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September 2007
Table of Contents
Vol. 20, No. 9
Cover Story
Ruth Ann Swenson
- Stratospheric Success for 25 Years
by Susan Dormady Eisenberg
Along with her many triumphs on stage, Ruth Ann Swenson has recently triumphed offstage in a recent battle with breast cancer. In this Classical Singer exclusive, Swenson shares how she managed to keep
singing through her recent serious health scare and how the man who is both her husband and vocal coach remains a constant support in her singing and personal life. She also gives sound advice to singers on staying healthy, learning to say no, and following your heart.
Guest Artists
On Kindness
- Remembering Jerry Hadley
by Cindy Sadler
Many of us have read of the tragic events of the final days of singer Jerry Hadley’s life. Cindy Sadler, who knew and worked with Jerry, reflects on the many gifts he offered on and off the stage. If you’d like to share your thoughts on these recent events, visit the Classical Singer forum at www.classicalsinger.com.
Beverly Sills, a Fond Remembrance
by Maria Nockin
From her inspiring singing on the operatic stage and, her charismatic personality and charm shared on the television screen, to her keen business sense off the stage, Beverly Sills left an indelible mark on the world of opera.
Mark Lamanna
- Classical Singer's 2007 Stage Director of the Year
by Caleb Harris
Mark Lamanna has enjoyed a varied career, including years of dance training at the Joffrey Ballet School and Balanchine’s School of American Ballet in New York City, as well as a stint performing on Broadway. Now Lamanna dedicates his time to stage directing, inspiring singers to give their all in communicating and expressing the meaning of the music. In this Classical Singer exclusive, Lamanna shares how he teaches singers to trust their own impulses, why he thinks musical theatre and opera aren’t so different after all, and the importance of living in the now.
Columns
Exploring the Link Between Singing and Leadership
- Part One
by Kay Kleinerman
Learning to sing often means learning to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, self-perceptive, and much more. Can these important skills help us find success in other areas of our life? One singer and researcher decided to find out, and shares what she’s learned in this five-part series.
Certified Classical Singer '07-'08
by CS Staff
After three intense rounds of competition among more than 200 applicants, the judges of the AudComps 2007 named 13 singers Certified Classical Singers for 2007-2008.This month, read about soprano Aimée Puentes and baritone Jason Detwiler from the Professional Division.
Find Your Center
- With Chakra Seven
by Suzanne Jackson
In this final article exploring the seven chakras, learn about the crown chakra. Opening and balancing this chakra can help you live in the present with an empowering sense of quiet strength and confidence.
Say It With Orchestra
by Amanda White
With audition notices pouring in, colleges asking for prescreenings, and a growing number of competitions holding their initial rounds by CD, it might be time for a new demo. Want to stand out from the crowd? New York City’s Gurari Studios offers a fresh new option for the singer looking for an edge: an orchestra.
Inspirazione!
- A Tale of Two Singers
by Lisa Houston
As many singers head to conservatory this fall, it is worth examining some of the pros and cons of studying voice in that environment. A snapshot of two very different singers will get you thinking about how to make the most of your time in school so you can develop, according to Verdi, the three most important qualities in a singer: voice, voice, and voice.
What's Old Is New
- Composer Joseph Turrin Revives His Opera 'The Scarecrow'
by Jill Anna Ponasik
What happens when you combine talent and a great product with a strong determination and creative marketing? Thirteen productions of your opera at 13 different universities. Sound remarkable? It is, and composer Joseph Turrin shares how he made it happen.
In Every Issue
Bulletin Board
by Maria Nockin
Submit entries to the bulletin board by e-mail at bulletinboard@classicalsinger.com.
Editor's Note
- Sowing and Reaping
by Sara Thomas
Letters to the Editor
by CS Staff
Tell us how we’re doing. Tell us about the articles that have helped you and articles you’d like to read. We would like to publish your comments, received either by e-mail at editorial@classicalsinger.com or in the mail at P.O. Box 1710, Draper, UT 84020.
Special University Section
Stay Healthy in School
by Anthony Jahn, M.D.
From a rigorous schedule to late night study sessions, long hours in the practice room, and evening rehearsals, the life of a college music student presents a myriad of challenges, one of which is staying healthy. For the college singer- student, maintaining good health is even
more important. Here’s Dr. Jahn with some sound advice for keeping the doctor away.
Getting the Lowdown on your Higher Education Investment
by Angela Myles Beeching
So you’ve decided to pursue a degree in vocal performance. What school is best for you? How important is fi nding the right teacher when considering possible schools? How will you pay for your education? How can you find out about scholarships and fi nancial aid? Should you go on to pursue a master’s degree or doctorate? Angela Myles Beeching, career counselor at the New England Conservatory, provides a host of answers to these and many other questions facing the college-bound singer.
'Il Matrimonio Segreto': The Teacher-Student Union
- Part Two
by Cindy Sadler
Your college years are often the most critical time for fi nding a voice teacher to lay the foundation for the singer
you will become. In essence, choosing the right teacher can make or break your career. In this conclusion of a
two-part article, Cindy Sadler takes you through the signs for determining whether a teacher is right for you
and how to “break up” when and if that time comes.
Identifying Abuse in the Studio
by Cindy Sadler
Don't Let Theory Get You Down
- Preparing for the University Theory Core and Entrance Exams
by M. Ryan Taylor
If you have been fortunate enough to have a great public or private music education in your youth, the university “theory core” and musicianship entrance exams may not pose any significant threat to your wellbeing. If, however, you didn’t get much theory with your vocal or choral training, now is the time for you to prepare.
Battling Academic Pressures
- Emotional Well-being for Students
by Wilma Wever
Social and academic pressure can make college a stressful time. Add long hours in the practice room, a rigorous rehearsal schedule, constant critiquing, and intense competition into the mix, and the life of a college studentsinger can be even more challenging. You can find balance and maintain your emotional sanity amidst the craziness. Wilma Wever shares several terrific strategies that will help.
Confessions of a Juilliard Renegade
by Les Dreyer
CS’ favorite Met violinist returns with tales from his Juilliard days. The dilemmas Les Dreyer faced so many years ago are the same dilemmas many students face today: performance versus teaching as a career, and the challenges— for singers or instrumentalists—of music education degrees and musicology courses.
Recitals 101
- A Student's Guide to an Unforgettable Recital
by Shirlee Emmons
Planning and preparing for your student recital can be a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to be. Turn it in to something incredible—both to prepare and perform—by following Shirlee Emmons’ excellent advice. From securing a place and date and selecting the right repertoire to wearing the perfect outfit, find everything you need to know for pulling off a wonderfully successful recital.
A Word from Ana Maria Martinez
- Advice for the College-Bound
by Ana Maria Martinez
What type of school should you attend for your undergrad and grad degrees? What do you do after you finish your degree? How do you face the uncertainties of a singing profession? In her quarterly column, world-renowned soprano Ana María Martinez addresses these and other questions posed to her by singers. If you have a question you’d like Ms. Martinez to address in a future column, e-mail your question to editorial@classicalsinger.com.
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