The title of this blog post is taken from an expression that I learned from director Jon Jory. A recent Instagram post of Daniel Barenboim inspired some lively discussion on the role of technique in artistry. It's very common today to see many discussion boards replete with information on technique and technical maneuvers. Barenboim's quote [...]
The idea that the teaching of the Old Italian School was always an infallible one is simply not true. Poor teaching has always gone hand in glove with our profession since the balmy days of the old bel canto. No one was assured success in singing, even then. We sometimes believe that every singer trained [...]
Many fine vocalization books have been published since the 18th and 19th century. In general, these books follow the same format of beginning with simple vocal concepts and gradually building more and more complex musical skills. While many teachers readily grab a copy of the Marchesi book, or the often utilized Vaccai, there is another [...]
This is the first in a series from authors on the psychology of the voice lesson. I hope to share some illuminating ideas on its impact in the studio. This first installment comes from Edward Foreman in his essay, "Modern Pedagogy": Some teachers hasten to point out that they are not psychologists, by which I [...]
Cornelius Reid often said that as voice teachers we are in the business of observing a natural phenomenon and causing changes in that through the application of vocal exercises utilizing the triangle of pitch, vowel, and intensity. Much like contemplating the sea, a voice teacher's first goal should be astute and careful observation before any [...]