By KATHERINE MICHALETS - GM Today Staff 

February 2, 2008

Meggie Moyer, 14, from Delafield, sings during vocal lessons at Hartland Music in Hartland on Tuesday. Moyer, a freshman at Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, hopes to be a musician or teach music after high school.

HARTLAND - "American Idol" returned Jan. 15 for its seventh season, and its positive impacts are already being felt at Hartland Music, home to the Waukesha County Conservatory of Music.

"It is a real motivation for students, both for adults and kids," said Ellen McDonald, owner and president of Hartland Music.

She said currently there is a two-page waiting list for voice lessons, which she contributes partly to the hit television show.

"American Idol" returned as the nation’s most popular television series this month, but with 7 million fewer viewers than the 2007 season premiere. The debut was seen by 33.4 million viewers, down 11 percent from the 37.4 million who watched the first show, according to preliminary ratings by Nielsen Media Research.

McDonald said "American Idol" opens up a new repertoire of music to viewers, and as a result, the store sells a lot of sheet music that coordinates with the winning songs.

Sandy Ryan, owner of Music Dynamic of Sussex, also said the show has caused more people to take voice lessons.

"We get more young people (who are) interested," said Ryan, who used to teach voice lessons.

Ryan said the last two seasons of "American Idol" have inspired the increased number of people to come to her business wanting voice lessons.

Although Ryan watches "American Idol," there are several aspects of the show with which she disagrees.

"‘American Idol’ makes it look magical," she said. "It’s a little deceiving to a young person."

Ryan also pointed out that the show misuses music vocabulary and exploits people who have a dream but don’t have musical talent.

McDonald also has similar criticisms.

"I’m not fond of the negative comments of the show," she said, but added, "I’m a fan of the concept. I think it’s a great concept."

Jessica Franz, 28, a 1998 graduate of Waukesha West High School who now lives in Milwaukee, said she got a new perspective on the show when she tried out for it this past August in Philadelphia.

"I’ve decided not to watch it. It’s not what I thought it was," Franz said.

She said she came away from the audition realizing that "American Idol" is truly a reality show and that the real competition doesn’t begin until only 10 contestants are left.

Franz said she waited 17 hours for a 10-second audition.

"It was intense and it was very competitive. Everyone to your left and to your right was your competition," she said.

The decision to audition in Philadelphia came after a lot of pressure from friends and family to try out, Franz said.

"My expectations were pretty low. I didn’t walk in there with the expectation of being the next Carrie Underwood," Franz said, referring to a past American Idol winner.

Franz said she’d consider auditioning for the show again next summer if it could be done as a day trip.

Currently, Franz is keeping busy with her nine-piece brass band called Caught in the Act.

McDonald said Hartland Music has sponsored three "Delafield Idol" events and she along with other staff members have been judges and coaches.

If a person is inspired by "American Idol," McDonald recommends voice lessons, "to work with a coach or instructor to learn the proper techniques so you don’t hurt your voice," she said.

McDonald said taking voice lessons can help build confidence and improve public speaking skills.

"Always dream the best," she said to anyone who wishes to be a singer.

Ryan said singing often is a great way to improve.

" ... (F)ind every opportunity to sing if that’s what you want to do," she said. "Find those opportunities to learn, listen and sing."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Katherine Michalets can be reached at kmichalets@conleynet.com