2020

Musical Theatre Advice from Wicked Music Director Dan Micciche

CS Music recently had the opportunity to host a masterclass featuring Dan Micciche, the current music director/conductor for Wicked on Broadway. He offered some wonderful advice during that class that readers can learn a lot from. Here is a portion of the question and answer session, and if you want to listen to the entire class, look for the link at the end of this article.

Aug 13 CS Music Staff

Infusing Emotional, Stanislavski-esque Expression into our Singing

Why does it seem that the musical theater, or even the straight theater actor is more at ease with their delivery of emotional content than most opera singers? Is it

Aug 13 Mark Doss

The Marvelous Marilyn Maye

A lifetime of performing is a large part of Marilyn Maye’s legacy. Though she is not a classically trained singer, her advice on singing technique, connecting to lyrics, and reaching an audience is something all singers in any style should heed.

Aug 10 Mark Watson

Allergies When You’re a Singer

Asthma doesn’t seem to bother me any more unless I’m around cigars or dogs. The thing that would bother me most would be a dog smoking a cigar. – Steve

Jul 31 CS Music Staff

How to: Self-Tapes for Singers

Self-tape auditions have been discussed at length in the TV/Film world. In working with my voice students and fellow singers, however, I am not sure the importance of a good self-tape setup has been adequately explained in the singers’ world. Let me see if I can help clarify why self-tape auditions are so important.

Jul 30 Minda Larsen

Choose Your Own Audition Adventure

These step-by-step scenarios provide a glimpse into a variety of audition situations and can help with preparation for pounding the pavement in the Big Apple.

Jul 27 Joanie Brittingham

In Memoria : Rosita Fornes, Woman in a Flag Smiling

Here is a bilingual tribute to the great singer and actress Rosita Fornés.

Jul 21 Ana Maria Ruimonte

Dimitri Pittas : The Transformative Tenor

Dimitri Pittas’ career is one filled with transition. Despite serious obstacles, this kind-hearted tenor has proved his adaptability and is recognized as a force in the most impressive repertoire.

Jul 20 David Browning

Teaching during the Pandemic : Should You Raise Your Rates?

Yes we’re in the middle of a pandemic. People have lost their jobs. The world isn’t quite what it was. Not only are you concerned about raising your rates, you may even be charging less for online lessons than you did in person.

Jul 18 Fiona Flyte

Program Spotlight: Opera Program Documentary Explores Creating During a Pandemic

Heather Mathews, Associate Program Director for SFCM’s Opera & Musical Theatre division, narrates short film chronicling the technical and emotional experiences of producing Moments from Firebird Motel

Jul 17 CS Music Staff

Lasting and Important Heart Changes : Emerging Professional Winner Joel Balzun

"Is it necessary for every performance to be a benefit concert? I don't think so – sometimes art for art's sake is enough. But I'm a firm believer that the most meaningful musical experiences make the audience think and consider something. We cannot change the hearts of our audiences, but we can prompt the thoughts and questions which lead to lasting and important heart changes which can make our world a better place."

Jul 10 CS Music Staff

Drive-In Opera : Phoenicia Festival of the Voice

Maybe you went to a drive-in movie when you were a kid, and maybe you’ve attended live performances of grand opera. But you have never experienced anything like what you’ll

Jul 09 CS Music Staff