Dear Editor: Should I go from Europe to New York to take part in your competition/audition? Do I have a chance to get some kind of job from this audition, even [if] I don’t have my green card yet? I hope you can answer these questions. Also, I heard about auditions organized in New York for European opera houses. Can you tell me more about that?
—Arjen Veenhuizen
The European auditions you are talking about are the NYIOP auditions. I suggest you contact David Blackburn at www.nyiop.com for more information. Since you are already in Europe, it wouldn’t make much sense to come to the U.S. for this type of audition! For your other question, I asked Alan Gordon, executive director of the singer’s union (AGMA), for help:
Dear Arjen:
Classical Singer magazine has asked me to answer your question about attending the CSM Convention and Auditions and about working in the United States.
First, let me suggest that attending the CSM Convention would be a worthwhile experience for any singer. The exposure it accords to the business of singing, for singers at all levels of their careers, is invaluable. If you can afford the trip, I think its definitely something you should do—plus it’s held at a really nice time to visit the United States.
As to the issue of working in the United States, it’s more difficult to give you a complete answer. First of all, the law requires that anyone other than a citizen or permanent (green card) resident must obtain a visa to work here. You can’t get a visa without a firm offer of a job.
If you were offered a job with an American company, that company’s lawyers would apply for the visa on your behalf. The visa application process is a very slow one and can easily take months. If a company offers you a job and the visa petition application demonstrates a sufficient level of experience, the visa is usually, but not always, issued.
In unionized companies, the union contract often prohibits companies from employing non-U.S. citizens for anything but starring roles, a requirement that pretty much tracks the requirements of the law. Thus, companies find it difficult to legally employ newer foreign singers, although if they really want to hire you, they probably can.
Many times, however, a company will not want to tell a singer that it doesn’t want to hire him or her and will use the visa issue as an excuse.
Since your letter doesn’t say where you live or the level of your experience, it’s hard to give you more detailed information. But, assuming that the trip is affordable for you, it can’t possibly hurt and may very well benefit your ultimate career to participate in the CSM convention and interact with your American colleagues. Singing is a global business, and the person you meet today might well be in a position to hire you or help you tomorrow.
Best of luck.
Alan S. Gordon
Executive Director
American Guild of Musical Artists
Dear Editor: Thomson Learning/Schirmer Books just released my book, Simply Singing, in which I used Classical Singer as a reference. [CS] was invaluable! I also have a Classical Singer subscription for the El Camino College Music Library, so the students have access to your copious and timely information!
—Hedley Nosworthy, Palos Verdes, Calif.
Dear Editor: I thoroughly enjoy each article! I look forward to each issue, and I share it with my son, Charles, who sings with Opera Carolina in Charlotte, N.C. I am a retired voice and public school music teacher. I’m always interested in new singers and new personalities, and love to hear about their goals and success.
—Alene Lang, East Point, Ga.
Dear Editor: I adore your magazine! As a professional singer, I would love more articles on great singers, past and present! I love to read how the “young” singers are making their careers now, and how we did it in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Thanks!
—Linda Heimall, Lyndhurst, N.J.
Dear Editor: I like the direction you have taken. I really appreciate the book reviews.
—Larry Owens, Valley Vig, Calif.
Dear Editor: Classical Singer is the best networking and informational tool out there for today’s singers! I’ve depended on it since it was the New York Opera Newsletter. I was thrilled at the wonderful convention and being able to participate in the Classical Singer Competitions. Thank you CJ, and the staff, for your labor of love and your commitment to the success of singers in all stages of development.
—Arietha Lockhart, Decatur, Ga.
Dear Editor: I love the variety of articles for aspiring and working singers of all ages. Every issue contains practical, useful information and articles of inspiration. (The format and editing could be improved.)
—Betty Spamer, Portola Valley, Calif.
Dear Editor: I really enjoy the articles, and as a professional singer and voice professor, I feel this magazine is a must for all singers in the classical field. Thank you for continued excellence!
—Dr. Alfonse Anderson, Henderson, Nev.
Dear Editor: Fabulous magazine! I am an “avocational singer” (formerly a pro, but now do it for love) and love being in contact with everything that is going on out there. The articles are all interesting and relevant to both full-time, and part-time singers. Keep up the good work! The magazine just gets better and better!
—Name Withheld, New York, NY
Dear Editor: Keep up the wonderful work all of you are doing in providing so much service to the classical singers’ world. I look forward to seeing you all at the convention in May!
—Lia Kahler, New York, N.Y.
