Dear Editor: Are there any jobs for singers in fabulous vocal shape, gorgeous looking or over 50? CS becomes less and less useful as all auditions and other jobs are for youngsters. Maybe you can create a “corner” for older singers with advice. Where and how to find suitable jobs, singing while managing menopause, does one have to face cruel reality and stop singing while still in wonderful vocal shape?
—Name Withheld, Cherry Hill, NJ
I think your idea is good—CS needs a corner for the mature singer. We’ll work on it because the interests can be very different. The majority of the auditions are for the younger set but hopefully as you matured, you gained skills to market yourself and your talents. Isn’t it wonderful to realize you don’t have to wait on someone else in power any more? Especially in this youth market, when even comprimario roles meant for mature singers are given to the very youngest singers! But I’d suggest the June issue for you—make your own CD, market your own recital, team up with a composer as Janeanne Houston is doing in “Resolutions.” [See last month] Go on tour. An article is coming up soon about a singer who did just that. I’d say that being over fifty, in great vocal shape and gorgeous is a great combination. Lucky you.
—Editor
Dear Editor: One addition that would be appreciated is a listing of classical singing related to television programming for the coming months. There are wonderful broadcasts that go on various networks periodically that to my knowledge are not listed in any one place. If possible, I think that would be a very helpful addition to an already great resource. —Michael LaFortune, NY, NY
I would like this listing myself. However, the listings would be different all over the country. Also, I found that the listings I was sending out on the Internet of radio broadcasts of opera were not being read, so we stopped them and went back to sending out e-mails of more pertinent information. (You can subscribe to this free monthly service at our homepage on www.classicalsinger.com) But thanks for the idea. —Editor
Dear Editor: I have been a subscriber since the publication was The New York Opera Newsletter. Over the years I have benefited from the audition notices and especially the articles. Congratulations on a wonderful resource! Would you consider an article focusing on copyright infringement, especially at the college level, and the singer’s responsibility to support composers?
—Liana Valente, Macon, GA
See page 16, Ask Erda
Dear Editor: Please stick to one format of audition listings. It was very confusing to look at during all the changes. Thank you.
Name Withheld, NY, NY
Bad News. We have a new format this month.
Dear Editor: I’ve really enjoyed my first year as a CS subscriber. The articles are informative and interesting. I would love to see you do more articles on the emerging professional: apprentice programs, transition out of grad school, etc.
—Vanessa Cappiello, Brooklyn, NY
Dear Editor: I always appreciate the informative side of the magazine for all of us at whatever level we may be. However, I could do without some of the articles on personal stories, etc. I believe there are enough biographies out there as well as other magazines to keep us up on that type of info.
—Dorothy Donéll, Santa Cruz, CA
Dear Editor: I look forward to every issue. I hope to see auditions eventually sorted by region and expanded. I would like to see other employment opportunities listed, as well as information on self-employment issues such as health insurance, small business loans and marketing. I particularly enjoyed “Diva Dispatch.” I would like to see more “hands on” articles like this series.
—Elise Perea, Dallas TX
Dear Editor: I enjoy all the articles. I especially like the “tax tips for singers” articles. I’m going to give them to my tax preparer.
—Elana Fox Lippa, Germantown, MD
Dear Editor: CS is an invaluable guide to aspiring and accomplished singers or teachers of singing. The articles on vocal health and job listings are favorites of mine.
—James M. Moore, Long Beach, CA
Dear Editor: Each issue gets better! Possibly the best single informational tool we singers have—bravi tutti! —Gary Harger, Orange, CT
Dear Editor: I really enjoy your publication and find it is marvelous tool for my students. I would love to see more articles or information regarding the collegiate undergraduate programs for voice. Most of your information is geared toward the emerging professional…but you have supporters who are much younger. I would also love more info on summer music programs for high school.
—Priscilla Bagley, Winter Park, FL
Dear Editor: I have several students over 50 years old. Some women were inquiring about hormone replacement therapy to keep their voice in good shape. How about an article?
—Mary Kay McGarvey, Long Island City, NY
More than an article, we need someone to do research on this. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of interest in the scientific community on the plight of the older singer. Our research therefore has to be anecdotal. What we need is to hear from excellent singers—high voices in particular—who have successfully negotiated the change without dryness, loss of range or problems with slow vibrato. And it’s difficult to get singers to talk about this sensitive topic!
—Editor
Dear Editor: I’m sorry you have discontinued reviews of concerts and operas. Your logic in so doing is invalid in my opinion. How else are we going to know what is going on in other parts of the country?
—Marcella Lee, Iowa City, IA
