Dear Editor: I am writing a response to a letter writer who complained about voice teacher’s salaries going up every year, and that we have no regard for artists as human beings. Let me say that as a voice teacher and a singer, this person should try to run a voice studio and survive financially. With overhead costs such as a studio rentals rising, health care costs rising, gasoline at an all time high (I drive to students houses and different schools), coupled with the fact that a student’s weekly visit is not a guarantee due to illness, vacation etc. Prices are as they are so that we can pay our bills and have some semblance of a life. I consider myself a professional and am dedicated to the voice and artistry of each of my students. I am not out to take advantage. Most of us are not.
—Name Withheld, Cambridge, MA
Dear Editor: I have a suggestion for you to consider: With articles on singers, include sections from their discography that they like, or that you like, or that thoughtful critics like.
—Art Schuller, Salinas, CA
Dear Editor: I wrote to CJ Williamson about an article I want to submit. No answer. The magazine is wonderful! I wrote two articles in the past. —Lois Alba, Houston TX
Hello Lois. I went back through my e-mails and don’t have a record of receiving anything from you. Please write to me again at cj@classicalsinger.com (we only accept articles electronically) and let me send you our writer’s guidelines. —Editor
Dear Editor: Kudos for the service and inspiration you offer to everyone in “the field”. I heard the convention was superb. Wish I could have joined you.
—Arlene Shrut, New York NY
Dear Editor: Nice Magazine. Excellent to receive audition notices via email. I’d like to see more articles about breaking the “age barrier” that exists for older singers and those who are managing to have careers despite not having formal education (except for private lessons and a few acting classes). We need more competition and open auditions for this clan of singer (30-45 years, etc).
—Name Withheld, Cincinnati, OH
Come to the Classical Singer Management Seminars being held around the country this year. Mark Stoddard and Cindy Sadler will be showing you what to do to market your voice. I’m a little concerned though because your letter sounds a bit like you are lacking in training perhaps? A few acting classes aren’t going to take you very far in today’s market and if all you’ve had is private voice lessons (maybe with one teacher?) you probably haven’t been pushed much or had to compare yourself against others. You may have just one teacher telling you you’re in great shape when in fact you have, say for instance, a wide vibrato or a tremolo your teacher isn’t hearing. I’d love to see you get into school, or some situation where you are constantly performing and getting feedback. Singing in masterclasses every week and putting yourself out there would be so important for you. You need feedback outside your teacher’s studio. No matter what your age, training comes first. Get some opinions about where your product stands currently and make sure you have a marketable product. If it’s marketable, Cindy and Mark will help you find that market. If it’s not marketable, have a good cry (our voices seem to be attached to the tear ducts!) and then get out there and fix it. You’re in Cincinnati. Call up the conservatory and ask for some recommendations. Your current teacher shouldn’t mind second opinions. If she does, she’s not very confident in her teaching.
—Editor
Dear Editor: Thank you for an exceptional, instructive magazine
—Judith Blyth, Miami FL
Dear Editor: Singers are so fortunate to have a publication that provides information on career opportunities, health issues, specific to singers and articles that inform and support young artists. Classical Singer is a vital, user-friendly resource for students and young professionals alike. Thank You
—Theresa Hansen, Lecturer, Voice & Pedagogy, Northwestern Univ.
Dear Editor: I have been a subscriber since the publication was the New York Opera Newsletter. Congratulations on being THE publication for singers at all levels of their career. From interviews to audition notices, your publication is one of the most important tools for a career.
—Dr. Liana Valente, Macon GA
Dear Editor: Thank you for picking Joan Krueger as Coach of the Year. She is one of my dearest friends and a great colleague.
—Dr. Sherry Overholt, New York NY
Dear Editor: “Falling Between the Cracks” What disturbs me greatly is when one is told you are too old for this artist program or this role, or you don’t have enough operatic stage experience. Now this is AFTER repeated auditions to “get” experience, and after spending every dime you’ve got ONLY to be told, “They’ve hired someone already known in the industry” This is baffling to me to find out after 4 or 5 call backs that other auditionees were chosen because the director already “knew” them or their work. Is this not unfair to those trying to “get known” or gain that “stage experience” they’ve been denied because no one ever gave them a chance? I am certain there are many other African-American opera singers, but I am asking that my time and money and training (years of it) not be wasted at an audition whereby the directors already “know” prior to my ever walking in front of them WHO they are going to hire. The lack of respect and consideration for singers in this industry has been overwhelming.
—Paula Newberry, Memphis TN
Dear Editor: Classical Singer is a unique and valuable resource for singers and teachers of all levels. Keep up the good work!
—Dorothy Stone-Andrade, New York, NY
