January 2006 – All Articles

A singer shares her experiences at a highly specialized summer program focusing on music from the Baroque era. The program provided new insights into early music—and
lessons that apply to all styles of music.

This longtime summer program has undergone some recent changes, primarily after its founder and namesake passed away just two years ago. CS asked a recent participant to tell us how the program is doing now—and how it is continuing the great work started by Wesley Balk.

Have you heard people say that the song recital is a dying art form? Are you worried they might be right? Dismiss the thought! Shush the naysayers! As this CS contributor learned last summer, the song recital remains in the land of the living. Here are 10 terrific tips to help you make your next recital performance truly unforgettable.

On the brink of his college career, recent high school graduate Zachary Peterson-Bernhard wanted a
great summer singing experience. He found just that in the Catskill Mountains, at the Bel Canto Institute.
The program will find a new home in Florence, Italy this summer.

Nestled in New York State, this relatively new summer program, created by a world-famous soprano and
top conservatory, offers training to a chosen few. Roberta Hershenson visited the program this last
summer and gives CS a full report.

Determine your goals 1. What is your ultimate goal? 2. What are the secondary goals that will be the stepping stones towards your ultimate goal? 3. What steps do you

Summer programs can offer marvelous opportunities to hone your skills, try those skills out on stage, and make valuable contacts helpful to your career. But with so many programs to choose from, and with more starting up each year, finding the right program—the one that will give you the most bang for your buck—can be tough! Being a good consumer is the key. Here are some helpful hints.

Winter is upon us, and often, with the stress of the holiday season over, illness sets in! Don’t let winter slow you down vocally this year. Here’s Dr. Jahn, with everything you need to know to stay healthy until the blessed spring thaw.

Erda, the erstwhile earth goddess, shares her practical knowledge and words of wisdom with all who inquire. This month, she shares her wisdom on how to handle a name change and dealing with gaps in your résumé. If you have a question for Erda, write to editorial@classicalsinger.com.

Truly a modern-day renaissance man, José Cura continues to astound audiences, whether it’s from the podium or the stage. A self-described “rebel,” Mr. Cura has done things his way, from starting his own management and recording company to being a self-taught singer. He shares with CS readers how being an athlete before becoming a singer has influenced his view of singing, what he does to ensure that he does more than parent his two children via the phone, and what type of music he prefers to compose.

Ever heard the old adage, “Singing is 99 percent thinking?” If that’s true, then how effectively a singer uses the mind can be critical—but often emotions, thoughts, worry, and stress can clutter the mind. Consider this discussion of how singers can use meditation to improve their quality of life and their singing!

Transport yourself back in time to Honolulu, Hawaii on Feb. 11, 1854.