March 2004

Marilyn Horne : The Song Continues

Twenty years ago, Opera News came out and said it. “It’s that simple. Marilyn Horne is the greatest singer in the world.” In subsequent interviews, the lady herself sighed, “If only it were that simple.”

The Balanced Human Being who Sings

What’s happening to the real you as you pursue your career? Here’s an experienced and very talented singer you’ve probably seen and admired to explore the question rather fearlessly with you. You can hear more of Adria. She will be a featured speaker at the upcoming convention. (See the CS website at http://www.classicalsinger.com)

Yoga for Sleep : Part 2

One adult in four suffers from insomnia, according to the sleep research center at Stanford University. A quarter of all adults have trouble either with falling asleep or staying asleep. In this second article on Yoga for Sleep, Suzanne Jackson introduces will introduce two more yoga poses and some other dietary and bodywork recommendations that may be of interest to the singer in search of a restful night’s sleep.

Care of the Professional Voice

Third in our series of books every singer shoudl have on the shelf: a book by Classical Singer's own Dr. Anthony Jahn.

Starting a Singer Audition Club

The piano begins the intro to your best aria. You prepare for that all-important first note. It’s good. You sing the first phrase knowing you’re off to a good start.

Why Singing?

If you don’t know that the course you are pursuing is in accordance with a master plan for your life, you are going to grow weary and not be able to continue. It is critical for all singers to take a step back, examine the “why” of this whole business we are involved in, and examine the paradigms and decide if they really fit. Here, JoAnn Ottley here begins
to help us explore these ideas. Be brave and explore along with us in this article leading up to her astounding workshops at the CS Convention in May.

Speaking Voice, Singing Voice

Maybe the best thing you can do for your singing voice is improve your speaking voice. Here's Dr. Jahn to explain why. To meet Dr. Jahn in person, come to the CS Convention! (www.classicalsinger.com)

Letters to the Editor

Editor’s Note: The following two letters are representative of several received in response to a singer’s one negative comment in the January 2004 issue on her experience at Shaker Mountain.

Bulletin Board

Rest in Peace, Hans Hotter On Dec. 6 the world famous bass-baritone Hans Hotter passed away at the age of 94. He was known for the ease with which he

How You Look

It started with Twiggy. At 5-foot-6 and an anorexic 99 pounds, she changed our concept of beauty. No longer was it acceptable to see a female form. The drape of

How to Sing Oratorio

Many singers today are unprepared to sing oratorio. Dr. Woodside, the dean of oratorio singing, offers his insights after 30 years of experience as Director of the Oratorio Society of New York.

What Singers Should Know About Gastric By-Pass Surgery

The pressure to lose weight to boost a singing career can be strong. Singers with a lot of weight to lose may be considering drastic measures, such as surgery. Here is a singer/stage director who can give some first-hand advice about the procedure

What! Opera and Fitness!

The principles used to get control of your health and weight are the same whether you have 20 pounds to lose of 200. Here is a singer who is winning the fight.

Shaun Beckwith-Chasen and the Metropolitan Opera Children’s Chorus

I’ve always loved opera. So when my then 9-year-old son Shaun’s piano teacher told me he had an excellent ear and voice, and suggested I bring him to audition for