One morning while traveling along the freeway, I spotted a momma duck with four tiny little ducklings on the side of the road. It looked like a picture out of a storybook, the momma out front with her little crew following in a perfectly straight line behind her. There was no storybook ending, however, for this little family. I watched in horror as the duck led her ducklings from the safety of the shoulder directly onto the busy freeway. As the little crew waddled across the white line and out into the road, a semi whizzed by, sealing the poor little ducks’ fate.
The image haunted me for weeks. I thought of that mother duck, leading her little brood. She certainly had no idea that the path she chose was leading to imminent death for herself and those following her. And her little ducklings seeking safety and security stuck close to the one they trusted to provide it. They likewise had no idea of the coming end to their morning stroll.
At different times in our lives we have occasion to lead and occasion to follow. Family relationships create our very first opportunities. With school come teachers, and these leaders become a huge part of our lives from elementary school through college and beyond. In the beginning, our leaders are thrust upon us. But as we get older, we determine whom we choose to follow.
The university years are particularly formative and critical in a singer’s life. It’s the beginning of real, focused study and a time when singers often meet those who will become their lifelong teachers and mentors. Frankly, I have seen many singers get bad advice, bad instruction, and bad direction from well-meaning instructors who simply didn’t have the knowledge or know-how. How can young singers find those who will lead them where they want to go?
In this issue, Megan Gloss shares insights from teachers, singers, managers, and directors about what a team of mentors should look like (p. 84). You need those who know technique and can help you get the voice you want. You need those who really know the business of singing and can guide you in managing that part of your career. You need those who have connections with others in the business who can open doors for you at critical moments. Find out how to identify and connect with those who can help you achieve your goals.
Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, featured in this month’s cover story (p. 30), has listened and learned from those who have helped her get to the top. Now, through her very personal blog as well as the masterclasses and workshops she is involved in around the country, DiDonato is schooling singers on everything from technique to how to be a social advocate for what you believe in. Read more from this enormously talented, smart, savvy, and down-to-earth diva.
Choosing the best school and program can also connect singers with the right kinds of leaders. Greg Waxberg lays out the differences between schools of music, departments of music, conservatories, and more (p. 48). Find out which of these institutions will best meet your needs. And then read in-depth looks at a few very different programs: the vocal program at Virginia Tech University (p. 116), the sacred music degree at the University of Notre Dame (p. 104), and two university voice programs in Berlin (p. 78). Finally, if you’re considering a doctorate degree, read singers’ thoughts on their value (p. 56).
As we seek out those to lead us, may we find those we can follow who possess the wisdom to guide us to clear, semi-truck-free paths.
