A Story worth Singing About Micheal Castaldo By Natasha Barbieri

Micheal Castaldo is not just your their father soon after he was settled. average classical crossover tenor. Despite being a long way from his When we spoke I was struck by his native country Micheal grew up very knowledge of music, culture and his much saturated in the Italian culture. own ancestry. He is someone committed to embracing his entire “Toronto is the sixth largest Italian history and sharing his story in a very speaking city in the world,” he says. authentic way. “I was born in the “There are four ‘little Italy’s’… I was region of Calabria Italy, which is the constantly surrounded by Italian tip of the toe of the Italian peninsula,” neighbors and the Italian radio he says at the beginning of our station was on all the time. There was interview. He describes it as the final TV, tons of publications, festivals and frontier of Italian tourism. “It’s a street fairs.” He remembers speaking poor region so many of the Italian at home and maintaining a Calabrians ended up immigrating to close relationship with his family look for work and a better life. Many back in Italy. “My mother tongue was moved either to northern Italy, still a big part of me based on my northern Europe, Canada, the USA or environment and upbringing.” Australia.” He describes his father as Micheal feels that Canada was the ‘nomad’ of the family, a man who especially embracing of multi-cultural risked the unknown to settle in backgrounds which encouraged him Toronto, Canada and begin a new not only to remain true to his roots life. Micheal and his mother joined but to also consider himself a “proud my music teacher had suggested that Canadian.” Berklee would be a good school for me.” He researched it and found that Music was always a part of Micheal’s although Berklee is traditionally life. “Italians and music go hand in known as a jazz school, they were hand.” He proudly shares some of the expanding their programs and contributions of Italians to the music opening their doors to a variety of world. “The piano was invented in different musicians. For Micheal, it Italy, music notation was invented in was a chance he had to take. Italy, the best violins (Stradivarius) are made in Italy, Opera was invented “When the time came for me to study in Italy and some of the finest for the audition at Berklee, rather composers and conductors, musicians than doing just a few jazz standards I and singers, hail from Italy. So it is a decided to audition with a liturgical big part of the Italian lifestyle. The song I used to sing in church all the first pop music was the ‘Neapolitan’ time.” The piece was ‘Panis song… The influence that Neapolitan Angelicus’ by Cesar Franck. Micheal music has had on contemporary pop knew it would make him stand out music is incredible.” It had a special from the crowd. “I wanted to try influence on Micheal as well. “It was something different for the audition. played in our home all the time and They’d either hate me or love me.” music was constantly surrounding They ended up loving it and he me.” received a scholarship to study at Berklee. Micheal’s musical career began in a very traditional way. “I got my start After graduating, Micheal did his singing in a church choir. The priest research before choosing a place to had singled me out to sing a solo. settle down. “I went to check out all The praise and accolades I got the centers of entertainment and afterward were wonderful.” The music in New York and Nashville, and experience had a profound influence settled on New York.” He’s been there on the course of Micheal’s life. As he ever since. grew older he began playing guitar and singing popular songs. “At that It seems fitting that Micheal, who age, it’s all about getting the girl,” he sang a liturgical piece to audition for a says. After this, he began expanding famous jazz school, would end up his knowledge with piano, trumpet finding his way into the classical and percussion instruction. Micheal crossover genre. He looks up to studied in Canada until his college Andrea Bocelli as the “pioneer of years. “The last year of high school classical crossover as we know it” and also credits Mario Lanza and And if you succeed you succeed Elvis Presley for their role in bringing based completely on yourself and the genre to life. “The major your team, and if you fail it’s also American rock n roll pop singer goes based completely on yourself and to Germany, hears Italian songs and your team.” A daunting thought for records the English version of ‘O many artists but one that resonated Sole Mio’ (known as ‘Now or Never’) well with his personality. “It’s always and ‘Torna A Surriento’ (Surrender) been my spirit to be completely and he makes Italian music popular.” independent and call the shots. He also brings up Roy Orbison, Whether I am successful or not, the another rock n roll singer of the buck stops with me - doing as I 1950’s-60’s, for his “vibrato and wished.” Micheal will be the first to operatic styling in his singing style.” admit that he pursued label interest. For him, a defining moment in the “Absolutely, every musician does,” he genre was the release of ‘Con Te says honestly. “But sometimes it Partiro.’ “It’s a song that you feel might be your music, your story or you’ve heard before - it has that that particular time of what’s going vintage sound. People finally realized on in the world that labels don’t see it was a new song. It was a moderate you as something they want to invest hit but became a huge hit when in… so if that doesn’t happen and you recorded with Sarah Brightman.” really love what you do, and you have Again Micheal’s background played a a story to tell, then you have to do it major role in becoming the singer he on your own.” is today. “Unofficially, Italian is the language of classical crossover... Micheal credits his career to his When the time came for me to figure family. “The success I have is out my next move, based on my because I come from a business training and the language, it was family. Being organized and knowing pretty obvious I should pursue how to create a service or a product, recording and writing in the classical how to present it and sell it and crossover genre.” Six albums and hopefully create a revenue stream to several singles later, Micheal’s sustain yourself, kind of comes instincts have clearly proven correct. naturally to me.” He admits of course that since his family was not from a Micheal has built a loyal following music business background he has and made a career for himself without made his share of mistakes. But the the help of a record label. What are important thing is that he kept going. the advantages to indie artist status? “I never gave up. I had to live and “The short answer is that as an indie learn as I was making my way.” artist you are in complete control. While he believes in the importance of honing musical skills, he claims you cut through the noise? How do that “Most of the education happens you cut through the professionals and after you graduate and go into the those on the other side who are just real world and figure out if your skills emerging? How do you cut through are marketable or not. As an artist all that and find your audience? I’m you learn if you have a point of view, constantly learning that all the time.” a story to tell, and if that story is If there’s one thing Micheal knows, engaging, is it compelling enough to it’s how to learn from his mistakes get people to come and listen to you and keep moving forward. As the perform.” music business continues to change he is ready to evolve with it. That For Micheal, finding his story has includes switching his focus from been a journey. “I was constantly full-length albums to digitally exploring, trying to define what my released singles. He is realistic about story was. It wasn’t ‘Ok, this is my the buyer’s reluctance to purchase an story,’ it was a constant progression entire album. His plan involves of going deeper, and accepting and releasing a single every 4-8 weeks, embracing my roots and being true “to keep my story alive, stay and being honest to that.” He doesn’t productive, engage my audience and feel like he’s ‘arrived’ either. “I’m fans, and give them something new to always developing and making look forward to. That’s our goal for progress on how to tell my story 2015. On July 17th we will release a through my music. I have to say that High-Resolution Audio of our #1 because of social media I’m having Amazon charting single, “PRAY'R.” success because my story and music currently resonate with many fans Micheal’s latest release on May 5th more than ever before. So, it’s was “Everything Happens for a encouraging that I’m on the right Reason / Una Ragione.” His plan is to track, that my story is compelling, and release a limited edition album once that people are willing to part with his 10th single is released. The album their hard earned money or to travel a would then be available at live great distance to hear me perform… concerts and from Amazon. Micheal and not only that but then share my is also planning to celebrate one of his music and try to get their friends to bestselling albums with a re-mastered become fans. It would not be possible 5th-anniversary version that will be without social media. It’s incredible.” available as a digital download.

