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Gerald Finley is one of the most accomplished and celebrated baritones of our time. His track record is impressive: Grammy for Best Opera Recording 2012 (Dr. Atomic), multiple award-winning performances on CD and DVD and a wide-ranging repertoire of roles performed in major opera houses. Finley is equally at ease performing Handel, Wagner, Tchaikowsky, Verdi or Adams. His mark on the art song and Lieder repertoire has been equally profound with several iconic recordings that now set the standard for the genre. It seems as though everything he touches turns to gold.

In my experience as a professional pianist, vocalist and educator, I have found that one of the weakest links in the vocalist community is a lack of functional keyboard skills.  This deficiency creates a huge handicap for singers and educators, keeping them from positions as section leaders, music directors and teachers.  In the post-pandemic world, singers are going to need as many tools as possible in their toolkit to carve out a livelihood.  

There are many questions to ask when selecting crossover material. Read on for
tips for the best possible start.

emind us of your experience with winning the CS Music Vocal Competition back in 2012, and what was the most important lesson you learned by participating in the competition? I

A new publication focuses on the five major vocal systems and works to identify technical challenges and provide corrective measures.

n December I had the pleasure of teaching a Masterclass on Social Media & Marketing for the CS Music Masterclass Series. To kick off the new year and this new

When conversing with Chrystal E. Williams, it’s difficult not to get swept up into a whirlwind of infectious energy. It radiates through her fiery eyes, broad smile, and larger-than-life personality as she joyfully reflects on what music has meant in her life, her faith, her family, and her will to make the world a better place through singing.

y love for music began at an early age when my grandfather would play opera recordings on Saturday mornings. At the time, I had no idea what these individuals were

As we face the uncertainty of this cold season, continue to strive for good health in yourself and for those around you.

s a budding musicologist, I remember my Intro to Music History professor lecturing on the birth of Art Song in the beginning of the 19th century. She tied it to