8 Tips for a Dynamite Head Shot
Do you realize that your headshot is like the logo of a business? You already know corporations spend from thousands to millions of dollars on a logo, right? So, given the importance of a headshot – were you thinking of snapping a selfie? Don’t. What makes a good headshot different from a beautiful picture? You…
What I Did for Love
Over 30 years ago I stepped onstage as a dazzled ten year old, eager for my first sprinkling of stardust. Years later I was teary eyed and choking on the glitter that rained to beautiful visual effect on Act IV of Carmen in the Canary Islands. How remarkable that although I know full well that…
The Effect of a University Education on the Joy of Singing
In my seven years as a university professor, I have seen singers come in filled with so much joy in performance. Their first auditions for us were out there and happy, joyful and absolutely natural. Yes, most of them were extremely nervous, but still the joy in what they did came through. What strikes me…
How to Create a Character, part 2
Continuing to use Carmen as an example, we now ask what does the music say about your character. Who is this character in their music? Now, look at the rhythm of each character and realize that every character has their unique rhythmic tattoo. Even with Carmen, at her very first entrance before she sings the…
How to Create a Character, Part 1
The other day I was teaching a class I loved at the University exploring the roles of the well-known opera Carmen. What do we as actors have to do with a character from the late 19th century? Actually, a lot. Other than the occasional alien I’ve met, most of us are human, dealing with the…
The Singer’s Addiction Part 6: It’s All About You
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, Feb 2009 This series of articles has addressed the imbalance of defining yourself by the elusive chimera of operatic stardom. I hope I have offered different points of view, glimpses of other paths, and tools for insight and healing. We can incorporate the singing we love into our lives…
The Singer’s Addiction Part 5: Learn to Forgive Yourself
As published in Classical Singer Magazine January 2009 I’m in the dressing room of my mind, and I’m trying on phrases: “I stopped singing five years ago.” “I used to be an opera singer.” “Oh yes, I still sing, just not opera anymore.” Why all the waffling? I’m a retired opera singer. Ouch, that sounds…
The Singer’s Addiction Part 4: Finding a New Elixir of Love
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, December 2008 So here we are, back at the question I asked in my first article, “After singing, what else is there?” A friend and colleague told me that all she could do in this life was sing lead roles or teach singing. That may be true, and indeed…
The Addiction of Singing Pt. 3: I Will Never Be Hungry Again
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, November 2008 No matter how lovable you are, you can’t make someone love you. You can fascinate them for a few minutes but you can’t make anyone love you or your voice. So why do we try so hard? Why is it a failure, in our own eyes and…
The Singer’s Addiction Part 2: Rhett, Where Will I Go, What Will I Do?
As published in Classical Singer Magazine, October 2008 I asked the exquisite Cuban soprano Teresita Pons how she dealt with the pain of not singing anymore. Her reply was achingly honest. “Singing is an addiction,” she said. “You cannot separate yourself from it. You do whatever you need to do to continue. The fact that…