Of course, he acknowledges that Micheal shared a little bit about his many other artists are rapidly finding musical collaborations. The Italian success in the same way. “How do singer Giorgia Fumanti was featured in one of his singles, “Pray’r.” He relationship with her for years to explains, “Giorgia, her manager and come. “The duet we did will I talked for the past four years about eventually be launched, if not this doing the collaboration.” Again year, next year. So I see further social media had an impact. “We’re collaboration with her.” Exciting friends on Facebook, and she’s news! Italian but lives in Montreal, Canada.” Micheal recorded the song Micheal’s story goes beyond his first as a solo but it quickly received music to his work as an entrepreneur interest from Giorgia. “Lo and importing olive oil and balsamic behold, last year we finally got into vinegar, his “side passions.” Also, he the studio and did a duet.” It was is careful to note that again there is a Micheal’s first release of 2015 and personal connection to this side of his will be featured on Fumanti’s next endeavors. “There’s a story, and it is album which is set to be released later a personal story, part of my life and this year. “The beauty of doing duets family.” The business has also is hopefully both singers love the song exposed Micheal to a whole new and that’s the driving force. There is audience who would have otherwise also the practical point-of-view. been unaware of his music. “The olive She’s being exposed to my following oil began with my great-grandfather and vice versa, so it is mutually who left Italy and came to New York beneficial.” Another mutually to help build the NYC Subway beneficial partnership for Micheal has system.” Like many other immigrants, been his relationship with our his intention was not to stay in the previous cover star, Rebecca states but rather to make money and Newman. “With Rebecca Newman, return to Italy. On his return, he our history is a little different. We bought a piece of land that had olive both were participating in an online trees on it and his grandparents voting contest and I assisted her win. developed them. "About 15 years ago My fans got behind her and vis-a-vis I decided to rebuild the family villa, she helped me win. I have the utmost the villa I was born and raised in… I respect for her skills, her talent, her had finished reading the book ‘ Under drive, her passion and we remain the Tuscan Sun’ and that was constant in communication. When the inspiring.” His wife also encouraged time came for me to do my Christmas him to pursue the project. “As I was concert last November, I invited her traveling back and forth from Italy, to come and perform. She came and my relatives would give me bottles of she blew everyone away. All my fans olive oil as a gift, and when I would became her fans.” He looks forward come back to the states I would put it to a long friendship and business into decorative bottles and give them away to friends on the Holidays.” The expanded to include balsamic vinegar response he received was consistently which of course has a story that traces positive and he was encouraged to back to his father. consider importing. “I decided to create the New York City Olive Oil What is Micheal’s overall mission? Cooperative for true connoisseurs - “The mission of my music is to get people who really knew the difference everyone who listens to it to feel and didn’t like the mass market olive again. I want to make the listener feel oils that you can buy at the that if they are going through a tough supermarkets. These people who time in their life, through therapy, or traveled to Italy, France or Greece if they need some sort of escape, that and knew great olive oil.” He started the music I co-write, co-produce and with 25 of his closest friends and the perform, helps them. Just like there’s word quickly spread. He now has over aromatherapy, music therapy, 750 olive oil members. “It kind of physical therapy, I like to think that makes my story a little sexy and a my music has my quality and that all little different,” he says with good the other elements that are part of my humor. “And people are intrigued to story are also therapeutic as well.” find out more.” He thinks of it as a Micheal Castaldo has certainly built a “natural fit.” It wasn’t always career worth singing about and his apparent though. “In the beginning, it dedication to an authentic seemed like it didn’t fit. People would presentation of his story is inspiring. say, ‘Mike you’re all over the place’ He wants to help others embrace their or ‘Mike you’re a jack of all trades,’ own stories and give them hope but I didn’t see it that way. Music was through his music. “I hope if they are the glue that kept everything down, it brings them up and together.” His business has now encourages them. I hope that’s what my music does.”

For more from this entrepreneur MIChealcastaldo.com

Careers in Music Music Education Jeremy McIntyre, tenor

Typical Day in the Life 8:20 – 9:20 AM. 5th Grade General Music Class 9:25 – 9:55 AM. 2nd Grade General Music Class 10:00 – 11:00 AM. 4th Grade General Music Class. 11:00 – 11:45 AM. Plan Time 12:00 – 12:40 PM. Lunch 12:40 – 1:10 PM. 1st Grade Music Class 1:15-1:45 PM. Kindergarten Class 1:50 – 2:20 PM. 2nd Grade Music Class 2:25 – 2:55 PM. Second Kindergarten Class

I first met Jeremy when we both were sound?’ and he really liked my voice. students at Andrews University. From I dived in from there.” He learned pedagogy classes, long choral immediately the value of being rehearsals, master class and opera encouraged from a young age and by scenes performances we spent a lot of his friend helped introduce him to time together. We initially bonded others in the local music circle. “(My over a love for musical theaters, music experience) really just went off “GLEE” and later “SMASH”, and from there.” became good friends especially my final year. Jeremy’s powerful tenor A good teacher was the next step in voice was always distinctive as was his vocal development. “Growing up his passion for music. With his I was very much exposed to friendly personality and commitment Broadway, thanks to my elementary to excellence, he was a standout school music teacher at the time. Even candidate for a career in music though I grew up in a Christian education. It was fun to catch up with environment Ms. Whidden was really him and discuss a little bit about his good at bringing in a lot of other life now… but first, let’s start at the influences, she didn’t just stick to beginning. Christian standards – and I really appreciated her for that.” Jeremy “I started singing originally, because grew up with The Wizard of Oz, The of my mom. My mom is a singer and Wiz, Annie and Joseph and the when I was small, she did a lot of Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (I singing up front at church.” Her still remember his inspiring influence as well as the music of the performance of ‘Close Every Door To Christian group known as The Me’). Gaither’s not to mention several “Disney” influences, inspired Jeremy Jeremy attended Andrews Academy to give it a try himself. “I was just where the school featured a musical sitting in my room one day, I think I every other year. “In high school, I was probably in the fifth or sixth was involved in ‘South Pacific’ grade, and I kind of realized that I (sophomore) and my senior year I could carry a tune – possibly a little played the villain in ‘Honk’ which is better than the next person.” I sort of a lesser known musical based chuckle here, “possibly” is more than on the ‘Ugly Duckling.’ I played the right. “I went to one of my friend’s evil cat.” who was good at playing the guitar and I was like ‘Hey I want to try When it came time to go to college something out with you, how does this Jeremy decided to attend Southern

