September 2006
The Last Laugh About ‘The Little Black Dress’
World-renowned singer Deborah Voigt has long been known for her commanding performances in the dramatic soprano repertoire. A master of the “big girl” roles, Ms. Voigt recently underwent gastric bypass surgery to ensure that distinction applied to her voice and not her figure. In this Classical Singer exclusive, Ms. Voigt shares her tips for finding the right voice teacher, making the move from young artist to professional, and knowing when to cancel due to illness. In addition, she talks about the difficulties of balancing a personal life and a singing career and why she no longer dreads recitals.
How are Singing Success and Financial Success Related? : (Or is that a 'duh' question?)
Financial success is not just about budgeting your money and investing properly. Before the numbers can fall into place, your mind needs to be in the right place! The first part of this series will show you the power of positive and negative thinking, and how you can make your thoughts work for you rather than against you. Watch for future articles when Lynnette Owens will dive into the nitty gritty details of your finances until your singing success and your financial success are humming in tune.
Opera Talk: : From Copenhagen to Deutschland
European stage directors continue to lead the trend in changing the face of opera, for better or for worse. John Louis DiGaetani brings CS a report of summer operatic events abroad.
World-Class Performances at AudComps 2006
The third annual AudComps, part of the Classical Singer Convention at the Sheraton Society Hill Hotel in Philadelphia last May, gave participating singers a chance to boost their careers. Read about this exciting event, and about the singers who took home big prizes and became Certified Singers for 2006-2007.
Inspirazione! : Lessons of the Gold Rush Singers
Welcome to the inaugural column of “Inspirazione!” In Italian it means “inhaling” or “breathing in,” and each month this column will offer something for you to breathe in that will nourish, empower, and excite you. Topics will include books, recordings, physical techniques, the latest technology, as well as Lisa Houston’s own experiences as a working singer and voice teacher.
Studying in Germany Courtesy of teh U.S. Government : Understanding the Fullbright Application Process
CS’ Fulbrighter departs temporarily from her accounts of her adventures abroad to answer readers’ questions about the Fulbright application process. Find out what the process entails, get great tips about the application, and decide if a Fulbright experience might be something that interests you.
Yoga & Emotions for Singers
Our series on chakras continues. Last month, you read about balancing the root chakra. Before moving on to the second of the seven chakras, Suzanne Jackson discusses the importance of being emotionally aware, both on and off the stage. She shares a meditative exercise to help you connect more fully with the person you are in real life—and the one you become when you step on the stage.
Weight Loss and the Voice
Whether you agree or disagree, it’s undeniable that appearance is becoming increasingly important in the singing profession. Dr. Jahn weighs in on the issue discussing how much weight to lose, how to do it, and how it will affect your singing.
Remembering Beauty of Heart, Soul, and Voice : Lorraine Hunt Lieberson
CS remembers an extraordinary musician who left this world in July after leaving an indelible mark on the musical community.
Opera Company of Brooklyn’s Founder Brings Opera to 21st Century Audiences
In the six years since Jay Meetze founded Opera Company of Brooklyn remarkable things have happened for the new company, culminating in a new recording project with American composer Thomas Pasatieri. Read how one man and his New York City-based opera company are working tirelessly to change the tide for the “dying” art form called opera.
Editor’s Note : Loving Your Education
I grew up in a musical family. Singing was something we did almost before we could even talk. My older sister and I, at ages 7 and 4, used to
Bulletin Board
American Operas Achieving Recognition American operas are finally taking their place among the world’s most honored compositions, reports the Denver Post. Since 1990, almost 200 American operas have been professionally
Center Stage : Loraine Rodriguez, Soprano
Each month CS highlights one of its readers. If you’d like to take Center Stage in an upcoming issue of Classical Singer, visit www.classicalsinger.com/magazine/center_stage/. Tell us about yourself, and upload a picture. We want to know about you!
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor: It was my pleasure to perform as a supernumerary in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of Rigoletto this past January, featuring Frank Lopardo as the Duke. I
Making the Move
Moving to New York is a choice many singers make—and most consider—at one point or another. Three singers who have made New York their adopted hometown sit down with Classical Singer to disclose the secrets of their success, and the traps to look out for when making the move.
New to New York? Think About Temping
Many singers, whether they live in New York City or elsewhere, choose temping as a source of income because
of the terrific flexibility it offers. Whether you live in New York or another metropolitan center, here’s all the information you need to determine if temping is right for you—and to land that first temp job.
Does a College Education in Music Prepare You for the Real World?
We asked CS readers to give us their opinions about the importance of higher education, and the response was overwhelming. The answers are certainly varied, but some common threads emerge—from the importance of finding the right teacher to remaining flexible as a singer. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Classical Singer magazine or its publisher.
Ask Erda : Top Five Audition Tips
Having the opportunity to watch auditions can be an eye-opening experience! After having just such an experience, Erda shares her advice for the things to do and not to do at that next audition. If you have a question for Erda, e-mail erda@classicalsinger.com.
Enjoying the Ride in New York State
Just a three-hour drive from New York City, Binghamton, NY, is home to Binghamton University, and Tri-Cities Opera. The shared hometown location of these two organizations has proved a fortuitous phenomenon for classical singers
A Hidden Southeast Treasure
Known for more than cigarettes, Winston Salem, North Carolina, is home to the AJ Fletcher Institute, which works with the North Carolina School of the ARts to provide great opportunities for young singers
Quality Education in Kansas City
When you think about the great state of Kansas, tornados, Dorothy, and Toto usually come to mind. But Kansas and its neighbor Missouri are home to University of Missouri Kansas City, Lyric Opera of Kansas City and University of Kansas, have joined together to help young artists.
Opportunity Knocks in Koxville
A master's program at the University of Tennessee, which includes an opera residency with Knoxville Opera, is scoring high marks. Find out more about this unique program from a recent grad.
Finding the Right Fit : A Guide for Transferring as a Music Major
What if, after starting your university experience, you discover that for whatever reason, you and the college of your choice aren’t right for each other? Are you doomed to four difficult years and money wasted? Don’t despair; a change of scenery just might be the solution for you. Transferring schools, however—especially for music majors—can be overwhelming. Here’s everything you need to know to make your transition to a new school as painless as possible.
How to Explain Your Career Choice to Your Parents
Have you ever told someone you’re going to study music in college and they reply, “Wow, I didn’t know they offered a major in that,” or “That’s nice. How are you going to make a living?” Choosing to major in music means following your dream and your passion, and enjoying your college education, but sometimes it can be difficult helping your friends and family understand your decision. Michelle Kunz offers some valuable advice for sharing your vision for your future with those you love.
My Oedipus Rex Complex
CS’ Met violinist returns, this time with tales from his student days at Juilliard. Little did Les Dreyer realize how getting kicked out of the best conservatory orchestra in the world would shape the rest of his life.
Advice from the ‘Scuola Cantorum’
The university application process can be a daunting task. From recording a CD, to preparing for the face-to-face audition, singers have many things to consider to make sure they put their best foot forward from the start. Here’s advice from someone who has watched a myriad of college entrance auditions for more than 30 years. Read Dan Marek’s invaluable dos and don’ts for every step of the audition process, as well as his tips for making the most of your college education.
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