Monthly Archives: May 2012
Sing, Sing, Sing! – CS Convention
This is Mark’s final post from the Classical Singer Convention. Mark was one of the presenters for the Young Artist Series held May 26-27 at the Westin O’Hare Hotel in Chicago. I met with 16 singers individually at the Classical Singer Convention during “One-on-One” sessions and I taught classes on Creating Jobs and Negotiating. Long day but very interesting. Singers love their craft but are anxious to know what to do to advance a career. My number one piece … Continue reading
Develop Your $inging Talent
Apparently my advise to singers on how to make money has bothered at least one person. I always welcome such comments and a chance to be sure everyone lives in reality with a lofty dream. Here’s the comment: It is wrong to encourage young singers to put money before craft. Their first and foremost concern should be on playing their instrument. Provide the best service, and the money will follow. They should firstdevelop a reputation. Never cancel, Always … Continue reading
Choosing the Right Repertoire – CS Convention
Last weekend I had the pleasure of judging part of the second round of the High School Competition at the Classical Singer Convention in Chicago. It was an interesting and enlightening experience. What I loved most about judging was hearing such a large amount of good singing and that the two other judges and myself were completely on the same page regarding what we heard. What I disliked the most was the ridiculous amount of utterly inappropriate repertoire students attempted … Continue reading
Young Artists Series – CS Convention
This past weekend in Chicago was the two-day Young Artist Series at the Classical Singer Convention. On the first day presenters William Florescu, Robert Swenson, and Mark Stoddard inspired singers with a full day of information-packed classes on everything from the value of grad school to how to get into grad school to negotiating your first contract to getting into Young Artist Programs and more. Participant Sarah Conwell commented, The Classical Singer Convention Young Artist Series was an … Continue reading
The Perspective of Judge – CS Convention
We’ve asked singers, teachers, students, parents, and judges at the Classical Singer Convention in Chicago, IL this weekend to write about their experiences. The following is from Roosevelt University faculty member Judith Haddon. The Classical Singer Competition is a well run very nurturing competition. It is one of the only College Fairs that is completely designed for the singer. Young singers have the opportunity to network with dozens of Universities both for undergraduate and graduate studies. They have a … Continue reading
I Could Have Danced All Night – CS Convention
We’ve asked singers, teachers, students, parents, and judges at the Classical Singer Convention in Chicago, IL this weekend to write about their experiences. The following is from Darin Adams of Bridgelight Arts, the voice teacher of Competition Participant Vincent Grosso. Here’s something you don’t expect to see in a master class at a classical singer convention: the instructor kicking off her shoes for a little one-on-one “air basketball” scrimmage with a student as he sings Schubert’s Ständchen. Nor would … Continue reading
How Much to Charge
On my way to the Classical Singer Convention where I enjoy meeting with hundreds of singers and helping them figure ways to make their singing career dreams a reality. Reality always has something to do with money, so I show them how to make money from their marvelous talent. One thing I’m constantly amazed at is how many singers have no idea how much they should charge. They just hope to get the part or gig and hope it … Continue reading
It’s Time to Be Great
It’s time to be great. Not just good. Not just adequate. But great. Every person yearns to be the best—whether at singing, at sports, at business, or whatever the field. Unfortunately we can’t control other people. We don’t control the elements. And we can’t always predict what way the ball will bounce. Sometimes others simply sing better, make more shots than we do, or run faster. Life happens. You only have control over one thing—yourself. Your attitude. Your … Continue reading
Everyone Owns Their Own Business
Do you think like an entrepreneur? It’s a subtle, yet important distinction. You have the power to dictate how to market, sell, and deliver your services regardless of whether you are an employee, an independent contractor, or a business owner. Employee Mindset An employee relinquishes most of her control to an employer, giving up initiative in her work. An employee mindlessly punches in and out on a clock until an unemployment crisis occurs. An employee takes … Continue reading
Not Enough Time or Energy to Further Your Business?
Never before in human history have we been the recipients of so much information designed to fill us with ideas, desires, and distractions. The news of the world good, bad or indifferent is available at every hour of every day. We can keep out that pesky internal chatter in our own heads at any time by putting on a set of headphones and distracting ourselves with music, spending time talking to someone on the phone, text messaging, Twittering or going … Continue reading
