Spotlight On YAFies: Maya Yeatman-Biggs

Maya Yeatman-Biggs
RAW A Cappella Team Singer

When did you discover your love of singing?
During my first production, Come Fly with Me Jr., when I was six. I remember loving the feeling of being part of the ensemble, singing with others and being on stage.
 
You’ve been part of the RAW A Cappella Team for several years. What drew you back to the programme?
The amazing people and community. Even though I didn’t have much singing experience in the beginning, the RAW team was always so welcoming and inclusive. I’ve met so many great people that I’m still in touch with. The older, more experienced members would always help me whenever I was stuck, so I really cherished working with them. Astrid, our vocal coach, is amazing. She taught me how to widen my vocal range and perform beatbox, and also how to write a cappella arrangements – which I now do for the a cappella group that I founded at my school. 
 
The challenge of singing a cappella is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s so exciting to learn how to match your timbre and sound quality to everyone else’s and find a good harmony, and to rely solely on your voice to produce sounds. Through RAW, I learned to be a better listener, performer and singer.
 
What was your most unforgettable experience/favourite songs with RAW?
My favourite songs are Circle of Life and What About Us. My most unforgettable memory is being backstage before a performance, jamming with the team, improvising our own a cappella songs, making up harmonies together. No pressure, just pure fun and joy. That, to me, is the essence of the RAW spirit.

Do you prefer singing with accompaniment or a cappella? Why?
I definitely prefer singing a cappella. There’s an incredibly tight group feeling because you’re constantly listening to other people’s parts, matching each other’s timbres and sound qualities. It’s all about adjusting to one another in real time, and that brings us closer together.

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How do you practise and improve your singing skills?
I never skip warm-ups. You don't want to hurt your vocal cords. Even just simple lip trills, sirens and hums help activate your diaphragm and vocal cords. My favourite warm-up tongue twister for singing is “My mother makes me mash my mini M&M’s on a Monday morning, ooh-ah.” Try singing that fast! Then I do some technique exercises, like sustaining pitch or transitioning between chest and head voice. I also use an online keyboard to help find the correct pitch, and record every singing practice on my phone – it’s a quick way to hear your bad habits like breathiness or rushed tempo.
 
You’ve also taken part in several HKYAF musical productions. What are your audition tips?
The first thing is to be well prepared. Memorise your lyrics so you can bring your unique personality and take to the song, rather than merely singing from a piece of paper. That will also help you feel more confident! During the days before the audition, I perform in front of my family or record myself. That way I can see how I actually do, get feedback and get used to having an audience watching me. You can also try performing in front of a few friends, or even your dog!

During the actual audition, don’t stop if you mess up, just breathe and keep going. Your mistakes are only noticeable if you make them obvious, so stay confident! Remember to take your time before you sing. Plant your feet, take a few breaths, get into the zone, and start when you’re ready. Trust yourself, and you’ll do great!
 
How do you destress the night before?
Honestly, I treat it like a normal day – just make sure you get a good night’s rest! In the morning, I like to do some gentle stretching – basic movements to loosen up my body and relax my mind.
 
What advice do you have for anyone hesitant about auditioning?
It’s normal to be hesitant because it’s a new experience and you may be worried about being critiqued. Just remember that auditions are not about being perfect, but about how you adapt, and how you work in a group, which is what a cappella is all about. You’re auditioning to show yourself, to gain more experience and to learn!