September 2007

From a rigorous schedule to late night study sessions, long hours in the practice room, and evening rehearsals, the life of a college music student presents a myriad of challenges, one of which is staying healthy. For the college singer- student, maintaining good health is even
more important. Here’s Dr. Jahn with some sound advice for keeping the doctor away.

Mark Lamanna has enjoyed a varied career, including years of dance training at the Joffrey Ballet School and Balanchine’s School of American Ballet in New York City, as well as a stint performing on Broadway. Now Lamanna dedicates his time to stage directing, inspiring singers to give their all in communicating and expressing the meaning of the music. In this Classical Singer exclusive, Lamanna shares how he teaches singers to trust their own impulses, why he thinks musical theatre and opera aren’t so different after all, and the importance of living in the now.

With audition notices pouring in, colleges asking for prescreenings, and a growing number of competitions holding their initial rounds by CD, it might be time for a new demo. Want to stand out from the crowd? New York City’s Gurari Studios offers a fresh new option for the singer looking for an edge: an orchestra.

Tell us how we’re doing. Tell us about the articles that have helped you and articles you’d like to read. We would like to publish your comments, received either by e-mail at editorial@classicalsinger.com or in the mail at P.O. Box 1710, Draper, UT 84020.

From her inspiring singing on the operatic stage and, her charismatic personality and charm shared on the television screen, to her keen business sense off the stage, Beverly Sills left an indelible mark on the world of opera.

What happens when you combine talent and a great product with a strong determination and creative marketing? Thirteen productions of your opera at 13 different universities. Sound remarkable? It is, and composer Joseph Turrin shares how he made it happen.

In this final article exploring the seven chakras, learn about the crown chakra. Opening and balancing this chakra can help you live in the present with an empowering sense of quiet strength and confidence.

Along with her many triumphs on stage, Ruth Ann Swenson has recently triumphed offstage in a recent battle with breast cancer. In this Classical Singer exclusive, Swenson shares how she managed to keep
singing through her recent serious health scare and how the man who is both her husband and vocal coach remains a constant support in her singing and personal life. She also gives sound advice to singers on staying healthy, learning to say no, and following your heart.

After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2007 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2007-2008.This month, read about soprano Aimée Puentes and baritone Jason Detwiler from the Professional Division.

What type of school should you attend for your undergrad and grad degrees? What do you do after you finish your degree? How do you face the uncertainties of a singing profession? In her quarterly column, world-renowned soprano Ana María Martinez addresses these and other questions posed to her by singers. If you have a question you’d like Ms. Martinez to address in a future column, e-mail your question to editorial@classicalsinger.com.

Learning to sing often means learning to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, self-perceptive, and much more. Can these important skills help us find success in other areas of our life? One singer and researcher decided to find out, and shares what she’s learned in this five-part series.

Planning and preparing for your student recital can be a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to be. Turn it in to something incredible—both to prepare and perform—by following Shirlee Emmons’ excellent advice. From securing a place and date and selecting the right repertoire to wearing the perfect outfit, find everything you need to know for pulling off a wonderfully successful recital.