Dear Editor: I’m enjoying the articles on what singers who are still in good voice can do to create their own roads to “success.” I’ve had a hard time coming to terms with not having that once-hoped-for career, but I know when I sing in public I’ve always been buoyed by the sincere and positive responses, one of which is: “Why don’t we hear you more?”
—Sherie Helstien, Roosevelt Island, NY
Well, Sherie, I’m going to ask you the same question: Why don’t we hear you more?! It sounds as if you are asking the question of yourself! I hope you will take advantage of a CS marketing workshop when it comes to your area again and figure out ways to get out there and sing!
It’s hard for most singers to come to terms with the post-35 panic attack that screams: “I’m never going to sing at La Scala!” Take comfort in the fact that you are in a huge family of singers who feel the same way. Classical Singer is trying to change this situation with our marketing workshops: We want to see an army of men and women out there singing again!
The world needs more music. There’s no reason anymore for you to be singing so infrequently that people are asking you that question, unless something is wrong—and that doesn’t seem to be your case! —Editor
Dear Editor: Keep up the fabulous work!!!
—Leonora McClernan, Jackson Heights, NY
Dear Editor: CS is great. I read October’s Letters to the Editor and noticed what one person said about more articles directed towards men. You replied that he should submit some article ideas. I am a young tenor and in the past submitted a couple of ideas, but you never responded or wrote back. I always have ideas for different articles.
Being a high school student currently studying in the Juilliard Pre-College, I think it would be great if you did a couple of articles directed towards high school classical singers. Also, I suggested an article about Carreras and how he has stayed out of the spotlight ever since his cancer, his devotion to his foundation. I don’t expect you to post this long letter in the magazine but I would like a response if possible. Keep up the good work.
—Robert, via e-mail
Thanks for writing. I’m sorry if I missed your article ideas! I try to keep article ideas on file—so it looks like I made a mistake in your case!
Currently, we are putting together an enormous College Fair for high school students, which will be held next summer in conjunction with our 2005 Classical Singer Convention at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.
Carreras is someone I’ve wanted to feature for a long time. He’s a hard one to reach—but we’ll keep trying. Thanks for reminding me.
Do me a favor: Let us know about the major concerns you and your musical friends have. Send me the questions, and I will find the answers! The College Fair will feature workshops for high school singers as well, so I want to make sure we cover all the bases.
Classical Singer also is coming out with a book just for high schoolers, to help them with college choices. It should be out in April. On the subject of the magazine not meeting your concerns, read the complaint below. I think you’ll see that the magazine is really geared to you, too! You just have to look! —Editor
Dear Editor: I am a 64- (well almost) year-old bass-baritone lawyer with a singing (not exercise) range from low E to F-sharp—the G is coming. Not seeing a lot of opportunity in 1960, when I had to make a decision, I returned to college and stopped singing for nearly 40 years.
Now I am semi-retired, and about five years ago, I renewed weekly lessons with a coach who has corrected the faulty technique learned and distorted from 45 years ago, and has restored—rather created—a good, vibrant range through the F-sharp. My German is good, my Italian not bad and getting better. French? …maybe in a couple of years. But no one, I MEAN NO ONE, will listen to a CD or to me in person.
I saw nothing in your publication that was useful to me or to anyone in my situation. I figure I have at least 20 good years ahead of me, and short a car wreck, maybe more. I am flat-out tired of hearing about young singer programs that I have helped pay for. It is time for those of us who are not yet buried to be heard, especially since we worked to make the venues available for the current crop.
I originally subscribed to the magazine so I could advertise gigs and recruit singers for a chamber chorus I organized. Not seeing anything useful in the publication for what the world seems to consider a relic, if let the subscription lapse.
—Name Withheld, via e-mail
I hope you mean your range is more than a major second! OK, it sounds like a great range! But I’ve been charged—and I think I need to plead my case before the court!
On the first charge, you’ll be glad to know that Classical Singer has not sponsored a single program that you have paid for. The workshops are self-sustaining. I hope that puts your mind to rest. Actually, the programs are not just for young artists; singers of all ages attend, and the marketing workshop would be perfect for you—but more on that later.
If you think no one will listen to your CD or to you, I can only surmise that you haven’t been reading our e-mails or the magazine! You just haven’t found your market yet. One example: We have a competition at the convention for singers over 40, and the winner of that competition was in a situation quite like yours, where he had come back to singing after being away for a while. [See the July 2004 issue.]
As to the magazine not catering to the needs of older singers, I think you need to look again. October’s issue included the following articles that would apply to you:
Alan Titus’ story (p. 56) is inspiring, plus he talks about technique for your exact voice type. Dr. Jahn (p. 14) talks about posture and the effect on the voice. This has universal applicability. I’ve been using it with my own singing and all my students. Second Chances (p. 16) talks about coming out of discouragement and finding meaning in being a singer. That applies to singers on all levels. I’m sorry for being personal but it is obvious from your letter that you are dealing with discouragement about being a singer.
Page 21 features Orlando Opera, but more than that, it’s the story of a man who found a way to make luck come his way. In your situation, this seems like exactly what you need. Page 24 has a singer who was having trouble finding work, so she went to a career adviser, who helped her create work where none existed. This is exactly what I would advise you to do! Study this story, and perhaps have a session with a career advisor and come up with a plan.
You are not dead in the water—no singer is. That’s what these marketing workshops are all about. Vocal hemorrhage (p. 31) is a good warning to singers on all levels. Intelligent practice? Could you find tips there? I did.
Obstacles to landing a job? It doesn’t sound like you are on that track right now so I agree that this article is not helpful now, and “Call Reluctance” is on the same track. Save those for when you’ve got your marketing plans in place. A man who is your age wrote the humorous article on Wagner, which showed another side of the business that we don’t always think about. Then there is the article on some new songs by Puccini. (Obviously, I can’t say whether you like to sing Puccini!)
My point is, we work very hard to keep the magazine relevant to all our readers, and I think I proved my case! What’s the verdict?
—Editor
