singing stars like Sarah Geronimo, Erik Santos, Rachelle Ann Go, Nina, Nyoy Volante, King, Josh Santana, Roselle Nava, Dessa, Geneva Cruz, Cooky Chua, 5 Kim of Miss Saigon, Sandara Park, etc.

more>>