January 2010

Handled with Care : Dolora Zajick and the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices

Mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick has had one of the most successful and long-running careers of any singer in recent decades. That success came after overcoming significant obstacles due to the size of her dramatic voice. Now, Zajick is determined to help the next generation of dramatic voices encounter fewer hurdles on the road to success than she did. Her ideas are revolutionary, including working on significant operatic repertoire with singers still in high school. But Zajick insists that when handled with care, these voices will thrive.

Ask Erda : It Should Go without Saying... On the Job

Last month Cindy told you how to make a good impression before you land the job. Now she shares how to keep it up once you’re on the job to ensure future contracts with the same company.

Inspirazione! : The Singer and the Poet

To be a poet is to speak for the group by giving voice to our collective emotions and stories—and, as singers, it is our job to interpret and express those stories. As we start the New Year and begin our song again, it might be a good time to look at this important relationship. Let’s hear what the singer’s next-of-kin, the poet, has to say about us.

The Tech-Savvy Singer : Four Sites to Host Your Music Online

Explore the best ways to manage the most vital aspect of your Internet presence: your music.

The Doctor Is In

Singers query Dr. Jahn for advice on the possible reasons for hoarseness after swimming, whether or not chanting while meditating is hard on the voice, what to do about acid reflux, and more. If you have a question for the doctor, e-mail him at jahn@classicalsinger.com.

Read Up! : Getting the Callback

Read up on a new comprehensive guide about the ins and outs of musical theatre auditions, and find out how this book can readily apply to any audition, crossover or not.

The $50 Week : Cheap Hot International Summer

Attending a summer program most often requires a serious financial investment. Find out a few ways to cut on costs whether studying in the States or traveling abroad.

From the Editor : 'The Stuff Life is Made Of'

Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months all mark the passing of time. But nothing seems to broadcast the unceasing march of time more than the change of the calendar

Feedback

Tell us how we’re doing. We’d love to hear your response and reaction to the articles published each month, as well as your view on the classical singing community. Contact us via e-mail at editorial@classicalsinger.com or by mail at Classical Singer magazine, P.O. Box 1710, Draper, UT 84020.

Bulletin Board : News, Tidbits, Musings, and More

Dallas Opera Opens New Home The Dallas Opera opened its 2009-2010 season in a brand new theater, the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Built by the London architectural firm

The Teacher’s Corner : What Is Control?

A voice teacher and founder of a summer program for the last 14 years in Aub and Coesfeld, Germany, Neil Semer essays on the singer’s desire for control. Is control good or bad? Is it really necessary for the singer? And, if so, how do you achieve it?

Networkin’ Time : Summer Programs for Singers outside the Norm

If you find yourself, for whatever reason, wanting to explore the musical possibilities outside of the mainstream, this new series on opportunities for singers off of the operatic stage is for you. We begin with a look at six summer programs that fit just such a niche.

What If Opera Had a Room of Its Own? : An Interview with Ann Baltz, Daniel Helfgot and Darren K Woods

Three revolutionary thinkers who are also heavily involved in summer programs that train singers discuss their ideas for changing the way singers are educated. Read their thought-provoking ideas and discover how they are implementing them in their own areas of influence.

Finding Community Away from Home

Oberlin celebrates its 22nd year hosting a summer program for singers. Two years ago the program changed locations from its long-time home of Urbania. Find out how the program is faring in its new Tuscan home—the small Italian village of Arezzo.

Singing as a Team Sport : The Baldwin-Wallace Art Song Festival

Read about a unique program that focuses on art song and pianist/singer collaboration as it prepares to celebrate 25 years in 2010.

Singing in Alaska?

Tucked away in beautiful Alaska, a summer festival has been thriving for 30 years. Its remote location doesn’t keep it from bringing in some of the best musicians around. And on the list of alumni? Mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux. Read how the festival shaped her musical development, as well as what’s in store for 2010 when founder Jo Scott hands the reins to her successor, Terese Kaptur.

Developing the Range of the Singers’ Body : in More Ways Than One

Metropolitan Opera mezzo Heidi Skok launched a new program in upstate New York in 2009. Read what singers and faculty who participated in the inaugural year have to say and find out what’s in store for 2010.

Choosing A Summer Program : A Practical Guide

With so many summer program options available, how can you possibly know which one is best for you? Ann Baltz brings you a step-by-step evaluation and guide to help you determine which program will best suit your needs.