BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE - MICHAEL DE COSTA
 
I studied with Michael from 2005-2007 and in 2020 (on-and-off between lock downs)
 
In my taster session Michael told me about techniques, breathing and vibrations using muscles, the pharynx and diaphragm to produce sound (using a balloon to demonstrate the science).
 
He told me to relax, open my mouth and create sound - then he plonked out some scales on the piano and said “sing that, do this, don’t hold back, yes you can do it”.  He taught me the vowel sounds and include hints and tips on how to sing high notes 
 
He then told me about my voice, what I could do with it, what he could teach me how much it would cost.  I discovered more about myself in that session than I ever imagined and signed up for a block of 10 lessons.  I was more than impressed. 
 
My first concert was at York Guild Hall in 2005 - I sang A Policemen’s Lot from Pirates of Penzance and we had an almighty row about a vowel sound in the chorus.  I had bought a D’Oyly Carte audio CD, listened and practiced at home.
 
Michael told me to sing ‘Ah’, I had heard ‘Ay’ on the CD and asked ‘why’ ‘but’ ‘I don’t see why’… He said “This is NOT a democracy, it’s an autocracy - now DO IT”.
 
I respected that.
 
Some months later we were having a discussion about something and he came out with the line “I’m not always right but I’m never wrong”.  I never fully understood that but I grasped the meaning.
 
We chatted a lot about performing, family, friends, work and life in general - he always had a few minutes to listen to my woes, told me about some of his and gossiped like an old fishwife.
 
I thought his concerts were a bit ‘stiff’ with people walking on in formal dresses and suits, singing beautifully then turning around and leaving.  I bought plastic truncheons for the policemen in A Policeman’s Lot and asked if they could march in clumsily then bob up and down during the chorus.  They did it reluctantly, nervously and out-of-time but it brought movement, humour and some light relief at the end of act one.
 
It went down well with the audience - unfortunately, my VHS video recording no longer survives after my VHS player broke down.
 
I know the last few years were hard for Michael - even before Covid - but the time off allowed him to reflect.  We met up again after many years, went out for Fish & Chips and had a really good talk (he paid).
 
I was in a position to started singing lessons again and found he adjusted his rigid approach and started to teach (me anyway) to sing in a different way with new songs I wouldn’t have expected.  He didn’t explain himself but I knew it was because of recent events and his time reflecting. 
The academy closed, re-opened and closed again because of Covid and I decided to email and invite Michael out for the meal I owed him (no reply).  Then the news came that he had been unwell and died - I was about to say “I owe him a meal” but only now remembered that he owes me for a missed lesson (so we’re just about even).
 
I am joking because he was not only a teacher but also a mentor and good friend - he gave me a lot (far more than I can list here).  I like to think I helped to loosen him up a bit - on the inside, even though his body had stiffened up over the years. 
 
I know how hard running a business is, especially in the performing arts (show-business).  Very few performers survive un-scathed and the business side of ‘putting on a show is more than hard. 
 
I would like to spare a thought for Joan Sadler who was a good friend to Michael, the academy and all York’s theatre companies (amateur and professional) over many years and decades.  She helped them all and was always in the audience, clapping, smiling, encouraging the performers and supporting the companies and charities.
 
Joan died a few years ago, aged 80+.  I am not good with dates and times but have everything written down in diaries - just like Michael did.  I wonder if they have done their work and now is a good time to move on (they deserve a break).
 
Michael’s legacy is in his academy, colleagues, students and friends and we must all bless him and promise to ensure his legacy survives and grows locally, if not exactly to save the world.  We can all play our small parts and bring a little music, joy and love back into the world. 
 
I have no more to say - thank you and bless you Michael de Costa