University. “I needed a change,” he degree in Music Education? I had explains. “So I took off to spent several summers at F.L.A.G. Tennessee.” As much as he loved camp unofficially teaching music to music, he didn’t plan on studying it at kids and I thought, ‘this is something I first. “My dad had kind of influenced really could appreciate.” Jeremy me to start a counseling degree within continued to carefully research before social work because he was a committing to a career in Music psychologist himself. I went through Education. “Eventually as I that first year and I thought ‘This is researched several aspects of it, I Ok.’” But something was still thought YES, Music Education! missing. A lot of Jeremy’s friends had Because I could be involved in music decided to attend Andrews University and be able to soak up as much about and he would visit them and hear their music from the program as I could; recitals. “The music program, music theory, music history etc. and I especially at Andrews, attracted me a could also have a degree to teach plus little more than the music department still be able to inspire. I think that was at Southern. It just seemed like their my bottom line; To have music as an (Andrews’) department was a little inspiration in my life and work a more developed. I thought ‘this is steady job.” something I would really like to get into and be a part of because even While in the Music Education though I was in social work at program at Andrews, Jeremy took Southern, I was still involved in music every opportunity that was offered to by taking voice lessons. I had made perform. From solos in the select sure to keep my hand in the world of choir to opera scenes and roles, and music with choir and voice lessons. leading the praise teams at church, And I just needed someplace that was Jeremy grew a reputation as a fine a little more singer. He also pursued other avenues for performance auditioning for The developed.” Finding the right Voice, GLEE and Pitch Perfect. “It’s program is an important step for any a big process and there are millions musician. However so is the reality and millions of people who also want of providing for yourself after college. what you want, so you are lucky even “[I thought] I really want to delve to get a little further through the many into this program, but I needed to be processes. But it was nice even to be able to have something to fall back in the environment along with other on. I wanted to have the security of a singers and it was just fun to be part job and the ability to still inspire of it all. And then the Pitch Perfect people. As I was looking through opportunity came along. Mike options I thought, what if I do a Tompkins, a youtube personality, does a lot of acapella singing on his well as Jennifer Hudson. Also, Julie channel and he was sponsored by Andrews, Diana Ross, Justin Pitch Perfect to do this ad campaign Timberlake, Idina Menzel, and on youtube.” The ad was for singers Michael Buble just to name a few to send in videos recording the more. As time went on and I saw more various parts and solos. “I sent in people I had a lot of different myself doing the lead vocals part and inspirations for how to sing and how I had no idea if I was going to be in it to present myself. Audra McDonald – or how many people were going to be I think her voice is amazing! I first a part of this video he was planning noted her on the Disney TV version of on making. As it turned out, many Annie back in 1999, and I liked how people made it in, but there’s a really she was able to mix Broadway and cool part where you can see me on the still have that strong kind of opera screen and hear my voice and it was vocal ability.” He is quick to add his pretty cool to make it in there. The original inspiration to the list. “And of video was featured on youtube. And course my mom! A lot of my vocal then later I heard it was actually patterns when I first started were going to be part of the Pitch Perfect inspired by her.” DVD and I thought ‘Whoa that’s crazy!’ So it was kind of cool to have The Music Education program is an at least some publicity on the DVD of intensive one where students are the movie.” All of his friends were practically perusing a dual degree; quite proud to see him in the video. one in music and one in education. Music Education majors take all the So who inspires Jeremy to sing? same fundamentals as other music “Musical inspirations come from a lot students do, music theory, music of different places… Growing up I history, ear training, ensemble, private listened to Josh Groban quite a bit. I voice lessons, and juries to name a also loved Judy Garland’s voice as few courses. In addition to these well. I was in awe of her when I was classes, Music Ed majors are expected little because (in The Wizard of Oz) to take classes in pedagogy not only she was so young and yet she had this for their main instrument but also the big voice and I thought ‘How does she various other instruments in general do that?’ Some of my other music ensembles. They also take inspirations are Adam Lambert and classes about choral and instrumental Jeremy Jordan – I really like their literature and music education ranges and their voices. Those are methods as well as other general favorite male voices of mine. Of education credits. When their classes course, I love Lea Michele because of are complete, education majors must all the feeling she puts in her voice as pass several tests in general education knowledge plus their specific area of are in front of as many as 20-30 teaching not to mention passing a students. Each student represents a semester of student teaching. home background and personality and you have to be ready to be up “Right now I’m teaching K-5; front and handle all 20-30 of these kindergarten all the way up to 5th personalities! Not to say that each grade. Throughout each week I see one is bad at all, but on the other about 3-4 classes from each of those hand, you have to be willing to have grades.” Music Education majors are the stamina to be able to handle that expected to become certified all the for that full class period. You really way up to secondary (high school). need to know what you are doing and “I’m basically the general music have stability with being in front of teacher and there is a wealth of things people. Another aspect is having a I cover from theory to music history, good plan for behavior management. small Orff instruments, drums, and You need to have an incentive plan to xylophones. We also rehearse various get them to sit down and be songs that we are getting ready for motivated.” This is especially our concerts, so the students are important when it comes to music learning vocal technique as well as classes. “Unfortunately, especially in how to present themselves as grade school, music classes get the performers. So basically when title of the ‘fun’ class where the child students come into my classroom, may think that they don’t have to pay each class under the heading of 3rd, as much attention as they would in, 4th and 5th grade I get to see for an say, math or reading or science. It hour and then each class under the tends to be simply the ‘fun’ class to heading of K, 1st and 2nd grade, I get several. Some tend to come to class in 2 increments of 30 minutes. Each and feel that they want to do whatever class is just a variety of what I they feel like, but it takes a firm, yet described.” kind stance to let them know that ‘hey, you’re still a student and in a class.’ What are some of the important Music is fun, but they have to qualities an individual should have in remember, they are still in school.” the Music Education profession? “I Ultimately it takes someone who is think one of the most important truly devoted and excited about what qualities someone needs to have they are doing. "The bottom line I would definitely be confidence in their believe is just a love for your students subject matter and the confidence to and a love for what you are doing, in simply stand up in front of people this case, music. When you see your intelligently. Each day you almost students in class every day, you have have to put on a show because you to say to them mentally, ‘I want to inspire your life today, to be someone I’ve gotten the chance to perform at who helps you see that music isn’t just weddings and churches more recently that something as simple as that rap but still not nearly as much as when I song on the radio, but that it’s was in college.” During the school something that’s so much more and year, however, it can be exhausting. you can truly be a part of it. I want to “As a teacher, the days (especially the inspire you today’. You really do have last ones of the semester) can get a bit to have an appreciation and a tiring, so you’re almost not quite as motivated to get out there… It really strong desire to inspire the faces that comes down to the question; does are sitting in front of you each day.” your motivation give you the push to still get yourself out there? You really Jeremy’s teaching mission also reads just need to have that drive. I love like a wonderful statement for future performing and I’d love to get out music teachers. “Be an inspiration, there much more than I am. After know your students and allow yourself having taught for 2 years, I think I to be the doorway to any and every kind of have a better hold of things type of music for them. Allow yourself and plan to get out into the musical to be that exploration guide who leads performance scene more.” them into the world of music. Take them out of the mindset that music has What are some of Jeremy’s musical only one or two genres or types and ambitions? “Well, I plan on teaching allow them to walk with you down at least a couple more years. The very each and every hallway that makes up first day I got there, the school I teach the entire world of music!" at told me that no music teacher has lasted more than 2 years, so I’m So exactly how much downtime does going to outlast those others with at a music teacher really have? Is there least one more year! But as far as really enough to pursue a performance musical ambitions go, if I have an career on the side? “As a new teacher, open door or opportunity, I I have to work up to a certain amount really want to spend a year just going of professional development points as to a city somewhere (preferably New well as attending workshops etc. York) and finding an amazing music Along with that, I am also going to be scene and just being able to perform. doing some teaching and private I’d love to see if that’s a venue I music lessons over the summer,” would feel comfortable breaking Jeremy continues, explaining that into.” That’s not to say that Jeremy summers aren’t exactly free. “Living would change his decision to become in Kalamazoo, there are quite a few a music teacher. “I love teaching and opportunities to pursue performing. I love the act of just being a music teacher and when I get older I want to performance scene and be able to get fall back on that again, but at this my name and sheer expression out point, I’m in my late 20s and I don’t there. I definitely want to think a little want my end game to stop at simply more, shall we say, outside of the teaching. I really do have a desire in classroom in the next year or two.” me to get out there and perform much more. Not even necessarily to become famous, but just to be in a

