Need for more courses
Dear Editor: I find there is a need for young students to find real basic courses, for remedial type sight-singing, ear training, and acting-for-singers courses for professionally minded singers not just amateurs. Perhaps “local”.
-Marni Nixon, New York, NY
Adds to Solitaire metaphor
Dear Editor: Thanks for your solitaire metaphor. [Editorial, August issue, p. 5] I am an opera singer currently singing the role of Madame Armfeldt in Goat Hall Production’s, San Francisco staging, of Sondheim’s A Little Night Music. May I add my character’s opening line, “Solitaire is the only thing in life that demands absolute honesty”, to the business of recognizing one’s successes.
-Marcia St.Clair, via e-mail
Wonders if Classical Singer “is for me?”
Dear Editor: I find the articles informative and interesting, which is why I am renewing! I am not a “career” singer since I’m a bit older, but I do sing locally either for pay or volunteer. So much of the magazine is not geared to my situation. However, I still find articles of interest that are helpful.
-Ellen Lerner, Rochester, NY
Dear Ellen: I take issue with two statements you made. First, I hope you don’t think it is a given that you are not a career singer because you are a bit older, otherwise a lot of us out here wouldn’t be having the careers we are having. MANY of us are having careers and we started older. Secondly, the magazine IS geared to your situation. We definitely include singers like you all the time. You are just like many of us! For example, we recently had an article about singing in prisons! Thanks for reading.
Dear Editor: Most classically trained singers earn their livelihood through a variety of music endeavors. For example: 30% performing i.e. mixed with stage roles (opera and musicals, revues, fundraisers, weddings, special events, etc.); 30% teaching private studio and/or academic institutions; 30% directing/producing; 10% entrepreneurial. Please round-out, broaden your issues which still mainly focuses on the tiniest subject of trained singers. Ergo it’s unrealistic and supports primarily the “fantasy” of a full time opera career.
-Name withheld, Livermore, CA
I appreciate your feedback, but I don’t agree with your assessment of how we’re doing meeting the needs of singers not on the “La Scala track.” In August we had a huge feature about teaching, and articles about how to start a small opera company, being a cantor, learning how to cough correctly and using a netipot. September’s cover story featured a college group who learned how to make a living touring. We also had articles on how to deal with singer depression, the dangers of singing heavy repertoire, an interesting report from an older singer who was figuring out how to make a go of it while studying in Europe and a student debt survey; all articles needed by “non-Scala” track singers. We constantly talk about finding your own career path and how that is “OK!”
Wants a new survey & rankings
Dear Editor: Great Magazine. I’d be interested in a survey of rates charged for private and also school voice lessons in various locations of U.S and internationally.
-Name withheld, Pawtucket, RI
Great idea. Let’s do it.
Dear Editor: I’d like to see a set of rankings in depth of music schools/vocal departments as well as audition tips for masters programs to help me with my search for my next degree.
-Name withheld, Livingston, NJ
Finds CS invaluable, relate well
Dear Editor: I am continuing to subscribe for my daughter, Kimberly, who is a grad student in vocal performance at Moore Conservatory, University of Houston. She found this magazine invaluable during her undergrad at the Conservatory of Music, UMKC.
-Virginia Walker, Pleasantville, MO
Dear Editor: I love Classical Singer , and I think the articles relate so well to my career and lifestyle. I’m always interested in each article published and am then motivated to research those topics in more depth.
-Ariya Sawadivong, Greensboro, NC
Dear Editor: Excellent articles on Alexander Technique and vocal wobble!
-Janet Alcorn, Birmingham, AL
Dear Editor: The articles always seem to hit some important aspect of singing that helps me right at when I need it.
-S. Corrine Larsen, Cypress, CA
Needs accommodation info
Dear Editor: I find everything in CS very interesting and helpful. Personally, I would like to learn more about accommodations for singers going for auditions in Europe and USA (especially NY).
-Lada Safonova, Thornhill, ON
Longs for more opera companies
Dear Editor: I’d like to see articles on past great or not so great singers. I wish there were more small companies where young singers could get experience, for example: our small company the “Sunstate Opera” of which I am the artistic director. We pay guests $500/performance. We are doing Hansel and Gretel, Traviata and La Bohème. Four performances of each opera.
-Mario Laurenti, Clearwater, FL
We all wish for more opera companies out there. Thanks for the work you are doing.
Thanks Audition listings and for helping get a job
Dear Editor: My husband and I are both singers. I have a Masters and he has a doctorate in voice, and we love the articles that tell it like it is, i.e. the abusive teacher one. Great stuff! He was just hired by the Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus from an audition he saw in your publication. Thank you.
-Betsy Garcia, Glen Burnie, MD
Dear Editor: Keep up the great work. I’d like to see more audition listings. I’d like to see more regional opera reviews.
-Name withheld, Huntington Beach, CA
Auditions are the best kept secret in the business. Even managers have a tough time finding out when some of the companies come into town and are given only a limited number of slots in which to put their people. Auditions are not publicized openly. Singers don’t tell other singers when they have auditions-if another singer finds out they are going to an audition, the singer keeps mum about which company they are singing for. Suzanne Martiny does an amazing job finding out about the auditions she does find for CS. We hope subscribers show gratitude to the top companies who are still holding open auditions!
Hey, CS , jazz up your website!
Dear Editor: I’m glad that you readjusted the viewing format of the on-line magazine. However, now there are not pictures. Why didn’t you just leave it like you used to have it in 2000-2001? And include the editorials and sound bytes that was the most useful? Also, some of the sound bytes are not working.
-Dolores Russo Austin, Norwalk, CT
Our website is currently being redone and everything will be changing. We are not happy with the current system either. Look for big changes in about two months. Thanks for your patience
