Latest Articles

Onward and Upward with Nathan Gunn

From his beginnings in South Bend, Indiana, to winning the MONC Auditions, performing on the world’s greatest stages, achieving major success in crossover works, and now serving as a Swanlund Chair at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Nathan Gunn continues to inspire audiences and students worldwide. In this interview, Gunn shares his thoughts on being an artist during a pandemic, his advice to young singers, and his optimism for the future.

May 18 Tish Oney

“Vissi d’arte”: Conversations with Carol Vaness

ontinued from the January/February issue, Carol Vaness offers guidance to young singers on taking charge of their education and careers. In addition to a monumental career that continues to influence

May 17 Elisabeth Marshall

The Doctor Is In : Exercise, Hydration, and Singing

Dear Dr. Jahn: I’ve recently taken up Olympic lifting as a side hobby and I’m worried that it will have an effect on my voice. Are there any negative effects

May 15 Anthony Jahn, M.D.

What If I’m Not Good Enough (Yet)? : Thoughts on Constructive Criticism - Part 2

n my last blog, I discussed the negative self-talk that plagues so many artists, myself included. “I am not good enough” is like a soundtrack that plays on a loop.

May 12 Minda Larsen

Expanding Your Audition Repertoire: Aria Savvy Part VII

ost audition judges will eagerly hear any singer whose repertoire shows some musical curiosity and a sense of adventure. Why choose only the “standard” five arias in your Fach for

May 12 Roger Pines

Becoming a Cantor

Joseph Flaxman discusses his journey from the opera house to the synagogue.

May 12 Rachel Antman

The Jaw : Just When You Thought It Was Safe…

Among singers’ acronymic medical problems, if TMJ is not first (GERD probably is), it is surely a close second.

May 01 Anthony Jahn, M.D.

The Tonsil Myth

Dear Dr. Anthony Jahn, I have dealt with chronic infections in my throat, and my doctor has recommended a tonsillectomy for quite some time (years, actually). I’ve been too afraid

Apr 30 Anthony Jahn, M.D.

A Digital Guide to the Fach System

hen I first came to Germany in 1986, I had no idea what a Fach was—either as a word or as an important part of my identity as a singer.

Apr 29 Larry Bakst

Opera Writers Diversity and Representation Initiative

merican Lyric Theater’s Opera Writers Diversity and Representation Initiative (OWDARI) is looking for new voices to take part in its signature Composer Librettist Development Program (CLDP). What should CS readers

Apr 25 CS Music Staff

Meghan Picerno : Bold and Unapologetically Herself

Meghan Picerno credits much of her success not only to her “team” but also to her adaptability, courage, work ethic, and ability to be open to new opportunities. Despite the pandemic’s crushing blow to the classical singing world, these traits have allowed Picerno to adapt to new performing opportunities and learn new skills. Read about her big break, the benefits she has found as a crossover artist, her advice to singers, and her hope for the future of performing arts.

Apr 16 Joanie Brittingham

“Sempre libera” : Conversations with Carol Vaness

Carol Vaness has performed on the world’s most coveted stages in a vast array of roles. Her impact on the opera world will continue to be felt for generations. But how did it all begin? In this first article of a two-part retrospective, Vaness talks about her childhood and adolescence, how she found her way onto the opera stage, and the experiences and relationships that have shaped her artistry.

Apr 13 Elisabeth Marshall