Learn more about music education at nafme.org

Album Review Songs of Light and Shadow Volume 1 Robert Bruce

Robert Bruce is a composer known music as well as its connection with for his experimental music and visual the spiritual. “Songs of Light and style that has been heard in film and Shadow Volume 1” is a collection of meditation. He is known to be compositions he has written that fit fascinated by the therapeutic nature of very well into modern art song repertoire. The album begins and to me, it sounds like the waves on unexpectedly with the longing “The the sea. The album finishes with the Love in Her Eyes.” It is followed by lovely, “The Candle of Love” which the aptly named, “Angelfest,” which is especially helped by additional does indeed make the listener think of voices. angels ascending into the clouds. “Songs of Light and Shadow” is “Living a Dream” is a lyrical piece recommended for the classical music that would make a lovely addition to a fan – especially those who enjoy art recital as is, “Everlasting Dream” song material. It may just as easily be which follows it. “Spirit of Song,” is enjoyed by the new age music lover very pretty with harp strains and vocal as the music conjures peaceful cameo. The songs on the album have images. The vocalists featured on the a distinctive new age feel and ambient album have for the most part very quality as heard on “The Wings of pretty bright voices which suit the Sound.” Lest we get too comfortable overall feel but I can imagine a singer “A Little Bit of Neptune” changes up with a larger instrument being equally the pace with a more bluesy sound. Is successful in many of them. Robert it only me or do the duet parts sound Bruce is clearly a talented composer reminiscent of the Beach Boys “God who can effortlessly combine Only Knows?” It is a cool effect. The different styles to tell a story. To learn restless “A Woman’s Secret” is next more about his work please visit:

Purchase the album from robertbrucemusic.com

10 Questions with Faith Tucker

Faith Tucker is an up and coming fourteen-year-old classical crossover singer from England. After hearing her lovely rendition of “O Mio Babbino Caro” we decided to get to know a little more about her.

1. When did you begin singing and taking “I have a very strict routine that I follow to lessons? make sure I have time to fit everything in. As well as my singing, I know how important my “I started when I was 8-years-old but didn’t take school work is, so I make sure I strike the right up classical singing until I was 13 when my balance. I also know it’s important to give my singing teacher told me my voice would be well voice rest days to protect it as much as suited to it. Things have moved so quickly since possible.” then and it’s been an incredible journey that I’m enjoying every minute of.” 4. Do your parents help to manage your career or is it mainly you looking for 2. Do you remember the first time you performance opportunities? performed and what the reactions of your family/friends were? “I’m lucky that I’ve had the support of my family since the start, and they’ve played a major part “I performed at an event called Fame Factor in in helping me find singing opportunities. I’ve my hometown. My singing teacher at the time recently signed to a leading management guided me towards choosing Last Rose of agency, Champions (UK) plc who are looking Summer, which was originally an Irish poem. I after my career and finding me even more remember 20 of my friends and family turning exciting new opportunities.” up with matching t-shirts! I don’t think many of them were expecting me to sing the way I did – 5. How do you strive to protect your it was a fantastic moment for me.” voice for the future?

3. How do you find time to practice music “First of all, I make sure to listen to advice from in addition to your other studies? my peers and teachers. I never sing before properly warming up so that I don’t put too 9. Social media is important to every much strain on my voice. I know my voice is musician but especially to a young one, going to change several times over the next few it requires careful supervision. How do years and therefore it’s very important to your parents help you and do you vocally exercise correctly so that I protect it as /they have any advice for other best I can.” families with performing children? “I’ve sought advice from my management 6. You said you aspire to be like company who understand the importance of Katherine Jenkins. Do you hope to social media. They will be helping me to pursue a degree in music education as she did? manage my social media accounts. I think social media can be really enjoyable and also “Like Katherine, I would love to pursue a degree beneficial but understand that it needs in music education to learn as much as possible. supervision and they are experienced in helping I have a number of other singers who I admire with this.” and look up to including Maria Callas and Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.” 10. What would be your dream venue to perform in? 7. In addition to music what other subjects interest you? “I am so excited as I have been given the opportunity to sing in the magnificent “Performing is my main focus in life and I love Symphony Hall in Birmingham later in the year all aspects of this including dancing and acting. I but my dream would be to perform at the Royal also have a passion for fashion!” Opera House in Covent Garden. That would be a dream come true. My ambition is to perform all 8. Are there any specific causes that are over the world and the Sydney Opera also important to you? stands out to me – it looks absolutely amazing!” “I think it’s important to support causes that you are passionate about. I’m proud to have helped raise money for a number of charities including Christian Aid, Help the Heroes and Water Aid.”

