The online forums are perfect cages for the exhibition of mental imbalance. There is so much meanness, pettiness, insult, and defensiveness. How did so many teachers and singers become so nasty? There is so much pain and fear evident in these places.
Category: professionalism
The Private Voice Studio Association – Stay or Go?
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. (author unknown) Private voice lessons are a special opportunity for teacher and student. They can offer much learning and growth, or a pleasant diversion from the rest of life, […]
29 Year Old Soprano, No Roles, What’s Wrong?
Recently on a discussion forum a young soprano wrote that she has come to the realization that she is aging out of the typical career path for a young classical singer. Many of us know this crossroads place. She said that she needs “to work out… where my exact weaknesses lie.” Here is my response: […]
What to sing for auditions?
There is no “perfect song”. However, there are many, many excellent choices. The purpose of an audition is to show the listeners the best of what you can do vocally, and that you can communicate. That’s it. Whether you are castable is in the minds of the panel. Let’s talk about what your audition should […]
Finding your way back – every day
I am generally a good practicer. Not always as much as I’d like, but I’m fairly regular. Sometimes I’ll start vocalizing and not liking how I’m singing, but I know that if I keep going, with intelligent principles and kindness to myself, I start to sound better. I’ll get to a point where I think, […]
The business is always changing
I have been following several discussions lately about the nature of “the business”. People rue the passing of the old ways and the coming of new ways that seem to work against us. But it has always been thus. In the mid-1800s, Wagner took opera in a new direction that mystified the Italians. A whole […]
Are singers really bad at rhythm?
Some instrumentalists claim that singers have lousy rhythm. Some say that singers are sloppy musicians and don’t pay attention to details. Why do they say that? Are singers really deficient when it comes to observing accurate rhythm? I have worked with singers as an accompanist and coach for many years, and I have seen again […]
I’m tired – should I go to my lesson?
Yes, you should. Unless you have a contagious illness or some kind of injury, you should follow through with your appointment for a couple of reasons. That’s what performers (people) of integrity do. If they are able to sing, they sing when they have agreed to sing. Learning how to perform when you aren’t feeling […]
Teachers Learning from Teachers
Yesterday I attended a master class with a friend of mine who is also a teacher. The four students were all age 16 or 17, the two boys singing musical theatre songs, and the two girls singing art songs. Having a colleague to discuss it with was very enjoyable and added to the learning experience. […]
The Gateway Between Practice and Performance
Developing an excellent technique is very important. It makes singing easier, gives you more choices, extends the length of your career, and makes you feel capable and confident. I love studying technique, talking about it, applying it, and seeing it in action in others. However, there is a skill that performers need that is more […]
Disasters, Debacles, or, You’re kidding, right?
Talking with a dear friend last night about no-win situations in the workplace got me to thinking about some of my favorite musical disaster stories. #1 The Oblivious Symphony of Connecticut When I was 22 I learned about a principal flute vacancy with an orchestra near where I was living. It was a union job, […]
"Because of me, or in spite of me" and bad gigs
My dad was a teacher in my high school. Since there were only two English teachers for grades 7-12 in my district, it was unavoidable that I have him in several classes. I think he was my teacher for Speech, American Literature, and one of the basic junior high courses, but I don’t exactly remember. […]