2008 – Page 9 – All Articles

Classical Singer readers who are also voice teachers share their thoughts on their chosen profession.

For singers great and small, pedagogy is the key that can unlock the voice to its fullest potential, from proper breath support to alignment, space, and placement. Understanding and implementing the physiological process involved in healthy singing isn’t always easy, however. This series aims to explore the many theories and methods behind vocal pedagogy from some of the most sought-after and highly acclaimed experts on the subject. We begin by tackling one of the most problematic areas many singers encounter on their paths to understanding vocal pedagogy: the passaggio.

Summer is a wonderful time to read. More daylight and more garbage on television may inspire you to pick up a book. Biographies, histories, or books of opera anecdotes make great reading for singers, but the novel is a particularly wonderful way to examine the interior life of being a singer. Here’s a book report on three classics.

Master teacher William "Bill" Neill came to teaching after a 40-year career as a singer. Read how his years of experience in the studio and on the stage continue to bless the lives of singers

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In the third and final installment of this series, Cindy Sadler shows you how to make sure your final performance is well-publicized, a great fund-raising opportunity, and an all-around huge success. She also shows you how to write a memorable cover letter, gives assignments for improving your overall image for the fall audition season, and much more.

Laying claim to an almost 30-year career as a soprano is no small feat, and Sylvia McNair boasts just such a résumé. Now teaching at Indiana University, she can also add “professor” to her long list of credits. Read how she has done it, including how she made the decision to leave opera behind, reinventing herself along the way.

In previous articles we’ve taken you through blogs and MySpace. This month Classical Singer’s one-woman
“geek squad” introduces you to the podcast.

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Martha Bartz Mezzo-soprano Charlotte, N.C. Please tell our readers about your career highlights so far. After a successful 24-year career in international transportation sales and marketing and software development, while

Tell us how we’re doing. Tell us about the articles that have helped you and articles you’d like to read. We would like to publish your comments, received either by e-mail at editorial@classicalsinger.com or in the mail at P.O. Box 1710, Draper, UT 84020.

I have long had an intense fear of flying—so much so that for years I simply didn’t do it. After overcoming my fear enough to actually fly, flights have always