Learn more about faith at Faithtucker.com

Interview with Anthony James

When I transferred to Andrews it was create a wonderful career for himself a leap of faith and I wasn’t sure what in opera. to expect in terms of their vocal program. I remember walking into my “I guess I listened to some classical first choral rehearsal with Stephen music as a kid because my parent’s Zork and the Andrews University listened to it,” he says very matter of choral and feeling quite apprehensive. factly. “Other than that I got into We sang ‘The Lord Bless you and listening to classical music because I Keep you’ and when the time for the joined choir my senior year in high tenor solo arrived I heard this school – which is also how I started beautiful big voice bellowing out singing. As far as opera goes, my from across the room. I was mom tells me that I started singing completely taken back and yes, I opera when I was three years old. admit, a little intimidated. Eventually, Having watched an old cartoon I got to know Anthony as more than called, ‘The Whale who wanted to just the voice that projected above sing at the Met’ and she said I started ALL of us in choral. He is one of the imitating him. I have no idea how it most confident performers I have sounded, probably hilarious. And then known and someone I respect for I just kind of always had it in my head being unabashedly himself. Anthony that I could ‘sing opera.’ I don’t do has the kind of voice that is special anything with it but just used it as a enough, with the right guidance, to party trick sometimes and then my choir teacher from high school heard she handed me ‘Che gelida manina’ me and told me that I should be a the La Boheme aria. She actually voice major.” After joining the choir taught me that aria and coached me for a year Anthony says, “I decided to through learning it. She also gave me just go with it.” ‘Pourquoi me reveiller’ from Werther and that one I actually memorized in Anthony eventually decided on the car while driving to the attending Andrews University, Metropolitan Opera competition.” Of because of the scholarships they course, he did, trust Anthony to pull offered and it was also the school his that off. “It was all just Cristiana’s parents went to. At Andrews, mastermind, and then Andrew and I Anthony developed his talent under going along with it. It was a really the instruction of Stephen Zork and good experience to just do it. others. He quickly was singled out for Especially somewhere where we solo’s in the select choirs, and also weren’t going to audition again.” participated in opera scenes and productions which included, L'amico It was about the same time that Fritz, HMS Pinafore, The Stingiest Cristina began to encourage Anthony Man in Town and The Pirates of to pursue young artist programs over Penzance. He also further developed the summer. “She sent me a link for his musicianship in the Andrews the Ferro Vocal Program in Italy and Wind Symphony and became their that was one of the few that was still principal trumpet. It was during this open for auditions that late. So I went time that Anthony began to audition ahead and send them a tape and went for competitions thanks to the to Italy that summer and sang with encouragement of an adjunct them.” It was an important step in professor, Cristina Piccardi. realizing how his career should move forward. “Talking to those teachers “She was good friends with Andrew there and getting some insider Fisher and I. We decided that we information allowed me to open my were old enough to just start doing mind to what opera as a profession these things and getting used to them. really was.” So she told us about them and said that we should try them and we both Anthony continued to audition for said, ‘That sounds great.’ We both various competitions including the had to take a look at the list of arias Lyric Opera of Chicago. “I went in that we knew, and we went over them with the same arias that I had done with Cristina and she did a lot of for the Met audition and at that point, coaching with us to see which ones I was like ‘There is no possible way were viable. That was the point that I’m going to be getting into this program or move on to any next down for long. “I did not actually get level’. So I was pretty much doing it into the program. It was a very good for the fun of it just getting another experience, it taught me a lot about audition under my belt. I wasn’t how easy it is to lose track of your thinking very much of it.” Anthony technique when you are nervous and sang the aria ‘Pourquoi me reveiller.’ you are actually worried about what He says, “They asked me a whole you are auditioning for rather than bunch of questions afterward about doing what you know you can do.” how young I was and about Andrews because they’d never heard of it He explains further, “The Met before and then they asked for ‘Che competition I wasn’t really expecting gelida manina’ which went also really much, I was nervous definitely but not great - it was definitely a good vocal overly. Then the Chicago one initially day! They asked me quite a few more I wasn’t nervous at all because I questions after that and then said out wasn’t expecting anything. I had just of the blue ‘How would you like to be a normal little flutter in my stomach in the finals’ and I was like maybe but for the final one, I was [stuttering] ‘That…. Would be great.’ terrified. Super, super nervous and And I was completely blown away.” was not handling it well. I’ve since learned some technique for calming When the time came from the finals myself that I did not have then.” Anthony had prepared a new aria ‘Di rigori armato il seno’ from Techniques for nerves? Do share! Rosenkavalier. He had performed the “Well, when I went to the AIMS piece once in St. Joseph with Paul program in Austria they had a teacher Mao and also had coaching on it with there who was giving a pep talk on Alen Darling (one of the coaches at stage nerves basically. They had done the Lyric Opera of Chicago). “He had some studies about subconscious really liked that aria in my voice and reactions your body has to certain thought it was a good addition to my actions, one of them is if you take list. So I went ahead and switched out your hands and extend them out one of the arias from my list.” The straight out from your body up in the pressure was on. “I sang that for them air. It’s an autonomic response that because they requested it as the your body has to make yourself bigger second aria, and I completely bombed and it releases testosterone into your the entire aria and cracked the high B body. Testosterone is the opposite of and it was very dramatic, excitedly cortisol (the hormone that produces horrendous,” he says laughing. If the nervous feeling) so it counteracts there’s one thing about Anthony it’s that feeling of nervousness. The other his inability to let a mistake keep him one is to ‘bear your teeth’. The way they said to do that was by putting a sure if that is the right door for him pencil in your teeth, but you can also but says that the offers were “a great do that by smiling and just by kind of encouraging moment to get ‘bearing your teeth.’ It has that same anyway.” kind of response which helps you to feel less nervous in general. We call Part of building a career is deciding the hands straight out the ‘power which opportunities to go for and also pose.’ So now whenever I’m at an learning to say no. Anthony was audition right before I go onto the offered the role of Don Jose in stage, I have a pencil in my teeth Carmen and although he initially doing the power pose and it’s just a accepted decided it was not the right kind of a thing I do before everything. thing at this time. “I realized in the I constantly have people asking me, end that it wasn’t actually within my ‘What are you doing?’ and I say, ‘I’m fach and that I was probably doing power pose.’” His pose has overextending myself to try something become popular amongst his friends that heavy this early in my career. at Washington University and even And they had someone else they could beyond. fill the stop with so I respectfully declined.” “It’s really amazing how well it works… honestly, the ‘power pose’ is At this time Anthony is singing Lyric very effective. If for no other reason tenor repertoire although it is too than to be a placebo that feels funny young to judge. He is currently in his to do and you laugh and it relaxes senior year at the University of you. I mean I totally believe the Washington. At this point, he doesn’t autonomic response as well but if it see a Master’s program in his future. works because it’s a placebo why do I “In general traditional educational care?” systems have always been sort of difficult for me. Not because I The AIMS program also opened the struggle with school intellectually but doors for potential management for because I don’t fit well within the Anthony. “There were a couple of system. I question things too much,” managers who gave me their cards he laughs. and told me to call them as soon as I move to Europe. Which basically What are his dreams for the future? “I pretty much everyone in Europe would definitely love to perform assumes that for Americas it’s a Rodolfo and the Duke of Mandtour guarantee that they will end up would definitely be high on my list.” moving to Europe at some time,” he As for the wonderful world of says in good humor. Anthony is not crossover, Anthony is open to whatever opportunities come his way. asked to perform more musical theatre “I could definitely see myself doing songs. “I’ve been working on a solo crossover work. Here at the piece for someone’s recital right now University of Washington, I got asked called the ‘Hundred Story City’ and once to do a musical theater duet and I’ve been doing a couple of other non- I really, really enjoyed doing that. classical things and it’s really And it actually fit really well within enjoyable. Honestly, I would be just my voice.” His duet partner was as happy doing musical theater s a thrilled as were several more in the profession as I would opera.” audience. Anthony has since been

Follow Anthony’s career at facebook.com/ajamesopera

Getting to know Katie Marshall

Katie Marshall is a thirteen-year-old & was greatly inspired by Sarah soprano hailing from the United Brightman. I loved singing along to Kingdom. Her clear, sweet voice and all the Phantom songs. I have been to passion for music can be heard on her see the show four times and one of self-titled EP which features “Dolce them was the 25th Anniversary show Vento” and “Pie Jesu.” I was at the Royal Albert Hall. impressed not only by her voice but also her initiative. 2. Who are your favorite singers? 1. Tell us what inspired you to become a classical singer. My favorite singers are mainly from Classical & Opera. I also love I was inspired at a very young age to listening to more crossover artists too. sing Classical Music by my sister who My very first love was Sarah was also a Classical Soprano. There Brightman & she inspired me as a was always music around the house & soprano as I was growing up. The I loved being immersed in it & other performers I love watching and listening to her practice. I was always listening to are Shirley Bassey & singing everywhere I went & was Dolly Parton. They are both such known as the little singer where I live, great personalities and I spent a lot of as I was always humming or singing! time singing along to them as a child I asked my parents when I was six if I in the car! I have also been could have singing lessons & they influenced by many other artists such agreed. I loved learning to sing as Josh Groban, Enya, and Mirusia classical music. I also loved watching Louwerse. Other favorite artists & listening to music, especially are Joyce DiDonato, Angela musicals like Phantom of The Opera Gheorghiu, Renee Fleming, Maria

Callas, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Jon Antoine, My family is amazing and extremely Noah Stewart, Jonas Kaufman & supportive of my singing. I couldn't Luciano Pavarotti. All these artists achieve what I have without their inspire me and I find listening to them continuing support. They give me the helps me to learn a lot of my songs. confidence to believe in myself & the belief that you can achieve anything if 3. Training is an important part you work hard enough! of a musicians life. Share a little about who you study with, At the age of 13, you have already how many times a week you won numerous competitions. How do have lessons, theory lessons you prepare yourself for these types etc. of performances?

