Classical Singer Magazine

Creating Your Own On-Campus Performing Opportunities

Performing, performing, performing. That’s the name of the game as a young singer working to build a résumé. But what if your college or university falls short in providing these opportunities? Don’t sit on your hands feeling sorry for yourself. Consider other possibilities for creating your own performance opportunities.

Sep 01 Jason Vest

Editor’s Note : Lifelong Learning, Ceaseless Service

I recently learned that Motto magazine named my alma mater’s maxim one of the top 10 best college mottos in the country. I used to drive past the words, etched

Sep 01 Sara Thomas

Southern Leadership Pt 2 : Conductor William Fred Scott and Brenau University

Last month, CS featured conductor William Fred Scott’s thoughts on auditioning. This month, Scott shares details about his new position at Brenau University and its unique program to help singers emerge better prepared than ever for the operatic business. In addition, he discusses problems he sees in the training of young voices to have a “perfect” sound at the cost of individuality, personality, and uniqueness, and talks about what annoys him most about young singers today.

Sep 01 Daniel Vasquez

Center Stage : Leah Podzimek, Soprano

Each month CS highlights one of its readers. If you’d like to take Center Stage in an upcoming issue of Classical Singer,
visit www.classicalsinger.com/magazine/center_stage/. Tell us about yourself, and upload a picture. We want to know about you!

Sep 01 CS Staff

Electing the Best Electives

Even within the rigorous schedule of required music classes, students must choose those pesky electives. Will some classes help you more after college than others? Don’t be afraid to step out of the music building and exercise that left brain with classes that will prove beneficial in your singing career.

Sep 01 Jason Vest

Creating Your Own Curriculum In and Out of School

Is a college diploma really necessary for becoming a successful opera singer? General director Dan Montez responds to this question with some surprising answers. Learn how to get the education you need to make your dreams a reality.

Sep 01 Dan Montez

Prepping for the ‘Real World’ : College-Level Career Development Programs

The business side of singing is becoming more and more important in an ever-changing market. What are universities doing to prepare singers? Career counselor Angela Myles Beeching tells CS how a number of universities are addressing this need and discusses how alumni and schools alike can better help the next generation.

Sep 01 Angela Myles Beeching

What Not To Wear : Appropriate Attire for the University Student

Styles are getting more and more casual these days, but is it really OK to show up for studio class in jeans and flip-flops? Or should student singers be more conscientious about their attire in a university setting?

Sep 01 Katherine Kelton

Bridging The Transition : From Student to Pro

Several universities have fostered good relationships with local opera companies, choral groups, chamber groups, and symphonies—and their students are reaping the benefits.

Sep 01 Greg Waxberg

Starting Out At A Two-Year College : A Viable Option

For financial, scholastic, or other reasons, not all singers start out at four-year schools. What are the pros of starting at a two-year college, and how can you prepare yourself in those two years to move on to a bigger school? Professors and students weigh in on the issue.

Sep 01 Valerie White Williams

Flying High with Flicka : An Interview with Frederica von Strade

Mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade has thrilled audiences world-wide for nearly four decades. She continues to give back to the next generation of singers, offering masterclasses at universities around the country each year. A consummate artist, von Stade is known not only for her masterful interpretations of operatic, concert, recital, and musical theatre repertoire, but also for her grace, humanity, and non-diva attitude. She shares those qualities with CS readers in this exclusive interview.

Sep 01 David F Wylie

A Word From Ana Maria Martinez : Networking Know-How

Soprano Ana María Martínez brings her own insights to a term singers throw around often: “networking.” Consider a few networking ideas you might not have thought of before.

Sep 01 Ana Maria Martinez