http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/bal-to.sills29jun29,0,6787068.story?coll

Today I gave a presentation on Vocal Technique for Church Choirs to choir directors from the Polish National Catholic Church. I had an hour and a half to discuss basic vocal technique. I was a little nervous - one, that I might have brain freeze and not have anything to say (to which my student, Chris, who coordinated the program, said, "YOU?") ( Read more... )

Since the word "support" comes from the Latin "su" (meaning up) and "port" (meaning PUSH), I really hate to use this word when discussing breath management because I think it may encouraging PUSHING. In my studio, we approach breath management through the technique known as appoggio, which is from the Italian "appoggiare," meaning to lean against ( Read more... )

No opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.
- WH Auden

There are several videos on bel canto (literally "beautiful singing") on You Tube. This one features Luciano Pavarotti (tenor) in his prime (I heard the ickiest stories about him when I was in Indiana, but I can only tell you all one of them), Marilyn Horne (mezzo), Joan Sutherland (soprano), and Richard Bonynge (opera conductor, Sutherland's ( Read more... )

I haven't been THIS sick in years. I thought I dodged the bronchitis bullet when I didn't get it by Wednesday of last week, but nah, it was lingering, waiting to catch me unawares. Saturday I was coughing and thought, "Oh, it's just breaking up." Then during SICKO (how ironic), I had to fight full-blown hacking for the sake of my fellow- ( Read more... )

I implemented some of the ideas from my workshop with the first two guys I saw yesterday and felt like they were very effective. I also implemented some vocalises and physical warmups all around. Can't guarantee I'll do the physical stuff EVERY time, but I'd like to do it at least periodically ( Read more... )

I'm supposed to be in Chicago today with my friend James but unfortunately, I got sick at the end of my week in Bloomington (during my romantic weekend away - my luck). So I'm here but I'm in bed....

First of all, I have to say that yesterday was one of the most inspirational afternoons I have ever had. (The whole WEEK was amazing.) Richard Miller, the father of American vocal pedagogy, IMO, did a master class. The man is 81 years old. He has had a stroke, he walks with a cane, he has osteoporosis, and two hearing aids. He was able to ( Read more... )

Qualities of a Good Sound ( Read more... )