Training is very important & I work I have won a lot of competitions and very hard. I am really lucky to have love this part of what I do. My an amazing teacher called Julie greatest joy is to get up and perform. Unwin. She is an Opera singer and It makes me work even harder to has sung all over the world. Her achieve the high level expected of training & advice has helped me so you. I work on each song individually much. I have a lesson with her each and perfect the pronunciation of the week & work each day for an hour on different languages I sing in. I study all my songs. I like to understand each each piece and listen also to other piece I am learning and about the singers, like Renee Fleming. You character that I am have to make sure that you have time portraying. Theory is also a very before to prepare & warm up your important part of singing & I have voice so that when you go out onto lessons each week. The voice is a the stage you are confident and muscle & so you have to keep using it relaxed & can then just enjoy & training it to get better. My voice is performing. That's the most important growing and changing all the time. thing. You have to look after yourself as a singer & sleep, drink lots & work 6. How did you first become hard on your technique to produce a involved in your various nice natural and not forced sound. charities?

4. How does your family feel The charities I support are a very big about your career since you part of my life. I really wanted to use are still so young? And how do my music to help raise awareness for they help keep you grounded? charities. I was invited by the Prince's Trust to meet with the head of Ambassadors in London & I was so John Brunning on his Pie Jesu there. I impressed by the great work they do. I was so lucky to have two other was overwhelmed to be asked to join composers send me their music. Chris them & support them as much as I Broom with Dolce Vento & Andrew can. Jones who wrote the song 'Per Aspera' especially for me. I learned that The Children's Air Ambulance is very recording songs is so enjoyable and special & as a young girl myself, I felt also very hard work. To work with a that I could help them and raise live Orchestra is incredible & makes awareness of the work they do saving your songs come to life. young lives every day. I love singing at fundraising events for them & 8. When can we expect to hear a supporting them. full-length album from you?

*Katie is also an ambassador for I am very much hoping that in the not Born Free Global Friends an too distant future I will get the chance international wildlife charity. to record a full-length Album. I have so many songs I love that I want to 7. You have released a self-titled record! debut EP. Tell us what you have learned from the 9. If you could work with any experience. modern composer (Eric Whitacre, John Rutter, etc) My EP is something I am very proud who would it be? of. I was so lucky to work with such amazing people. Barney Smith is the I would love to work with the musical director from VOCES8 & he composer Sir Karl Jenkins. offered to help me record my songs. I I particularly love his 'Benedictus' as recorded them in London at the it is stunningly beautiful. I would love Gresham Centre and worked with to have met & worked with Mozart!

For more information about Katie Marshall please visit her website katiemarshallmusic.com

Alessandra Paonessa Remembering Heaven

Alessandra Paonessa is a beautiful in University. “There is no one way to Canadian born soprano who has set becoming a singer, however, I her sights on an international career. decided to go to University where I “Music isn’t just something I do, it’s took language coaching in French, who I am,” she shares passionately. Italian, German and proper singing “I was fortunate enough not to have technique. The program I took also options. I am good at many things, but helped me develop my stage presence I have always had a passion for music and showed me how to prepare and wanted a career as a singer. I operatic roles.” always knew from an early age that I wanted to sing.” She was influenced During her time at University, by her mother’s love for opera. “I Alessandra was awarded the ‘Sterling grew up listening to the greats such as Beckwith Award’ for promising Kiri Te Kanawa, Sumi Jo, and performers – a welcomed Kathleen Battle and would always encouragement for any young singer sing along.” about to face the ‘real world.’ It is clear Alessandra possesses an The love was just the first step for exceptional instrumental both warm Alessandra. “I started my training and clear but she admits to struggling very young and always took it quite with her share of doubt and seriously. Developing good technique disappointment. “I am a bit of a is essential for any singer.” She perfectionist and also like things to studied at the Canadian Conservatory happen quickly, but in the music of Music and continued her training world, it is all about patience. Music is extremely hard work; it’s street with my cell phone to my ear competitive, and you have to have and listening to the orchestral great determination and a real love backing of the song. I think I was for what you do. There are a lot of asked by someone passing by if I was tough critics out there, so having a okay because I had suddenly stopped strong sense of one ’s self is also very walking as I was in complete disbelief important.” that this was going to be my first single.” The song lead to a few more She helps herself stay focused by and quickly Alessandra found herself making yearly lists of goals and in discussions for a full album. projects she hopes to accomplish. “Chris had the orchestra fully “Throughout the year as things recorded in the UK and then had the happen, I write it all down. In times of tracks sent to Canada where I discouragement, looking at this list recorded my vocals. This album was helps to remind me of everything that truly the product of a digital age as I is happening. I also keep comments never went to the UK and Chris never made by fans, and when I’m feeling came to Canada. We produced the down, read them over. But at the end album together completely through of the day the one question I keep email. In addition to Chris’ songs, I asking myself is, ‘am I having fun?, added a couple of personal favorites Do I love what I’m doing?’, if the to the album. ‘Ai giochi addio’ and answer is yes, then I pick myself up, ‘Parla piu piano’ which were dust myself off and start again.” provided by award-winning arranger Teddy Nasr who sent the tracks from One of her proudest accomplishments Lebanon!” so far was the release of her first album, “Remembering Heaven” an Alessandra is a proud classical international collaboration with crossover singer but she is also composer Chris Broom. “I still have trained in opera and continues to be to pinch myself every time I talk about involved in that genre. How does she how this international collaboration manage to pull off the technical came about. Chris first heard my differences between the two? voice online through a competition I “Continuous training, no matter what had entered in an attempt to share my you sing, having a good technique is music. He emailed me telling me he important. The real difference, I find, was a composer and would love to is using a microphone. Up until two have me sing his compositions. The years ago, I didn’t even know how to first song I heard of his was, ‘Dolce hold one! In opera, we are trained to Vento’. I remember I was on lunch project on our own. It has been a bit break at work, walking down the of a learning curve. Using a mic can certainly, incur a little bit of laziness and/or feeling. When I sing, I don’t if you are not mindful, and you have just want it to sound pretty but want to be careful you are not under my audience to feel what I’m feeling. I supporting the voice when you sing find that in doing this, it really helps quietly. But, on the other hand, you me make the song my own, especially can find some different vocal qualities with well-known pieces that are and colors by using the mic. In its performed by so many.” intimacy, there is a kind of truth the microphone demands. It picks up It is important for her that her music everything, every detail, and that can is “genuine and real.” She says, “I be scary!” hope that when I sing, they can feel what I was feeling when I was When thinking about her dream career performing the song.” Her dedication one word springs to Alessandra’s is evident on the tracks from mind. “Fearlessness… I think this is ‘Remembering Heaven.’ She is not my favorite word. Fear is a just another pretty voice. The voice is paralyzing mindset, and I use to beautiful of course, but so is her struggle with being ‘scared’ what phrasing and expression. ‘Nella people think, the ‘fear’ of failing. But Fantasia’ is especially poignant. take fear away, you have nothing stopping you - just open possibilities! Alessandra is happy to be an ‘indie This helps me go after my dreams. I artist,’ grateful for the control she has want to visit them all!” She hopes to over her career. “Although it can be establish herself as an international scary, instead of waiting to be artist. “I absolutely love traveling discovered or for opportunities to fall and experiencing different cultures. into my lap, I like to take charge and Countries I’d love to perform in the create my own. This gives me the UK, Australia, and Japan in ability to be true to who I am as an particular.” artist and see my visions through to the end whether it be for a photo Crossover and opera singers face a shoot, music video or production.” It unique challenge performing material makes those breakthroughs even more that has been covered often and in meaningful. One of her favorite many cases is closely associated with moments so far was when a friend one artist. How does Alessandra called to say her song was playing ensure her interpretations are unique? over the radio for the first time. “I “Anyone can sing, but I chose to thought that was pretty cool.” communicate. With every song, I try to find a story- something special to In addition to music, Alessandra is me and communicate that emotion passionate about Human rights. “If there is any way I can donate my time heart abnormalities in the fetus. It to a worthy cause, I do. Last month I was so humbling to be in the presence was an ambassador for ‘Hope For of our everyday heroes and see how Hearts’, this was a gala event to raise their work saves lives daily. It was an money for research on testing for honor to be a part of it.”

