Auditions & Career

The Music Major Minute: Unexpected Vocal Repertoire, Part Four: French Mélodie

In this column, we will sojourn through some less performed French art songs in the fourth part of a series on unexpected vocal repertoire.

Jun 26 Christi Amonson

The Five Stages of Peak Performance

I ran into my former student Robby the other night, and he enthusiastically told me, “Hey, Dr. Skidmore, I performed with my band Friday night and We ‘sandboxed it!’” In that moment Robby unknowingly created my new favorite phrase to describe a peak performance.

May 17 Jon Skidmore

Crossover Corner: Creating a Crossover Practice

Setting goals and saving for the future are not easy for singers and voice teachers, but they are necessary skills that “cross over” other areas of our lives. All need those same skills for success.

May 08 Peter Thoresen

Tips from Juilliard: Summertime

Recently, I was heading home on the subway and talking with Juilliard’s Director of Music Admissions, Rachel Kunce. Our conversation moved toward summer programs. Having BM and MM degrees in vocal performance, Rachel noted how she wished she had been better prepared to attend summer programs when she was a student.

Apr 30 Kathleen Tesar

Marking in Rehearsal: What Is It and When to Use It

Have you ever been asked to "mark" while in rehearsal? Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre in the Theatre Department at the University of Utah, David Eggers, gives advice about "marking" and how to do it safely.

Apr 24 David Eggers

Elder Care and You: Planning for the Future Now

At some point, you may be responsible for the care of elderly family members and, eventually, you must plan for your own care in later years. Learn more from a voice teacher balancing the difficulties of both her own career while also caring for her elderly mother.

Apr 07 Dr. Michelle Latour

Tips from Juilliard: Reflecting

For many of you, the past few months have included auditions for undergraduate or graduate programs. With so much going on, taking time to reflect seems nearly impossible. And yet, reflecting is critical for artistic growth. Read on to learn more about how reflecting can help you as an artist.

Mar 31 Kathleen Tesar

Recital Representation: Making Space for Women Composers

Choosing recital repertoire is an art form that many wonderful artists have been chronicling for decades. Read on to learn about how to include more works by women composers in your recitals as a student and as a voice teacher.

Mar 30 Christi Amonson

The Singer’s Library: The Empowered Performer

Sharon Stohrer’s second book on performance anxiety aims to help singers strategize their way to more confident presentations.

Mar 27 Brian Manternach

Music Major Minute: Unexpected Repertoire, Part III – German Lieder

Undergraduate and graduate students and teachers can find excellent German repertoire suggestions in the continuation of our “Unexpected Repertoire” series.

Mar 23 Christi Amonson

Closing the Curtain on Stage Fright

I frequently ask performing artists at all levels this very important question: “Where in your career or training have you had an in-depth explanation of the causes of and cures for stage fright?” Read on for tips on how to manage performance anxiety effectively.

Mar 21 Jon Skidmore

The Singer’s Library: Queering Vocal Pedagogy

A new book provides insights on creating gender-affirming voice studios.

Mar 09 Brian Manternach