October 2015

No More Mask : David Salsbery Fry

David Salsbery Fry is a highly intelligent and vocally gifted bass who began his college career pursuing medicine. He quickly turned to opera, however, and has enjoyed significant success, graduating from the Johns Hopkins University and continuing his studies at the University of Maryland and Juilliard. Fry has sung in opera houses throughout the United States, including performances at the Santa Fe Opera and the Aspen Music Festival. He has been on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera since 2008, performing in new music workshops and covering supporting roles on the main stage. What is most remarkable is that Fry has done all of this with a severe disability—one that he has concealed from the beginning of his career.

The Doctor is In: : Dr. Eugen Grabscheid, A Life Remembered Part 2

Dr. Jahn remembers a legendary and influential otolaryngologist who treated many singers for many years. Last month you learned about Grabscheid’s early life and education in pre-World War II Austria. This month read about who he treated and how he treated them, truly becoming a singer’s doctor not to be forgotten.

Musings on Mechanics : Palatal Pontifications

“Raise the soft palate.” Every singer has heard this more than once. But where is the soft palate, and exactly how do you go about lifting it?

From the Editor : Living Authentically

While scrolling through my Facebook feed recently, I was saddened to discover that two friends’ marriages of many years were ending. In recent years, I had kept in touch with

The Singer’s Library : Strategies for the 21st-Century Singer

Susan Mohini Kane urges young professional singers to “stop sacrificing their happiness and health to the opera gods."

Performance Anxiety : The Good, the Bad, and the Helpful

From a few nerves before a performance to debilitating fear, anxiety comes in varying degrees for singers. Read on to understand the cause of anxiety, identify its triggers in your own life, and then learn practical coping tools for managing it.

Establishing a Year-Round Presence for a Summer Opera Festival : Opera Saratoga’s Lawrence Edelson

One year ago Lawrence Edelson assumed the roles of artistic and general director at Opera Saratoga. Now, with his first season under his belt, he speaks about his plans for the company. Read about how he has expanded the Young Artist Program, what he is doing to reach out to the community, and much more.

Working with Managers

Five managers discuss what they look for in singers they sign to their rosters and the dos and don’ts for a good working relationship once signed.

The Music Major Minute : Practice Habits

Practice. Whether you love or hate that word, it should be something you do daily as a singer. Consider the hows and whys to find more motivation, enjoyment, and value in your own daily practice.