October 2005

Never the Diva : Carla Wood, 1955-2005

In this special edition, we pay tribute to the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Classical Singer magazine. Carla Wood (her singing name), also known as CJ Williamson (her editorial name), made an indelible mark on the world of singing. Her husband, David Wood, gives an insider’s look at her life and career as a singer, editor, wife, mother, and friend. Her life was
one of many challenges— from back pain, to bipolar disorder, and finally to cancer—and yet she rose above these hardships to have
a positive impact on tens of thousands of singers and forever change the business of singing. You can view singers’ comments
about the life of Carla Wood, and add your own, at www.classicalsinger.com/carla_wood/.

E-mail Ettiquette: : Erda Gets Crotchety

Technology has changed the face of business, including the singing business. Don’t let it pass you by—here’s Erda on how to use the waves of the future to ensure your successful future.

Is Alexander a Great Technique for Singers?

The Alexander Technique is fast becoming a household name among singers. A new book details the Alexander Technique and its connection to singing. Tara Sullivan reviews
Voice and the Alexander Technique, by Jane Heirich

School of Rock

Rock musicians have a lot to teach us. They have their own marketing techniques and performance practices, which classical singers can adapt to their own careers.

Nasaltiy in the Tenor Voice : Causes and Solutions

“Please have an article that addresses reducing a nasal sound in tenors. I understand that the sound must pierce through an orchestra and reach the listening audience, but must it be so strident? Ouch!” Here’s David Jones’ response to this recent request from a CS reader.

Applause- Who Needs It? : The Corruption of Praise

Has applause become so perfunctory that it doesn’t really mean anything anymore? Is the standing ovation such the norm that it no longer signifies an extraordinary performance? Dr. Levinson examines these questions and offers a few more meaningful alternatives.

Time Stands Still : A Formula for Developing Artistry

Looking for a way to take your singing to the next level? In this interview and discussion with Louis Menendez, he shares his formula for digging deep into the music and yourself to create real magic.

Spotlight on the 2005-2006 Certified Classical Singers

Each month Classical Singer highlights two of the fourteen singers chosen by our panel of distinguished judges from more than 200 applicants as having a ready-to-go audition package appropriate to their Artist Division. This month we spotlight Arlene Alvarado from the Emerging Professional Division and Rochelle Bard from the Professional Division.

We hope to see you at the next AudComps – May 2006 in Philadelphia!

To Cruise Or Not To Cruise

Winter is fast approaching, and things are going a bit slow with the career. Your last performance was months ago. Bills are beginning to pile up. Auditions are getting to be a bit expensive. You long for a change. Why not work on a cruise ship? A cruise ship?

Studying in Germany, Courtesy of the U.S. Government : The First Few Hours

Walk with Ms. Porto along the streets of Frankfurt, Germany, in the second installment in a series of articles highlighting her Fulbright adventures. Take part in her first moments as a Fellow—minus, thank goodness, the jet lag!

Dr. Jahn: A Little Q&A

Dr. Anthony Jahn shares his wisdom and solutions for dealing with acid reflux, getting light-headed while singing, treating asthma as a singer, handling sinus problems and choosing a singer-friendly hearing aid. As always, the advice is free for the taking!

How to Set up a Singer’s Home Office

Staying organized can be a time-consuming and never-ending task! Here are some tips to help you organize those piles that are cluttering up your desk.

The Singing Community Grieves Again : Lyndon Woodside Remembered

Classical Singer honors the life of renowned choral director Lyndon Woodside, a good friend of Carla Wood. We can only imagine what musical feats the two are accomplishing together now.

John Newmark: Pianist, Mentor

Behind every great recital singer is a great pianist, and John Newmark, a master Lieder accompanist, was behind some of the best, including Maureen Forrester, Janet Baker and most famously, Kathleen Ferrier. In this interview, Michel Bourda, Newmark’s friend for more than 30 years, reminisces about this German-born prodigy who became one of Canada’s leading musical luminaries.

Bulletin Board

Freud Replaces Gockley in Houston The new director of Houston Grand Opera is British arts administrator Anthony Freud, says the HGO website. A former recording producer and recent head of

Center Stage : Cordell Fannin, Soprano

What has been a career highlight up until now? The biggest highlight of my career so far was when I was asked to cover the role of Mimì in La

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor: Singer reviews are often difficult to come by. It would be great if Classical Singer could include a reviews section of both concerts and recordings. — Zoe Vandermeer,

What’s In a Name, Really?

It was 7:25 p.m., and curtain was at 7:30. I hurried around backstage, making sure my props were in place and finding what I needed for Mimì’s first entrance. Suddenly,

Remembering Carla

Those who knew and worked with Carla share their memories of this unforgettable woman.