All Articles – Page 266

Patricia Wise’s singing career has taken her to countries all around the world, giving her many opportunities to observe other national singing sounds. In this article, she narrows her focus to the American singing sound. Patricia asks and answers the difficult questions: Is there such a sound? How did it evolve? What are its characteristics?

A conservatory performance degree, a big-name New York teacher and coach, a Met audition win on your résumé—the list goes on for the traditional path that supposedly leads to singing fame. Sometimes, though, tradition is a bit overrated. Read how singer Dorothy Byrne has found success—not in spite of a non-traditional background, but because of it.

Are inhibitions about your dancing abilities holding you back on the stage? Don’t despair! It’s never too late to learn, as Richard Gere’s character in “Shall We Dance” showed on the big screen recently. Here are some helpful hints to inspire even your two left feet.

Our Met violinist returns, this time with a new word to add to your vocabulary: biffing. These stories are sure to make you laugh out loud, and bring to mind your own experiences with biffing (we all have them!). We’d love to hear about them. Go to www.ClassicalSinger.com, click on “curtain call” and confess your favorite biffing moment.

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in an audition or competition? Or what the judges have to say once you leave the room? Cristina Necula got an inside look at part of the combined audition/competition AudComps at this year’s Classical Singer Convention. From her insights, as well as those of two of our distinguished judges, you can learn what to do—and what not to do—at your next audition.

Whether you’re a teacher, a performer, or both, this well-known pedagogue’s latest book is a valuable resource for every singer. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide if it belongs on your bookshelf.

In this University Edition of Classical Singer, we remember and pay tribute to a fine singer and excellent teacher, who taught at both Mannes and Manhattan schools of music.

Pursuing a singing career may have seemed the obvious choice for Renée Fleming—after all, both of her parents were voice teachers—but her path to stardom turned out to be neither direct nor ordinary. Diversions along the way included studying music education and singing jazz. Eventually, however, this two-time Grammy award winner made her way to the top, even if not by the most direct route—although, as she shares in this Classical Singer exclusive, being at the top isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be.

Q: What do you call a person who hangs out with a group of musicians? A: A singer! We like to make fun of each other, and of ourselves, and

Rest in Peace, Ghena Dimitrova On June 11, Ghena Dimitrova passed away in Milan after a long and debilitating illness, according to news reports. The remains of the 64-year-old Bulgarian

Dear Editor: It would be great if the medical article could be on canker sores and the best way to deal with them as a singer. I get terrible breakouts

Dear Editor: I love your articles and your style! You obviously care about your readers—your articles are frank, informative, and your advice compassionate and nurturing. Please continue printing more articles