Alessandra’s Advice to Other Dreamers “One of my favorite movies is Kung Fu Panda (yes I love kid movies). It is a cute film about a panda training to become a legendary warrior. Throughout the movie, he is trying to live up to this title, and what I loved about the movie is that the secret to being a hero in the end... was nothing. It was just being himself. What I have learned thus far in my journey, is there is no ‘magic’ anyone can give you to suddenly make your career take off. Although it sounds cliché, the magic is YOU. The music business is also tough. When I was young I was given some advice from a very wise, very well-known opera singer. They told me to first be a kid, train hard, and know who you are before pursuing a career in music – It was the best advice I was ever given and is what I would tell any aspiring singer.” Album Review “Remembering Heaven” is a very pleasant album and considering it is Alessandra’s debut the quality is remarkable. The album features beautiful melodies like “Dolce Vento” and “Saro Tua Amor.” Her vocals are consistent in their loveliness through the recording and the arrangement’s compliment her voice beautifully. Take the gorgeous piano and violin on “Dark Waltz.” The piece previously associated with Hayley Westenra is given a simple treatment that suits the operatic vocals and is one of my personal favorites. The album features just the right balance of new material and familiar songs placed strategically throughout.

“Remembering Heaven” is available to purchase from alessandrapaonessa.com

A Conversation with Tami Petty Soprano Tami Petty is one of those special memories like that.” Tami’s father would people who enter your life like a burst of sing bass, her mother tenor, her brother sunshine. I was first introduced to her while soprano, while she sang alto in quartets for at Westchester Community College perusing their local church. Music has retained an my Associate's degree in Performance. My important role not only in her life but also in teacher at the time, Rosemarie Serrano, felt that of her brother Billy. “Billy is now the that it was time for me to move on to a new music director at a huge Presbyterian teacher who would further develop my talent church in Livonia, Michigan. He and I sang and recommended that I study with Tami. I together in a really neat concert, probably really loved Ms. Serrano and had misgivings 2009, with the Manchester Choral Society. It about a change – and then I met Tami. was the first time and last time so far, that we’ve ever been able to sing at a classical The first thing you notice about Tami is her concert together. It was a huge highlight for smile and a warm friendly laugh that puts me to sing with my brother.” you at ease. Her easy going, welcoming manner is unique and then you hear her From singing in church in the cold of sing… More than one student would stop in Michigan to performing at Lincoln Center… the hall at our community college and listen how did that come about? “Well I was at in amazement to the gorgeous lush sound Eastman at the time, studying a degree in that poured out of the practice rooms. Her early music and just sort of doing a soprano voice is clear but also powerful, performance major and I was working there commanding attention. We immediately hit and when I began my doctorates degree my it off and I was very blessed to have had the teacher said, ‘ You actually have a larger experience to learn from her. Through the instrument than you were using,’” she years we have kept in touch and I have chuckles. “So it was a revelatory process watched from afar as her career goes from that was slow, and I realized I had a larger strength to strength, and honestly few people instrument that I just wasn’t using. I started deserve it as she does. It was a pleasure to singing opera there as a mezzo-soprano and reconnect with her and once again be then went on to do some young artist inspired. programs. You know you audition for things as a student, you go to New York and sing “It’s been forever,” she acknowledges as we for 5 or 6 companies and hope, cross your speak we both try to decide how many years fingers that one of them will invite you to go but quickly give up. I tell her how I’ve been to their program. I’m very fortunate I got to watching the amazing thing she’s been go to several programs as a mezzo-soprano, doing and Tami says, “I’ve been having and they knew I was going to be fun.” For sure. transitioning to soprano eventually but that it was going to be a slow process.” At So how did her journey begin? “Everyone certain programs, Central City Opera and talks about when they were tiny, tiny people Cincinnati Opera, for example, Tami was but I won’t bore you with that. I was very given the chance to sing a mezzo role and shy, I’ll tell you that. I started singing in cover or understudy a soprano one. She church because I was practically forced to describes the experience as a “real do it. And my family always sang together. transition.” She says, “I didn’t just go up Every holiday we got together the guitars right away. I went up to soprano then came would come out. I have a lot of good

