Dear Editor: I just read your editorial in the latest edition of Classical Singer [“A Lifelong Love of Learning,” Sept. ’12], and I congratulate you on a moving piece, beautifully written. It is an important topic that you handled skillfully and sensitively.
Richard Dale Sjoerdsma
Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Singing
Racine, WI
Dear Editor: I find it increasingly difficult to embrace your publication. It seems you have gone the way of all American media: there is an intense focus on the “young star” or the “next upcoming . . . .” The only artists you spend substantial time discussing that fall outside of these categories are those at the very top tier of this business.
What about the singers making whole careers working in only American (or national) houses? What about all those choosing to work at the regional level, but managing to carve out quite a wonderful existence? I feel safe in saying there are far more singers of this type—might they have some wise advice as well? Many of these artists have had very interesting paths as well.
I realize that much of your readership is the “YAP” (if I may use this term without offense) level artist or emerging professional. Please keep in mind that this is not your entire demographic!
While reading inspiring stories about the artists of late (and I am personally acquainted with many of them, so I wish each of them every desired success) is interesting, I feel that it may paint an unrealistic picture of the business of singing, as well as the often uncontrollable trajectory of careers. Few singers truly make it into the top tiers. Perhaps offering articles, interviews, and information from those working steadily, but not in the “spotlight,” would be helpful to all of your readers.
All of this said, I appreciate the source your publication creates for singers at all levels. I would merely like to suggest a more broad spectrum when it comes to “spotlighting” artists. I may be in the minority with this request, but I make it nonetheless.
David Adams
Via Facebook
