January 2014

From Student To Teacher : Marilyn Horne

Marilyn Horne is a true legend on the operatic and recital stages, as evidenced in the lengthy list of awards she has received. Now, as she approaches her 80th birthday, she continues to create another legacy beyond her stage career—a remarkable and legendary teaching career. Once a student at the Music Academy of the West, Horne has been the music director of the Academy for over 15 years where she continues to mentor, lead, and inspire the next generation of singers. Read about her commitment to both song and opera, how she got into teaching in the first place, and what she considers the greatest joys of being a teacher.

Distant Voices : Kirsten Flagstad: The Formative Years

Imagine learning and performing the First Lady in Die Zauberflöte in just 24 hours. Read about Kirsten Flagstad who was a legend for such feats. Also find out how her voice doubled and then tripled in size, making her another legend as a Wagnerian singer.

Uncovering Your Voice

“Covering the voice” and “bringing the voice” forward are terms nearly every singer has heard, but usually from a voice teacher. Consider these terms from a medical perspective for some additional clarity and understanding.

How to Create Your Board and Begin Fundraising

In the final article of this five-part series on how to create your own opera company, learn how to form a board that will support your organization both organizationally and financially. Also discover a variety of creative and fun ways to further fundraise.

Ask Erda : Are Voice Students Lazy?

Attending a college or university is really only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to getting an education. The extra training and study that you seek out beyond your hours in the traditional classroom can make all the difference.

Musings on Mechanics : Don't Let Your Backbone Hold You Back

You have spent years establishing your current posture. But is it the posture that will best serve your singing voice? Learn what your best posture looks like and how you can retrain your body to find and keep that posture.

The Entrepreneurial Career : How to Start a Nonprofit

Here are the steps to turn your project into a full-fledged organization. But be warned: the path is difficult and mined with paperwork.

From the Editor : Getting to Know Marilyn Horne

I usually shy away from hyperbole, but I think it is safe to say that Marilyn Horne, featured in this month’s cover story, is one of the greatest mezzo-sopranos of

Bulletin Board : News, Tidbits, Musings, and more

New Opera Premieres at Railroad Station On October 19, 2013, L.A. Dance Project and a Los Angeles opera company called The Industry gave the world premiere of Christopher Cerrone’s headphone

Summer Program 2013 Highlights

CS asked summer program directors to share highlights of their 2013 program and tell us what to watch for in 2014. Read what both they and participants had to say—and check out a few photos—here.

Vocalizing through Chemotherapy and Other Cancer Treatments

A voice teacher shares his experiences helping singers regain their vocal abilities during and after chemotherapy.

Antibiotic Overuse

When your body is your instrument and that body gets sick, you can feel desperate for a quick fix. But don’t let that desperation lead you to make short term choices that could have long term negative effects.

Baroque Your Summer With Early Music

If you’re interested in honing your Early Music and Baroque skills, consider one of these seven programs for your summer study.

Brushing up In Burgundy : L’Académie de la Roche d’Hys

A lesser-known program in Burgundy, France, offers 10 days of intense preparation for a professional singing career. Find out why one singer is glad she took a chance on doing another training program.

Torch Song

The Daniel Ferro Vocal Program celebrates 20 years, priding itself on passing the torch of singing knowledge from one generation to the next.

A Fresh Look at the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices

World-famous mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick continues her work training and mentoring young dramatic voices in her eighth year of her summer program.