Energy. Just typing it makes me think that either you will assume this is an article on global warming and how we use energy, or it is some sort of chakra west coast infected philosophy coming into play. It is neither. Energy is something we are all putting out all the time. Energy is the…
I made an appeal last week to those of you in young artist programs to share what were your challenges and reward’s this summer in your studies. Having just given a class via Skype for the St. Andrews opera program, I was definitely having flashbacks to my own summer program experiences. It is summer vacation…
“My experience is what I agree to attend to. Only those items I notice shape my mind.” Pioneering psychologist William James I am struck by his focus on MY and I. Not ‘they’ or ‘it’ or ‘them’. My experience of good or bad, happy or sad is dictated by what I attend to. What I…
Do you do this? When I’m at the restaurant and scope out the desserts before I order my main. I just don’t want to miss out on something really good because I’m too full. If I say yes to the calamari and the surf and turf and the beautiful soup of the day, that tiramisu…
It seems my theme in the show on Saturday Afternoon at the opera and my theme in life is “new tricks”. Sure there is the analogy that you can’t teach an old dog new ones, but todays show is really all about the opposite. I created a piece comparing singers in their prime (Domingo, Ludwig,…
I’m lying on my soaking wet towel after 90 grueling minutes of Bikram yoga. Hot yoga it’s called. They’re not kidding. 26 poses in a row in 102-degree heat. The room is small and we are packed in like Macys’ on Boxing Day plus it smells like high school gym class. I’m exhausted by now…
(probably should be rated higher, but it took me this long to get to it ) “What doesn’t bend breaks” Ani Difranco American singer , song writer and guitarist 1970 Scottish proverb: better to bend than break I have loved reading for my book reviews this summer. In terms of goal setting skill it was…
I start but I can’t finish! I want to practice my singing. I want to make a new audition package for opera work. I want to contact orchestra conductors too and develop my concert career. I even have a conductor to contact and I have his card in my hand. Day after day, I do…
When you go into an audition what are you looking for from the panel? Do you hope to be hired? Do you want them to like you? Do you wish to impress? Sing your best? All things I have thought on many occasions. Have you thought that if you just want it enough you can…
