June 1999

Do It Yourself Opera

Some singers aren’t waiting to be hired, but are banding together to create performance opportunities. That can mean anything from a few singers hiring a pianist to perform a concert version for friends and family, to the all-out effort of putting together a viable opera company with orchestra, sets
and costumes.

Hair Transplat Surgery : Does hair loss mean a career loss?

These days you don’t have to take hair loss lying down. Among the options for the follicly-challenged is hair transplant surgery, a popular choice. Amy Rea explains how it works.

Wine, Women (also Men), and Song

Singers are sociable people, and it’s common to go out after a rehearsal or performance and have a drink—but what’s the cost for your voice? So zum Wohl!—but see what Dr. Jahn has to say first.

Speaking in Tongues : How to Learn Italian (or French, or German...)

Summer is a great time to buckle down and improve your language proficiency. Here’s an
overview of different types of language learning options.

Jane Randolph : On Breathing

Every teacher has his or her own approach to various aspects of technique. Renowned teacher Jane Randolph recently shared her ideas about one of the most basic aspects of vocal training: breathing.

Committed to Singers : San Diego Opera

Beautiful city, great opera company, fantastic weather. Enough said.

The Wedding Singer : Making Wedding Jobs Lucrative AND Fulfilling

With the popular trend toward hiring DJs, live vocal music for wedding receptions has gone the way of Adam Sandler’s leisure suit. But brides frequently request “something classical” to complement the actual
wedding. It may be time to consider marketing your own skills and talent as “The Wedding Singer.”

Climbing the Ladder : A Conversation with Paul Plishka

With this article we introduce a new writer, Maria Zouves, who will be interviewing internationally acclaimed singers and asking them the questions you most want answered.

Editorial : Diva Power

How do you take control of your life and your career? Is it possible? One artist who has done that from the beginning is Polish contralto Ewa Podles, featured in

Letters to the Editor

Thoughts on Littleton, CO Dear CS: Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to bring back the lives of those who were senselessly massacred. What we are given, however, by

Tips from the Trenches : Susan Razavi, Alta Classica

Soprano Susan Razavi is the founder of Alta Classica, a Manhattan company promoting classical Spanish music and zarzuela. Alta Classica features three performances per year, along with a vocal competition, master classes and an arts education performance. With a history of performance success and grant-writing experience, Susan gives some of her tips to singers thinking about starting their own company .

Up Close & Personal : The Cambridge Lieder & Opera Society

Some time ago, Classical Singer received an e-mail from a subscriber who shared the story of founding her own opera company and her subsequent struggles and successes. We recently caught up with Susan Cooke of the
Cambridge Lieder & Opera Society. Her story is one of determination, insight and hard work—a true labor of love.

Nonprofits Without the Mystery : What It All Means

Incorporation as a nonprofit company need not be quite as daunting a task if you go into it with all the information you can find, knowing what to expect. Here are a few tips.