Tami with Vinson Cole down to mezzo and went up to soprano diligently over the period of 6-12 months again. I sort of landed in soprano territory.” you’ll find that there are changes you’ll be making. And my advice is just to stick with For the benefit of singers like myself who it and to keep exposing yourself to great art. are interested in vocal fach, I ask Tami a Find singers that you love and go and hear little more about the process. “I didn’t like them sing live and be inspired. And watch singing high it didn’t feel good. Not that I the careers of people you love, see where could evaluate your sound even, cause it’s they came from and how long it took them to hard to evaluate your sound as a singer but get where they are and just be a good it just didn’t feel good. And I couldn’t hand student.” up there – I didn’t have the stamina to stay above the staff. It was because I was using Some of the singers who inspired Tami are; so much color and weigh in the voice to Christine Brewer, Birgit Nilsson, and Jane manufacture a more ‘mezzo’ sound and I Abrams. “These are all bigger voices and was very happy in that land,” she laughs. dramatic. But I think one thing that stands “The truth is when I go back and listen to out to me is that they all sing lyrically and recordings from that time, it was like oh my that’s a big thing that you have to try and gosh lyric mezzo there I was! But I couldn’t remember to do no matter what voice type do anything more, make any more sound the you are is to sing lyrically and to sing sound, couldn’t make it any deeper or richer healthily. So I listen to them for inspiration than it was that was the max. I think I was and to be reminded that you can come out right on track on where I was supposed to with a fabulous product as long as you think be. From lyric to fuller lyric to dramatic of singing more efficiently and more voices, they tend to take that trajectory they healthily.” sing mezzo and they go up, or they will sing big lyric repertoire or just not get hired for When it comes to repertoire how does Tami a while.” decide? Does it need to appeal to her on some emotional level? “Sure it does need to She offers this bit of advice to singers on the appeal,” she says, “But I think for me a lot journey. “My advice is, follow the careers of of times I take the opportunities when they people who have had similar experiences. are presented. I don’t just say ‘I’d like to You can’t just sit in the bushes and hope for sing Tannhauser now. Poof! I have a role as the little tulip to pop out of the grass, you Elisabeth’ singing the role I want to sing. can’t be Cinderella waiting for your prince The opportunities, you have to be ready for to show up on the doorstep with your glass them when they do appear that’s the catch. slipper, you have to really take time and But there are things I can choose to do that evaluate how are you making steps towards are my own preparation and my own will.” achieving your goal. And do you have the She shares about a recent performance of people in your corner who are going to help songs with a group of young musicians done support you along your journey.” She solely for the ‘joy of reading through this breaks it down. “This means working with a music.’ “It was fun and it was rewarding teacher on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, but the reality is I probably will never working with a coach every week and you perform with them with an octet again. But I may ask yourself, ‘What the heck for? Why may perform them with an orchestra. So for would I be preparing myself if I’m not going me doing that project was good because it to be performing’ but if you will work made me realize ‘Oh yeah, I’ve really go to

Tami withJennifer Larmore and Dennis Keene sing this stuff’ if I really want it to come my Maintaining a positive attitude in the midst way I need to be in the moment and sing it. of rejection and competition is another That’s why a lot of opera singers practice important aspect of a career in music. Tami arias all the time because they want to stay always seems to take things in her stride. in shape and be ready if they are hired to “Well, I guess maybe it’s different for perform a role, they need to be athletically everyone but for me, I am reminded of the able to do it. But in terms of projects that I fact that I need to be a good steward of my like or things that I like to prepare yeah I talent or my gift if I can call it that and the have some things. But right now I’m really other big, big part of it is gratitude. I have working contract to contract or engagement such a feeling of gratitude for every chance I to engagement. Things like that that need to get to make music, for working at such a be prepared ahead of time and it just takes a high level, for being in the path of making lot of my brain cells away. So right now I’m all these connections with people which then not electively doing a lot of things that I lead to other opportunities.” Tami says want to do myself. Those things are easier to she’s “ashamed” to admit she doesn’t really do when you have some downtime.” audition anymore. At this point in her career, she is getting enough work simply by Part of the preparation process includes the referrals and being re-hired to work at the assistance form a good teacher. Easier said same places. “It is important to me, and it than done of course. A good teacher, like doesn’t cost me anything, and I get energy Tami herself, is a valued and rare from developing relationships with the commodity. “I think you have to do a little people I work with. And if I don’t have a joy research. Having a lesson is expensive in that, if it doesn’t bring me joy, Honey I sometimes if you are just going to have the don’t try to go down that road anymore! I first lesson and never go back. But sort of say well, I’m not going to work with sometimes it’s the only way to go, ‘Do I like that conductor anymore. That’s ok it’s not this person? Do I understand the lingo they for me. The people that bring me joy and are using? The other thing is to find out help me be a better musician, and I rise to a what their reputation is in the business. Find higher level than I knew I was capable of, out who their students are and if they work Oh I want t continue those relationships! So with other coaches or colleagues in the for me, it’s about gratitude and perusing business that could recommend them. It’s these kinds of relationships with people.” hard when you go to somebody and you sense that there’s something there and Speaking of Joy, Tami made her solo debut there’s value there but you’re not really sure in Merkin Hall in 2014, after winning the how to evaluate it, so I would record my ‘Joy in Singing Award.’ "'The’ Joy of lessons and play them back and you could Singing’ competition goes back to 1958 and have an honest reaction after you’ve gone it’s a competition that celebrates the joy in through the lesson and then are evaluating singing and the connection that the artist on the playback and seeing how things can manifest and develop with the audience progressed or were addressed. And then through art song. This competition you going back for that second lesson is sort of a submit a recording, and then they invite you clincher for me, if it works out great I sort of to come into a master class with Paul Sperry know by the second lesson for me.” who is an incredible musician, historian and amazing person who knows a lot about song and they will hear about 30 people in these

Tami with Daniel Ferro master classes and then they have finals. I begins, the climax and how it ends. So I’m was invited to the finals. There were three envisioning the songs I’m singing and the sopranos and a mezzo in my final round and whole arch… that helps me prepare.” when they announced my name it was almost like I didn’t hear it,” she says Of course, Tami also listens to other singers laughing. “I just kind of was smiling and but as references only. “I don’t use them to they said my name and I thought surely I learn the song. I think that’s a huge mistake won a runner-up or something like that but because then you are copying someone they said, ‘No you won the prize!’ and I was else’s interpretation which may or may not like ‘What?! I couldn’t believe it, I was in be the composer's intention and it also shock. But I’ve just had a devil of the good doesn’t help you understand your own time doing the performances there.” As a artistry along the way. You can’t form your result of winning the competition, Tami has own opinion that way.” Sometimes she even sung in several recitals last year and this draws pictures to remember harder words. year, including her solo debut in Merkin “We do what we can.” Hall. “That was a lot of fun.” She sang Charles Griffiths ‘Four Impressions’ Joseph I ask about her plans for the future and she Mark songs, and a cycle by John Green jokes good-naturedly about her five-year among others and was called a “True plan before sharing her dreams. “I have a ‘recitalist’” by the Opera Insider. wish list of repertoire that I would really love to be hired to sing somewhere. On that When it comes to preparation for an event list in the Beethoven’s ‘Missa Solemnis’, like this Tami says she does a lot of work and I would really love to sing Britten’s “in my head. I do use the mirror, I do use a ‘War Requiem.’ I would love to sing with paper and pen to write out the lyrics like a some friends of mine in different capacities. crazy person, and I recite, I carry little note The great thing about being friends with cards around with my text when I’m professional musicians is that sometimes memorizing. The other thing is I spend a lot you are able to find opportunities to work of time in my head and I do. I envision together where everyone shines in their best connecting through the words viscerally so I way and so those kinds of things are have a very strong physical memory of the important and fun to me. I love poem and of my reaction to it and collaborating with new pianists on art songs harmonically what is happening while the so that’s exciting! What else,” she thinks. “I words are being said.” She believes in the dunno I just really love singing. I’ll sing the method of visualizing yourself doing phonebook I don’t care. I’ll just enjoy it.” something – everything from the opening of Enjoy it she doubtlessly will and in turn, her the stage door to walking out on stage and singing will continue to bring joy to new thanking the audience for coming to the audiences around the world. concert. “Even though I don’t say, I think it in my mind and feel it in my heart. And I walk out in a spirit of gratitude and rehearsing in my mind what I’m going to do for the whole night. So when I create a program I try to create an arch or who it

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