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The ARC of Auditioning is a new monthly column offering behind-the-scenes insight from a seasoned casting director. With practical wisdom and candid reflection, Duncan Steward will bridge the gap between classical/conservatory training and the real-world audition process.

I’ll be honest, I started teaching voice the way a lot of people start teaching voice: I found myself with a MM and at a year-long YAP, I didn’t have a ton of time or work experience except singing and knew that I could make a little extra cash teaching voice.

Similarly, there are artists who give “perfect” performances and those who give “excellent” performances. Technically, these performers might be at the same level, but the experience they offer is like night and day. That’s because perfectionism and excellence come from completely different places and lead to completely different outcomes. 

One of the most prolific and admired living American composers, Dr. Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork III, continues to write music that is thrilling, poignant, and introspective. It was my honor to visit with him in early April. 

Internationally acclaimed soprano and Eastman faculty member Nicole Cabell will conduct a masterclass at the CS Convention on Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 AM. I visited with Ms. Cabell in April to talk about her approach to masterclasses and our conversation took some interesting turns.

Telly describes what it’s like to have a role built on him, and shares reflections on his experiences working with iconic living (and recently living) composers Stephen Schwartz and Stephen Sondheim.

Soprano Penelope Shumate shares her experiences in multi-genre singing, as well as her approach to balancing performing and teaching.

I am no psychic, but I am willing to bet I can recall a moment from your past. It’s Thanksgiving. You’re about to dive into a glorious pile of mashed potatoes when your mom’s cousin leans over and says, “So… how’s that singing thing going?”

Every year, the CS Music Convention gathers aspiring singers, industry professionals, and seasoned artists in a dynamic space dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering career growth. This highly anticipated event provides young artists with unparalleled opportunities to learn from and connect with esteemed professionals who have paved the way in the classical music industry. Among the distinguished mentors at this year’s convention is the legendary soprano Carol Vaness.

Our conversation was wide-ranging yet moored to the topic of working with students. In part one of this two-part profile on Leung, we’ll focus on Telly’s most recent work with students, with an eye toward how he hopes to engage with singers at the convention later this month. But first, a little bit more on NYC born and raised Telly Leung.

Sensorium Ex is a groundbreaking new opera by Paola Prestini that explores the intersection of AI, disability, and the arts, redefining what it means to have a voice. Premiering at the Common Senses Festival in Omaha in May 2025, the work features a predominantly disabled cast, including a nonverbal, non-ambulatory lead, and integrates cutting-edge AI tools to enhance creative expression for nonverbal individuals.

I recently had the pleasure of performing with Mobile Opera in their production of Ghosts of Gatsby. Scott Wright, Mobile Opera’s General & Artistic Director, took some time to share with me some of the amazing things this company is doing for our industry, as well as tips for singers with the precariousness of work.