Dear Editor: I am writing to say how offended I am by something in the article “Making the Move” [September 2006]. It’s all fine and good for those who choose to move to New York, but the blanket statement made by Mr. Schreiner that “[New Yorkers] are probably the best and the brightest” is so insulting to the rest of the country. The statement is true at times, but I would hazard to guess that that’s mostly not accurate. There are plenty of dedicated, talented, and amazingly successful classical singers out there that consciously made the choice to never live in New York. I am tired of being looked down upon by so-called “New York singers.” Please try to bring a balance to those not living in the city. We are just as important and involved in this business.
Thank you.
—Name withheld for fear of the wrath of New York singers, via e-mail
Dear Editor: As a longtime subscriber, classical singer, voice teacher, and “stage mom” I take exception to the stereotyping presented by Nicole Thompson in her article “Managing Stage Moms” [August 2006].
This stereotype no doubt exists, but in my experience it is a minority. Most of the mothers (and fathers, by the way!) of young voice students are respectful, cooperative and loving parents, and fellow music lovers. And quite a few, I might point out, subscribe to your magazine for their child’s sake.
Certainly, some parents may be overbearing and meddlesome and a few of the pointers in the article will come in handy for the beleaguered teacher, but I wish that Ms. Thompson had acknowledged the many contributions parents make to their child’s development. Encouraging an adversarial relationship towards the parents of young voice students, as she does in her article, is both unfair and counterproductive.
Perhaps teachers could be encouraged to find co-creative ways to manage parents’ enthusiasm, develop better communication skills, and even examine their own issues and weaknesses. We all are mirrors to each other, so it makes good sense to stay positive, holistic, and fair.
—Name Withheld, via e-mail
Ana Maria Martinez and Classical Singer Team Up
Classical Singer magazine is pleased to welcome world-renowned soprano Ana Maria Martinez as a contributing editor. Watch for her first column in Spring 2007. In the meantime, if you have a question for Ms. Martinez or a pressing issue you’d like her to address in her upcoming column, e-mail editorial@classicalsinger.com today. For more details about Ms. Martinez and her exciting career, see the November 2005 issue of Classical Singer.
