Brian Manternach

American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato continues to be one of the most sought-after singers of our time. But in addition to her work on the stage, she is also becoming one of the most sought-after educators in the business. Her teaching moments in masterclasses and commencement addresses have gone viral. And in her very personal blog on her website, as well as in this Classical Singer
exclusive interview, she reaches beyond the stage to take on the social questions of our time.

Sharon L. Stohrer shares the techniques that helped her overcome her struggles with performance anxiety. Learn more about both the author and her book, The Performer’s Companion: A Guide to Conquering Performance Anxiety.

Matthew Hoch discusses his book, a dictionary that offers standard definitions for modern singers. And then some.

In her book, The Modern Castrato, Patricia Howard explores the career and life of castrato Gaetano Guadagni.

The second book in the So You Want to Sing series aims to get your voice rockin’ and rollin’.

A new series of books hopes to shed light on the techniques needed to sing in styles outside of the classical genres.
Arguably, the most uncomfortable part of the learning process arises when new information conflicts with previously held beliefs. When this occurs, we are forced to make a decision: change direction (enthusiastically or begrudgingly), remain skeptical until thoroughly convinced, or simply resist, dismiss, and stick to your guns.

Soprano Lise Lindstrom grew up in a musical family, and yet it took some time before her passion for classical music really took hold. But Lindstrom has never done things the usual way—for example, there are no big YAPs on her résumé. Instead, patience, timing, and the right people at the right moments coupled with lots of hard work and perseverance have been the keys to Lindstrom’s success. For the past 10 years, she has been singing Princess Turandot all over the world. But she used to wonder if her career would ever get off the ground.

After a surprising dismissal from Covent Garden, soprano Jennifer Rowley is blazing ahead.

Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard’s skyrocketing career began in the city most singers consider a destination. Yet even while growing up in the Met’s shadow, Leonard didn’t know for certain that she would end up on its stage. Blessed with a level-headed mother who helped her keep things in perspective, Leonard followed her voice wherever it would lead her. Now that voice—after years of hard work, training, and lots of determination—continues to take her around the world.

There are no more baritones, just boy singers. Female singers can belt to a high D, but above that it’s really a controlled scream. Intrigued? Read on for even more insight into the pedagogical world of musical theatre singing.

Mezzo soprano Jamie Barton grew up in Georgia listening to anything and everything but classical music. She found her classical voice and love of opera in a bout of teenage rebellion. Influential teachers she describes as true pedagogues led her to a 2007 win of the National Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and subsequent roles at many major opera houses. Now, after her recent win at the BBC’s Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, Barton reflects on the influences that led to her early success.

Legendary bass Samuel Ramey began his operatic training at Wichita State University. Now decades later, after an international career for the record books, Ramey is returning to where it all began, this time as teacher rather than student. Find out what led him to approach WSU about a professorship, what WSU did to make his teaching position possible, and how faculty and students feel about the new addition to their teaching staff.