Lawrence Brownlee began taking the opera world by storm when he won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 2001. In the 16 years since then, the tenor has sung in all of the major opera houses around the world. Still at the height of his career, Brownlee is branching out, recently taking a position as artistic advisor to Opera Philadelphia, a company the singer has shared a long relationship with. Brownlee discusses his new position and how he hopes to bring opera to a wider, more diverse audience and how he sees his career progressing in the coming years. He also shares his thoughts on always living like a student, even after those university years.
Finding regular work even as a seasoned singer is a rarity. Explore the ups and downs of a field that tends to ebb and flow with singers who have looked to real estate as an economic option.
Late August and early September signifies a new music season. Whether you are going back to school, starting a young artist program, preparing for auditions or revving up for your
I’m sitting on a train traveling from Oslo to Bergen, Norway. And I’m able to communicate with anyone in the world. Amazing. More amazing, however, is the scenery out the
Music should mean something. Sound should mean something. Know what and why you are singing and your sound will come from somewhere amazing. Venerated tenor and voice teacher George Shirley has
How exciting it is to consider the many and varied possibilities when creating and/or choosing your career path. Sometimes it may even choose you! One thing is for certain, there is
In her new book, author Leda Scearce strives to remove the stigma surrounding vocal injuries and make singers and teachers aware of the best way to address such injuries—via a group of experts who collaboratively diagnose and treat singers.
If you’re like me, you’re growing pretty weary of hearing bad news. The world seems to be spinning out of control, and most analyses of the current arts climate seem to be dire. All year I had been looking forward to what would be my most fruitful opportunity this summer. It would have been a rewarding role with a lovely company. But just like a plant losing its battle against frostbite, the gig withered away and died when they announced they’d be canceling their entire season. Instead of constantly mourning the seeds that aren’t taking root, I’m taking this opportunity to praise and nurture those who are currently blossoming.
The young Greek mezzo-soprano Karolina Pilou has a lot going for her. Not only is her voice big and dramatic, it also is at home in the coloratura repertoire. She has had supportive teachers and influential mentors like Martina Arroyo and Dolora Zajick. And she recently made her Metropolitan Opera debut as Berta in The Barber of Seville. But it hasn’t all been easy. Two years ago, Pilou decided she needed to be kinder to herself—resulting in a 120-pound weight loss. Here she shares her philosophies about singing, weight loss, and the balance between making and waiting for things to happen.
Breathing is the foundation of all solid vocal production. Master teacher Deborah Birnbaum shares her insights on the subject while her students and colleagues share their views on her expert instruction.
Are teachers really providing their students with what they need to succeed? Or do teachers need to reevaluate their instruction model to better prepare students for the hours of work they do alone in the practice room, beyond their teacher’s listening ear?
You look great! But can you sing? Simply put, your vocal abilities must come first—and then you can worry about your website, bio, and headshot. So, learn ways here to be more proactive in the practice room while away from your teacher this summer.
