Balancing career and family can be a difficult juggling act, regardless of your profession. Add in the travel that often accompanies a singing career, and keeping all the balls in the air becomes even more challenging. Here are some great tips to help singer-parents include their families in their work, whether at home or on the road.
Sometimes the curve balls of life require changing your game plan in the bottom of the ninth. For one singer, the realities of single motherhood meant giving up her dreams of a European singing career to provide for her two young children. Now a successful writer with several published novels to her credit, Stephanie Cowell shares how she transitioned from singing Mozart’s music to writing about it.
Do you ever feel there just isn’t enough time to accomplish the myriad of responsibilities that surround your various roles as husband, wife, mother, father, singer, employee, etc.? Do you ever wish you could stretch just another hour or two into the day to accomplish a little more? “Placematting” may be just the solution. Be sure to join Connie Barnett for her Placematting Classes at this year’s Classical Singer Convention in Philadelphia.
Pregnancy often means morning sickness, weight gain, hormonal fluctuations, and a myriad of other physical changes. For a female singer, whose instrument is her body, singing during pregnancy can be a challenge. One singer shares her experiences with pregnancy, from the initial nervous excitement of learning she was pregnant to the hard, yet joyful realities of being both a singer and a new mother. Because of the very personal nature of this narrative, the author has chosen to remain anonymous. However, she may be reached by e-mailing editorial@classicalsinger.com.
Do you have family members who don’t quite share your passion for opera? Kith and kin who attend your performances because they love you, but do so a bit begrudgingly? If you can relate, read this singer’s clever solution, which helped her father better appreciate opera when he traveled across the ocean to see her perform at a summer program. Fact or fiction? You decide.
A modern-day pioneer, Dan Montez began Taconic Opera eight years ago. Montez’ dedication to his family led him to leave behind a traditional singing career and look for alternate ways of making a living while still being actively involved in opera. His regional opera company is making this ideal a reality for other singers, too. Read what Mr. Montez looks for in singers he hires, what advice he has for singers—including avoiding negativity and how to set goals—as well as how he manages all aspects of his opera company, from artistic direction to marketing.
CS’ Fulbright Scholar finished her language training and now begins her real study, in Leipzig. Read how her international experiences open her eyes to nationalistic trends in both America and Germany, and cause her to reevaluate and expand her original course of study.
Erda, the erstwhile earth goddess, shares her practical knowledge and words of wisdom with all who inquire. This month, she shares her wisdom on the value of education and the impact of illness on your career. If you have a question for Erda, write to editorial@classicalsinger.com.
Do you dread that certain time of the month, not only for the mood swings and the physical discomfort, but more importantly for the vocal havoc menstruation can cause? CS’ resident physician explains what happens physically each month, and provides some singer-friendly remedies to help you miss as few gigs as possible.
Heldentenor Goes to Valhalla James King passed away in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 20 at the age of 80, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He began singing as a
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Dear Editor: I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your publication. From my heart—thank you. I read cover-to-cover, always. —Bethany Neese, Santa Rosa, Calif. Dear Editor: I would love
