Dear Editor: My husband (a voice teacher at several community colleges) and I both loved Annette Nauraine’s article, “How to Be a Good Student.” May we post it publicly where we teach? Thank you to Ms. Naurine and the CS staff for this and the many other wonderfully informative articles, especially those that take on the big hairy scary issues (like vocal problems) that we singers are reluctant to discuss.
—Grace H Gori, Kensington, MD
We’re glad the article was helpful. Articles in Classical Singer may be posted publicly at any time without requesting permission. The only time permission is needed is when you desire to reproduce or reprint an article. Our policy is that David Wood will need to be contacted at dwood@classicalsinger.com. Permission is almost always granted as long as no profit is going to be made and the the words “reprinted by permission of Classical Singer magazine” appears on the reprint. If profit is going to be generated, different arrangements will be made individually with Mr. Wood. (I’ve passed on your comments to Ms. Nauraine.)
—Editor
Dear Editor: I find your magazine informative, well organized and also very varied regarding the information provided. The website is also a definite bonus.
—Name Withheld, Wapakoneta, OH
Dear Editor: I love the “new” updated format and look of your magazine. Besides the crucial audition and contest information, the articles and interviews are wonderful and helpful to all of us as classical singers. The articles pertaining to health issues affecting the singer’s voice are most helpful. I would like to see more information on aging and how it can affect the voice. How do truly great singers like Carlo Bergonzi, Placido Domingo, etc. sustain such long-term careers? Besides their incredible technique, what have they done to keep their voices “young” and strong? I believe such longevity requires tremendous discipline in the singer’s lifestyle, including lots of rest when not performing. But I also wonder if one’s fears grow over the years as the body and the voice go through life’s changes. Would this shake a singer’s belief in his or her own talent? As we age—are the changes that tend to hinder our voices physical or emotional? Or is it both? And, how can one best overcome these obstacles?
—Lucille Fisa, New York, NY
We are continuing to look into the issue of age, particularly as it affects the female voice. It is a huge project, and it is difficult to find drug companies lining up to do the research. The difficult factor involved is that there has been little scientific research done beyond that of Dr. Jean Abitbol. Grant money is needed. All the variables need to be pinned down such as all the different methods of HRT, herbal remedies, or going cold turkey. A group of excellent professional singers who have stellar careers and who would be willing to participate in the study would have to be found. (You’d need singers with proven technique to make sure singers in the study wouldn’t be blaming aging for what are really poor habits.) Can you see why this is beyond the scope of just one article? We have one writer assigned to it and have found several people interested in researching it, but as you can see, the project is going to take much, much more than one magazine can do.
—Editor
Dear Editor: I would like to see a special emphasis on auditions, both solo & chorus, that do not exclude singers who live outside the geographical area. There is a ton of talent available.
—Joseph Sundstom, Carlsbad, CA
You are voicing the concerns of singers everywhere. Unfortunately, opera companies do not feel the same way as singers. It is not a singer’s market. It is the exact reason CS magazine continues to push singers to find their own markets. Make your own work. Month after month we bring you ideas to make your own opportunities. Keep watching and looking for opportunities. The more you put yourself out there, the more the companies will see you working. You need to get noticed.
—Editor
Dear Editor: I think Classical Singer is a great magazine for people in the field of classical vocal arts. It is practical and really gets to the essentials. I have one concern that personal information about singers should not become “gossipy.”
—Lorraine Christensen, New York, NY
We share the same concern. My dictionary defines gossip as: 1. Rumor or talk of a personal, sensational, or intimate nature. 2. A person who habitually spreads intimate or private rumors or facts. 3. Trivial, chatty talk or writing. I guess I’m not clear on how Classical Singer is veering towards any of those definitions. We are very careful to leave out personal details that may be harmful to singer’s lives or careers, checking with them before printing anything. The issue on abuse was very carefully worded and no names were mentioned to avoid harming reputations.
—Editor
Dear Editor: I’d like to comment on the letter from soprano Kristina B. Valcarce. I, too, am highly disappointed to learn that Metropolitan Opera National Council has lowered the age for auditions. I wasn’t able to apply this year, so I won’t be able to compete at all with this change. It’s frustrating that because of age one is barred from resident artist programs and competitions. I came late to classical music being a privately trained singer, and only in the last couple of years has my voice slowly begun to come into its own. I am soon to be 32 years young (I don’t consider myself in any way old), and the opportunities for someone who comes late to this part of the music world grow slimmer and slimmer. I’d like to know, if someone out there can please tell me, why are these discriminating age limits in place? Kristina B. Valcarce is completely correct when she says that many artists’ voices are “nowhere near ready at age 30. “The people seeking young talent shouldn’t allow a mere number to dictate who they do and don’t allow to audition or compete.
—Marie La Place, via e-mail
And they are quite serious about those new age limits. They ignored the older contestants. The winners? Alyson Cambridge 23(!) Michael Maniaci, 26, Christina Pier, 28, and Christian Van Horn, 24. It reminds me of a friend who wowed the judges at the Met competition one year only to lose. When she talked to one of the judges later she was told that she lost because she was too old. Flabbergasted, she said, “But I’m within the age limits set by the Met!” The judge told her, “But WE don’t agree with the age limits.”
—Editor
Dear Editor: Fabulous articles, always timely & relevant. Probably the best resource (on the current state of classical singing) that’s out there.
—Dr. Ruth Christensen, Provo UT
Dear Editor: I like the improved focus on the practicality of starting a career.
—Susan Sevier, Washington DC
