Latest Articles

Choose Your Own Audition Adventure

These step-by-step scenarios provide a glimpse into a variety of audition situations and can help with preparation for pounding the pavement in the Big Apple.

Jul 27 Joanie Brittingham

In Memoria : Rosita Fornes, Woman in a Flag Smiling

Here is a bilingual tribute to the great singer and actress Rosita Fornés.

Jul 21 Ana Maria Ruimonte

Dimitri Pittas : The Transformative Tenor

Dimitri Pittas’ career is one filled with transition. Despite serious obstacles, this kind-hearted tenor has proved his adaptability and is recognized as a force in the most impressive repertoire.

Jul 20 David Browning

Teaching during the Pandemic : Should You Raise Your Rates?

Yes we’re in the middle of a pandemic. People have lost their jobs. The world isn’t quite what it was. Not only are you concerned about raising your rates, you may even be charging less for online lessons than you did in person.

Jul 18 Fiona Flyte

Program Spotlight: Opera Program Documentary Explores Creating During a Pandemic

Heather Mathews, Associate Program Director for SFCM’s Opera & Musical Theatre division, narrates short film chronicling the technical and emotional experiences of producing Moments from Firebird Motel

Jul 17 CS Music Staff

Lasting and Important Heart Changes : Emerging Professional Winner Joel Balzun

"Is it necessary for every performance to be a benefit concert? I don't think so – sometimes art for art's sake is enough. But I'm a firm believer that the most meaningful musical experiences make the audience think and consider something. We cannot change the hearts of our audiences, but we can prompt the thoughts and questions which lead to lasting and important heart changes which can make our world a better place."

Jul 10 CS Music Staff

Drive-In Opera : Phoenicia Festival of the Voice

Maybe you went to a drive-in movie when you were a kid, and maybe you’ve attended live performances of grand opera. But you have never experienced anything like what you’ll

Jul 09 CS Music Staff

A Singer Turns 40 in Quarantine

Since New York adopted “shelter-in-place,” I’ve been staying with my parents where I grew up in Florida. I left for college at 18, then went straight to grad school in

Jul 09 Minda Larsen

Music: A Teacher, a Stress-Reliever and a Peace-Bringer

CS Music: What is your artist level and school if applicable? Michael Butler: I am currently a rising senior at University of Maryland, studying with Bass-Baritone Kevin Short. CS: What

Jul 06 CS Music Staff

Opera and Symphonic Metal : A Q&A with Moonlight Haze’s Chiara Tricarico

Symphonic metal is heavy without being noisy; this subgenre is similar to opera, since it is renowned for complex melodies and high-level vocalists who can emote and convey a sense

Jul 05 Justin Smulison

Why Sing What You Can’t Feel : HS Classical Winner Samuel Higgins

CS Music: Tell us a little about yourself. Samuel Higgins: I am a high school countertenor in Junior year at Milton High School. CS: What is your dream role? SH:

Jul 03 CS Music Staff

Learning through Music : A Q&A with First Place Winner Shavon Lloyd

Shavon Lloyd was the First Place winner of the 2020 CS Music Vocal Competition for the Pre-Professional Musical Theatre Division. More than 1,600 singers participated in the online competition that culminated with the finals on May 30, 2020. This is part 3 of 6 as we highlight the First Place winner of each division.

Jul 01 CS Music Staff