Joanie Brittingham

Joanie Brittingham is a writer and soprano living in New York City. Brittingham is the associate editor for Classical Singer Magazine and the author of Practicing for Singers and has contributed to many classical music textbooks. Her writing has been described as “breathless comedy” and having “real wit” (New York Classical Review). Brittingham is the librettist for the opera Serial Killers and the City, which premiered with Experiments in Opera, and performed with New Wave Opera’s “Night of the Living Opera.” On Instagram and TikTok: @joaniebrittingham.

Donor Relations for Singers

What kind of roles do donors play for opera companies? And what is a singer’s obligation to said donors? Find out here, including how to make small talk and when and what kind of thank you notes to write.

Dec 01 Joanie Brittingham

So You Want to Teach Voice: : How to Start Your Own Private Studio

From what to charge to how to find students to how to get them to pay and keep coming, established singers/teachers share the ins and outs of beginning a private studio.

Nov 01 Joanie Brittingham

Working with Managers

Five managers discuss what they look for in singers they sign to their rosters and the dos and don’ts for a good working relationship once signed.

Oct 01 Joanie Brittingham

Is a DMA For You?

Three singers who hold a doctorate of musical arts discuss the benefits, misperceptions, and challenges surrounding this degree.

Sep 01 Joanie Brittingham

So You Think You Can’t Dance

Does the thought of a musical theatre dance callback leave you shaking in your jazz shoes? Find out what you need to know to both prepare for and perform better at your next movement call.

Jul 01 Joanie Brittingham

Quitting a Gig

Singers and directors weigh in on the delicate art of canceling a gig, including when it’s OK and how to best mitigate the potential fallout.

Dec 01 Joanie Brittingham

Working with Difficult Conductors and Directors

What do you do when the diva isn’t a fellow singer but the conductor or stage director and there seems to be no pleasing them? Get practical advice from singers on how to remain professional and deal with difficult people in such situations.

Nov 01 Joanie Brittingham

Cultivating New Works: : American Lyric Theater

Singers have Young Artist Programs to help them make the leap from student to professional. But what about up-and-coming composers? How do they get the training needed to successfully write operas? A New York City-based organization is providing just such training.

Apr 01 Joanie Brittingham

Opera Moms

Singers who are mothers weigh in on the challenges and rewards of doing both.

Feb 01 Joanie Brittingham

From Student To Teacher : Marilyn Horne

Marilyn Horne is a true legend on the operatic and recital stages, as evidenced in the lengthy list of awards she has received. Now, as she approaches her 80th birthday, she continues to create another legacy beyond her stage career—a remarkable and legendary teaching career. Once a student at the Music Academy of the West, Horne has been the music director of the Academy for over 15 years where she continues to mentor, lead, and inspire the next generation of singers. Read about her commitment to both song and opera, how she got into teaching in the first place, and what she considers the greatest joys of being a teacher.

Jan 01 Joanie Brittingham

Antibiotic Overuse

When your body is your instrument and that body gets sick, you can feel desperate for a quick fix. But don’t let that desperation lead you to make short term choices that could have long term negative effects.