September 2008 – All Articles

For financial, scholastic, or other reasons, not all singers start out at four-year schools. What are the pros of starting at a two-year college, and how can you prepare yourself in those two years to move on to a bigger school? Professors and students weigh in on the issue.

Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade has thrilled audiences world-wide for nearly four decades. She continues to give back to the next generation of singers, offering masterclasses at universities around the country each year. A consummate artist, von Stade is known not only for her masterful interpretations of operatic, concert, recital, and musical theatre repertoire, but also for her grace, humanity, and non-diva attitude. She shares those qualities with CS readers in this exclusive interview.

Soprano Ana María Martínez brings her own insights to a term singers throw around often: “networking.” Consider a few networking ideas you might not have thought of before.

As you wait for features about our new Certified Singers in upcoming issues of Classical Singer, here’s a report on what our past winners are doing now.

When it comes to the question of opera versus musical theatre, singers can emerge dually victorious in an ever-changing market. Wherever you are in your career—just starting college, considering a master’s degree, auditioning for YAPs, or singing professionally—this discussion on crossover from teachers and general directors will give you food for thought.

The AudComps Final Round Concert continues to be a favorite event for Classical Singer Convention attendees. Read about the winners of the 2008 AudComps here.

A good mailing list is critical to marketing yourself successfully. Tech-geek Amanda White takes you through the technical how-tos of setting up a list and offers suggestions on generating names for your list. In addition, she discusses using good e-mail etiquette to make sure you don’t offend your friends, contacts, or the law.

The High School Competition and College Expo continue to be exciting events each year at the Classical Singer Convention. Read what participants had to say about the 2008 Competition, and find out how to make sure you or your students participate in 2009.

College is a much bigger pond than high school. The big city is a bigger pond than a small town. World-class opera companies are in a bigger pond than community theater. Bigger, however, isn’t necessarily better. The environment that is right for your greatest happiness and fulfillment may end up looking very different from your original idea of success.

Networking opportunities abounded at this year’s Convention. I made quite a few connections with fellow singers, for instance, and because my picture was in the January issue of Classical Singer,

Cindy answers a young singer’s question about how to put your best foot forward and come across like a professional. Do you have a question for Cindy? E-mail it to erda@classicalsinger.com.

I enjoyed many masterclasses and presentations at this year’s Convention. Ellen Rievman was very dynamic and energizing, very insightful and helpful in her suggestions and coaching comments. She worked very