January 2006 – Page 2

Summer programs can offer marvelous opportunities to hone your skills, try those skills out on stage, and make valuable contacts helpful to your career. But with so many programs to choose from, and with more starting up each year, finding the right program—the one that will give you the most bang for your buck—can be tough! Being a good consumer is the key. Here are some helpful hints.

Winter is upon us, and often, with the stress of the holiday season over, illness sets in! Don’t let winter slow you down vocally this year. Here’s Dr. Jahn, with everything you need to know to stay healthy until the blessed spring thaw.

Erda, the erstwhile earth goddess, shares her practical knowledge and words of wisdom with all who inquire. This month, she shares her wisdom on how to handle a name change and dealing with gaps in your résumé. If you have a question for Erda, write to editorial@classicalsinger.com.

Truly a modern-day renaissance man, José Cura continues to astound audiences, whether it’s from the podium or the stage. A self-described “rebel,” Mr. Cura has done things his way, from starting his own management and recording company to being a self-taught singer. He shares with CS readers how being an athlete before becoming a singer has influenced his view of singing, what he does to ensure that he does more than parent his two children via the phone, and what type of music he prefers to compose.

Ever heard the old adage, “Singing is 99 percent thinking?” If that’s true, then how effectively a singer uses the mind can be critical—but often emotions, thoughts, worry, and stress can clutter the mind. Consider this discussion of how singers can use meditation to improve their quality of life and their singing!

Transport yourself back in time to Honolulu, Hawaii on Feb. 11, 1854.

Why Do So Many Singers Gain Weight? A research study conducted by Dr. Peter Osin of London’s Royal Marsden Hospital says that the mere act of singing may predispose the

Lieder, perhaps more than other vocal music, require a complete understanding of the text for a truly great performance. Use this expert’s unique approach to guide your own interpretation of German art song.

Each month CS highlights one of its readers. If you’d like to take Center Stage in an upcoming issue of Classical Singer, visit www.classicalsinger.com/magazine/center_stage/. Tell us about yourself, and upload a picture. We want to know about you!