Reviews have a special place in the opera world. They inform readers about the quality of most current operatic performances. Unknowingly, reviews can teach readers about opera by showing them what to listen for, informing them about history, style, and so forth. They can educate an entire community. Yet, behind every review is a reviewer. … More Are Reviews Relevant?
It’s easy to look back on the past and wonder what would have happened if you did something differently. If I had the chance to impart some advice onto my younger opera singer self and change the past, this would be it. Find Your Edges, Round Them Out As a music student, it’s prime time … More What I Would Have Done Differently
I just finished a recital tour and I thought it would be a good time to address some of the differences between recitals and my regular singing gigs—opera. Not only are there many differences but there are lots of similarities. Especially after having done many recitals in my developing years and mostly opera in my … More Recital Singing vs Opera Singing: What’s the Difference?
Many things surprise us once we leave academia. In my case, when I entered the professional world of opera, I was hit with several realities. What I’m about to explain is the biggest lesson I learned about opera after leaving school. Everyone has their own experience transitioning from academia to the professional world but this … More What School Doesn’t Teach You About Opera
Now, the title of this article might be a little misleading because you’re soon about to find out that there is no “right” voice teacher. However, there is the right teacher for you, but it may not necessarily be the right teacher for everyone else. In other words, the best voice teacher for someone could … More My 6 Rules for Choosing the Right Voice Teacher
Sometimes the best advice comes to you in a different form. In my case, it wasn’t actually meant to be advice at all. In 2003, I stepped into the War Memorial Opera House at the San Francisco Opera to start my first day as a young artist at the Merola Opera Program. 24 of us … More The Best Advice I Ever Got
Covering is a big part of an operatic career. Most of us learn on the job but there’s a lot to gain from sharing with others. Currently, I’m covering a number of Iolanta performances at The Metropolitan Opera and I’m singing one. I haven’t covered in about 5 years, but when I was beginning my … More How to Cover a Role Like a Pro
It’s 2019, guys! We’ve got a whole year ahead of us. That means a whole year of possibilities to achieve something truly great. We all love a good New Years’ Resolution and I’ve got a few of my own. When it comes to making goals, I have some points of focus that I try to … More 6 Tips to Help You Achieve Your 2019 Singing Goals
2018 was an awesome year. The Baritone Blog put out 23 blog posts with lots of good moments along the way! These are my favorite quotes from my 2018 blog posts. “Every time I deposit a check for singing, it feels like I won the lottery and I can survive for another year through my … More Top 10 Baritone Blog Quotes of 2018
The years an opera singer spends as a Young Artist are special ones. This is the bridge between school and the professional world and a time to start showing what you’re made of. You’re told to sing well, show up on time, learn your music, act professional, etc., but there’s another important task for you … More The Biggest Mistake Young Artists Make
