September 2008
Flying High with Flicka : An Interview with Frederica von Strade
Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade has thrilled audiences world-wide for nearly four decades. She continues to give back to the next generation of singers, offering masterclasses at universities around the country each year. A consummate artist, von Stade is known not only for her masterful interpretations of operatic, concert, recital, and musical theatre repertoire, but also for her grace, humanity, and non-diva attitude. She shares those qualities with CS readers in this exclusive interview.
A Word From Ana Maria Martinez : Networking Know-How
Soprano Ana María Martínez brings her own insights to a term singers throw around often: “networking.” Consider a few networking ideas you might not have thought of before.
Genre War
When it comes to the question of opera versus musical theatre, singers can emerge dually victorious in an ever-changing market. Wherever you are in your career—just starting college, considering a master’s degree, auditioning for YAPs, or singing professionally—this discussion on crossover from teachers and general directors will give you food for thought.
The Tech-Savvy Singer : Mail Blast Basics
A good mailing list is critical to marketing yourself successfully. Tech-geek Amanda White takes you through the technical how-tos of setting up a list and offers suggestions on generating names for your list. In addition, she discusses using good e-mail etiquette to make sure you don’t offend your friends, contacts, or the law.
Inspirazione! : What Size Pond Are You Swimming In?
College is a much bigger pond than high school. The big city is a bigger pond than a small town. World-class opera companies are in a bigger pond than community theater. Bigger, however, isn’t necessarily better. The environment that is right for your greatest happiness and fulfillment may end up looking very different from your original idea of success.
Ask Erda: How To Make a Good Impression : Part I: The Beginning
Cindy answers a young singer’s question about how to put your best foot forward and come across like a professional. Do you have a question for Cindy? E-mail it to erda@classicalsinger.com.
What Do You Call That Thing?
For a voice student, attending a university often means taking a pedagogy class and learning anatomy. Whether you’re currently enrolled, teaching the class, or studying the material on your own, Dr. Jahn provides helpful hints for remembering the names and functions of the anatomical parts that makes up your voice.
Southern Leadership Pt 2 : Conductor William Fred Scott and Brenau University
Last month, CS featured conductor William Fred Scott’s thoughts on auditioning. This month, Scott shares details about his new position at Brenau University and its unique program to help singers emerge better prepared than ever for the operatic business. In addition, he discusses problems he sees in the training of young voices to have a “perfect” sound at the cost of individuality, personality, and uniqueness, and talks about what annoys him most about young singers today.
Bulletin Board
Submit entries to the bulletin board by e-mail at bulletinboard@classicalsinger.com.
Editor’s Note : Lifelong Learning, Ceaseless Service
I recently learned that Motto magazine named my alma mater’s maxim one of the top 10 best college mottos in the country. I used to drive past the words, etched
Center Stage : Leah Podzimek, 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!
Following Up and Looking Back
As you wait for features about our new Certified Singers in upcoming issues of Classical Singer, here’s a report on what our past winners are doing now.
A Look at the 2008 Classical Singer AudComps
The AudComps Final Round Concert continues to be a favorite event for Classical Singer Convention attendees. Read about the winners of the 2008 AudComps here.
Students Awarded $1.7 Million in Cash and Scholarships
The High School Competition and College Expo continue to be exciting events each year at the Classical Singer Convention. Read what participants had to say about the 2008 Competition, and find out how to make sure you or your students participate in 2009.
Networking Opportunities
Networking opportunities abounded at this year’s Convention. I made quite a few connections with fellow singers, for instance, and because my picture was in the January issue of Classical Singer,
Learning from the Masters
I enjoyed many masterclasses and presentations at this year’s Convention. Ellen Rievman was very dynamic and energizing, very insightful and helpful in her suggestions and coaching comments. She worked very
Most Memorable Moment of the Convention
For me, the Convention was smashing chiefly because of the presence of the truly great artist and Metropolitan Opera coach Joan Dornemann. I have read her book, Complete Preparation, which
CS Convention ’08 : Another Rousing Success
Three attendees share their reviews of the Classical Singer Convention ’08 held at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott Hotel May 29-31. Read about the fantastic events at this year’s Convention, and
The Singer’s Addiction
Deciding when and how to leave the stage is a painful and difficult journey, with no road maps along the way. Most singers just don’t talk about it, and so CS has decided to begin the dialogue. In the first of a series of articles, one singer who enjoyed a long career shares how she knew it was time to end her professional career, and tells us about all the heartache that went along with that decision.
Creating Your Own On-Campus Performing Opportunities
Performing, performing, performing. That’s the name of the game as a young singer working to build a résumé. But what if your college or university falls short in providing these opportunities? Don’t sit on your hands feeling sorry for yourself. Consider other possibilities for creating your own performance opportunities.
Electing the Best Electives
Even within the rigorous schedule of required music classes, students must choose those pesky electives. Will some classes help you more after college than others? Don’t be afraid to step out of the music building and exercise that left brain with classes that will prove beneficial in your singing career.
Creating Your Own Curriculum In and Out of School
Is a college diploma really necessary for becoming a successful opera singer? General director Dan Montez responds to this question with some surprising answers. Learn how to get the education you need to make your dreams a reality.
Prepping for the ‘Real World’ : College-Level Career Development Programs
The business side of singing is becoming more and more important in an ever-changing market. What are universities doing to prepare singers? Career counselor Angela Myles Beeching tells CS how a number of universities are addressing this need and discusses how alumni and schools alike can better help the next generation.
What Not To Wear : Appropriate Attire for the University Student
Styles are getting more and more casual these days, but is it really OK to show up for studio class in jeans and flip-flops? Or should student singers be more conscientious about their attire in a university setting?
Bridging The Transition : From Student to Pro
Several universities have fostered good relationships with local opera companies, choral groups, chamber groups, and symphonies—and their students are reaping the benefits.
Starting Out At A Two-Year College : A Viable Option
For financial, scholastic, or other reasons, not all singers start out at four-year schools. What are the pros of starting at a two-year college, and how can you prepare yourself in those two years to move on to a bigger school? Professors and students weigh in on the issue.
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