I began working with Neil Semer in January of this year. During his two-month stint in Europe, I had about eight lessons before taking part in the summer master class in Aub, Bavaria.
First, let me say something about Neil’s work.
Neil succeeds at being straight and clear in his technical advice, while remaining sensitively connected with the singer. He leads you to an emotionally authentic expression, while remaining technically aware. Simply said, our working together so intensely this summer supported me in having the courage once again to give myself to the music and to my individual sound.
I stopped concentrating on proving myself at auditions, and started sharing what inspires me. Within a few weeks, this change led to two engagements at the Oper Frankfurt: as Antonio in Rossini’s Viaggio a Reims and at the Stadttheater Gießen as Petrucci in Donizetti’s Lucrezia Borgia.
The circumstances in Aub are perfect for doing intense work. The village and the surrounding countryside are calm and beautiful, and the rooms in the historical house “Ars Musica” are simple, but special. The nice couple that manages the house serves special vegetarian and meat dishes, all moderately priced.
Neil and Roberta [Cunningham], the inspiring co-teacher and organizer of the course, are always around to support you.
Also, you have the opportunity to work on your roles with repetitors.
One of the benefits of the course is the opportunity to perform in the concerts around Aub three times a week. The concerts give you a chance to present to an audience the pieces you worked on in the classes—and to be in touch with the reason all of us go to all this effort! And they give Neil and Roberta the opportunity to see you on stage, and to give you coaching afterward.
Altogether, the summer master class at Aub was a very valuable experience.
