October 1998
David and Goliath
Mergers increase clout, but often decrease the ability of small groups to be well-represented. Last month we reported on the “partnership” of Opera America with Chorus America. But other unions are busy discussing partnerships, and singers need to stay aware of what is happening.
Move Over, Die Zauberflöte
Another late Mozart opera, newly discovered, is likely to become standard repertoire.
Training the Young College
There are many wonderful voice teachers in the world, but there are probably just as many who cause singers great harm either pschologically, vocally and musically–or all three. If you are a young singer, how can you know? Teacher Erik Johanson tells singers what their teachers should be doing–and not doing.
Alternative Medicine and the Singer
Dear Dr. Jahn: I have noticed that many of my singer friends do not trust conventional medicine; myself included! We need good health to perform and we are willing to
An Antidote to the Fear of Aging
The following article, from a singer with a full-time performing career, was submitted as a response to the general request for how aging affects the singing career. It is perfect for this column entitled, “A Higher Note,” where singers explain how they use their spiritual connections to help their singing.
The author wishes to remain anonymous.
Old Wine In New Bottles
Aging is an issue that all of us have to grapple with at some time or other in our lives. What about coaches? Do they get better with age?
Study Aids for Singers : Part One: Practice Perfect Opera Piano Accompaniments
Learning and perfecting roles is expensive, so it pays to be a smart consumer. Several companies now offer recordings to help singers study and save money. How useful are these study aids? Can they replace or supplement coachings? In a three part series, Classical Singer asks a panel of professional singers to use the products to study or learn roles within their own voice categories. The panel includes a young artist in a distinguished apprenticeship program; established, managed singers; and a well-established international artist. Following are their comments and ratings.
THE AGE ISSUE : Classical Singer Poll
·Age discrimination is illegal–but not in the field of classical singing! Any thoughts on this? ·Have you noticed any difference in how too-young, or too-old singers are treated in various
New Wrinkles In Aging
Science has not been idle when it comes to the study of aging. Singers interested in a long career might do well to get started on some of these suggestions early.
Laying Down the Law
Our sample phone survey showed that, in general, opera companies, apprenticeships and competitions do not seem to know the laws set forth in the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), or to believe that the laws apply to the arts. Should singers start lawsuits when they aren’t hired, or fired and suspect the decision is age-related? We think there is a better way to make changes.
Age, Choices and Career Paths
We asked John Wehrle, Artistic Administrator of Utah Opera, to comment on how age, marriage and/or children affect hiring decisions. Many companies think singers can’t handle frank talk like this, so singers are left in the dark. We are grateful to Utah Opera for trusting C.S. readers.
THEY SAID, “Under 40? Too Early!”
Men who feel physically and vocally ready to perform certain roles have trouble getting past the age barrier on the other side: seeming too young! Believe it or not, this can also be a barrier for women.
THEY said, “Over 30? Too Late!”
Classical Singer is always looking for stories of singers who start successful careers later in life. Soprano Martile Rowland was not available to be interviewed for this article so we contacted her friend and coach Benton Hess for the story.
The Fountain of Truth
We knew that doing an issue on age and career longevity would have fairly broad appeal, but the response was nothing short of overwhelming. 145 pages of responses!
Our solution was to include some responses in the article below, with the rest posted on the website. Our thanks to all who participated.
La Dolce Amara
I wanted to sing, and I wasn't being allowed to do that.
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