Well-trained singers know how to recognize over-singing. Younger singers often fall prey to the temptation to blast away, thinking volume and power equal impressive singing. Learning to recognize this tendency—in both your own voice and the voices of those you teach—can make the difference in achieving long-term, healthy vocal production.
Amidst the clanging of cable cars and spontaneous hallway vocalizing, the Sir Francis Drake Hotel played host to this year’s Classical Singer Convention. Once again, CS offered valuable artistic and practical information for singers, while helping to build—what some might say is antithetical to the competitive arena of classical singing—a sense of community. In case you weren’t among the 175 attendees at this year’s ProSeries portion of the convention, here are a few tidbits of wisdom culled from the three days of masterclasses and presentations.
Mimi Lerner faced her share of difficulties, from escaping Nazi Poland as a child to an 11-year bout with cancer that ultimately proved fatal. To the end she remained deeply committed to her voice students, her solo career, and her family. Mimi’s husband, son, and students share their memories of this truly remarkable wife, mother, teacher, singer, and friend.
Vladimir Chernov’s illustrious career as one of the world’s most renowned baritones has spanned more than 25 years. Chernov has dedicated his life to music, has striven to perfect his craft, and is now sharing what he has learned with his UCLA students. In this edition of Classical Singer, Chernov’s colleagues talk about the road he traveled to become a university professor, his students talk about his gift of communication, and Chernov reminisces about his life, his career, and the technique he is passing on to future generations.
Continuing in the tradition of years past, the third annual AudComps drew first-rate talent from every corner. Read about the event, the winners, and how you can take advantage of this terrific opportunity in New York City in May 2008.
Read about the experiences of more than 300 high school students, teachers, parents, and university faculty in San Francisco at this year’s annual High School Competition and College Expo.
Every singer or voice teacher has faced the task of blending the registers by working through the passaggio or “lift point,” in either their own voice or the voices of the singers they teach. For a slightly different take on the topic, read CS’ resident physician’s medical insights on the passaggio.
Continuing our financial series, this month read about how to spend less for the purchases you need most. By putting the money you’re saving aside, you’ll ensure that you have the needed cash for the things that matter most.
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A voice teacher is the most important person on your team (other than you) and choosing the right one can make or break your career. In this, the first part of a two-part article, Cindy Sadler takes you through the steps for finding a teacher that’s right for you.
As William Shakespeare said, “The eyes are the gateway of the soul.” Suzanne Jackson continues her series on the chakras with some helpful information about the sixth chakra, located in the head behind the eyes. Learn how balancing this chakra can help you gain a clearer vision of yourself, your current life, and your future.
