I just wrote a tribute to Ned Rorem on his 99th birthday. And just a few weeks later, he died. I feel like this is my fault, somehow. Of course, it’s not, but it’s kind of like saying “Beetlejuice/Betelgeuse” 3x in reverse. Instead of him appearing, he… left. I have written a lot about StephenContinue reading “Rorem and Sondheim”
Tag Archives: musical theater
Takeaways from NATS Conference – July 1, 2022
I promised I’d share my takeaways from the NATS Conference this summer, and here’s the first one!! (These are from the report I submitted to the MDDC NATS chapter on October 23.) July 1: “That was Intense! Cool-downs for Vocal Athletes” presented by Gwendolyn Walker and Edrie Means Weekly (off-site at Roosevelt University) Takeaways: Alexander TechniqueContinue reading “Takeaways from NATS Conference – July 1, 2022”
Showcase 2022!
On June 5, I will be hosting a showcase featuring 12 of my current students performing primarily ensembles from musical theater, opera, and nu-folk. The performance will be at Trinity Episcopal Church in Towson at 3pm and is free to the public. I have done a few studio programs since I’ve been back in BaltimoreContinue reading “Showcase 2022!”
College Bound 2022
It’s that time of year when my students make the decision about where to go for college. (I was going to write about past studio showcases, but this is more important.) This year I have three students who are pursuing arts career tracks and have gone through a rather grueling audition process. They had aContinue reading “College Bound 2022”
Comfort Zone vs. Danger Zone
People are always saying, “You gotta break out of your comfort zone.” And I believe that is true. Growth comes from trying new things, taking risks, doing what’s outside the box. A very common graphic that is used in psychology and in personal coaching is one showing the four zones involved in growth. Source: UniqueContinue reading “Comfort Zone vs. Danger Zone”
Stephen Sondheim, 1930-2021
Last Friday, immediately completing my 5 Tips for Giving a Great Golden Age video, I opened up Instagram to see a post from Rachel Bloom with no words, just a picture of Stephen Sondheim. As I glanced down the screen, I saw more pictures posted by other people, and I said, “no, no, no, no….”Continue reading “Stephen Sondheim, 1930-2021”
Golden Age Musicals Are NOT Going Away
Golden Age musicals are NOT going away. Even if things have changed and some of the themes are problematic, they still have much to offer, vocally and dramatically.
Exploration Plus Exploitation
Recent studies show that tremendous bursts of creativity (or “hot streaks”) are the result of exploration plus exploitation. Teachers often encourage the former – but the latter is such a weighted word these days. How can you use exploitation in a positive way?
Revisiting the Why of Golden Age Musicals
In preparation for the upcoming “Finding the Emotional Truth in Golden Age Theater Songs” masterclass with James Valcq on September 2, I thought it was a good time to revisit this blogpost from two years ago. (New additions in brackets] I hear this way too often from people: “Why should I sing golden age music?Continue reading “Revisiting the Why of Golden Age Musicals”
B2W- Meet Heather Statham!
Continuing to work BACKWARDS, today’s blogpost highlights the clinician at the middle of our 3-day series, Heather Statham! Here’s Heather’s bio: “Man you’ve got some pipes!” may be something you feel compelled to say after hearing Heather Statham belt out a couple of tunes for the first time and you wouldn’t be alone! Based inContinue reading “B2W- Meet Heather Statham!”