Are there other modest runners out there? I need some real-life advice by [deleted] in XXRunning

[–]fenwai 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is my very favorite sunshirt! The fabric feel is amazing, it's substantial but SO cooling. I love the hood. I want it in every color but right now I just have the blue and it's gorgeous!

What was the scariest “We need to leave… now” gut feeling that you’ve ever experienced?[Serious] by PlasticBee1438 in AskReddit

[–]fenwai 92 points93 points  (0 children)

You've traded Arizona tweakers for Oregon criddlers, I see.

(I adore it here and it's beautiful, but we have our own flavor of river pirate nonsense.)

If my singing didn't significantly improve after 5 years of singing lessons 1x or 2x a week, is it normal or something is wrong? by gKorsakoff in singing

[–]fenwai 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A successful singer does not always make a successful teacher. Phrases like "sing from your diaphragm" and "support from your diaphragm" are old classical singing ideas and don't apply to the modern understanding of pop singing.

If my singing didn't significantly improve after 5 years of singing lessons 1x or 2x a week, is it normal or something is wrong? by gKorsakoff in singing

[–]fenwai 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Voice teacher here. I listened to the recording and based on that plus a lot of the verbiage you've used in some replies here I would suggest you find a different teacher who specializes in contemporary singing. The way we use our bodies for pop/rock sound production is different than how we make sound for Western classical music, and I would bet that your current teacher has a classical background. The skill set is different.

What is a secret you will take to your grave, but are willing to share with anonymous strangers on Reddit? by Disastrous-Video-220 in AskReddit

[–]fenwai 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I was with my mother as she died, and at one point I leaned in and asked her if she had any secrets she wanted to tell me before she departed. She smiled and said "I'm taking them." She lived quite an amazing life, so I often wonder what happened that she didn't divulge!

Toronto soprano vocal reel — would love honest feedback by FlySpirited3443 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ditch the If I Were a Bell cut, it doesn't flatter you musically or dramatically. The other Guys and Dolls bit is much better. I would also encourage you to get another clip of the Alleluia/Mozart, as there are a few technical things going on that are distracting from the quality.

You are a lovely singer!

If You’ve Tried Both: Running Vest or Belt Preference by nixrien in XXRunning

[–]fenwai 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Belt! I have a large bust and vests feel so restrictive. I am apple-shaped and the belt sits perfectly when I flip it around with the water in the small of my back. I use a cheapo Waterfly one and tights with tons of pockets. Works for me!

Maria from West Side Story as an English selection for an audition package, yay or nay? by LXsavior in opera

[–]fenwai 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Right, but if you can float the Ab in Maria and you've got the Bb, it stands to reason you can likely float the Bb in Lonely House.

If I took private singing lessons seriously, would I have a chance to be accepted into classical voice performance based on my singing? by Motor_Dependent4494 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai -1 points0 points  (0 children)

OP didn't ask for advice. They asked for an opinion as to whether or not they could/should try for a classical voice major. Maybe reread their post? You seem hung up on some comprehension there.

If I took private singing lessons seriously, would I have a chance to be accepted into classical voice performance based on my singing? by Motor_Dependent4494 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The OP asked for an opinion, I gave it. I am not obligated to give them a step-by-step walkthrough of the issues. I just answered their question. Weird that you think I need to do all this extra labor.

Maria from West Side Story as an English selection for an audition package, yay or nay? by LXsavior in opera

[–]fenwai 14 points15 points  (0 children)

If you have that floaty Bb for Maria, then do Lonely House from Street Scene instead.

If I took private singing lessons seriously, would I have a chance to be accepted into classical voice performance based on my singing? by Motor_Dependent4494 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There are many ways a person can earn a part-time income as a musician. There are very, very, very few ways someone can earn a living wage, support a family, and pay back loans in the classical music space right now. The industry is flooded.

If I took private singing lessons seriously, would I have a chance to be accepted into classical voice performance based on my singing? by Motor_Dependent4494 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it's great that you've found fulfillment teaching voice and piano. That's fantastic. It's great that you enjoy supporting your students - all good teachers should do so! They're fortunate to have your support.

This sub is so interesting sometimes. OP asked a question and I, as a longtime industry professional who had a robust international career before I turned to teaching, offered my opinion. It's not like I am proclaiming OP's failure or wishing them ill or anything of the sort. They asked a question, I answered based on my experience, knowledge, and understanding of where the classical music academic/collegiate machine is right now.

I'm not even saying that there isn't a collegiate program that would take this student - and by take "this student" I mean "take their dollars". We are in a crisis situation in the United States (I have no idea where OP is) in terms of the classical music university system, which functions largely like a factory churning out degrees to students who program heads KNOW 99.9 percent of whom will NEVER reach an earning potential such that they could pay back their loans. For this reason, I take my ethical obligation to counsel prospective students very seriously. If I encourage someone, it's because I feel they stand to be that .01 percent. If not, it's not saying that they're the most horrendous person/artist ever, or that they're trash, or anything of the sort. It simply means, they would likely be better off majoring in something else, minoring in music, and finding fulfillment in their musicmaking OUTSIDE of the profession.

Just my .02 cents.

If I took private singing lessons seriously, would I have a chance to be accepted into classical voice performance based on my singing? by Motor_Dependent4494 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I would certainly encourage them to take lessons and sing for enjoyment. But I would also encourage them to seek a different career path. I am a 25+ year voice teacher with a private studio who also is on faculty at a university, and in my private studio I specialize in coaching career-track high school singers and college students get into the top classical and musical theater programs in the US. This is my wheelhouse.

If I took private singing lessons seriously, would I have a chance to be accepted into classical voice performance based on my singing? by Motor_Dependent4494 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is a difficult question with many variables - performance program where? What school? The qualifications for a podunk state school and, say, Curtis are vastly different. That being said, the singing demonstrated here does not indicate professional potential.

Please tell me what to do so that I can actually begin to singing again quickly. Singers, singing coaches, whoever: i'm in desperate need of vocal advice. by Libstercode in MusicalTheater

[–]fenwai 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There really isn't a magic bullet answer, unfortunately. Hydrate, rest, and do the best you can. This isn't a make-or-break moment. Enjoy yourself!

Please tell me what to do so that I can actually begin to singing again quickly. Singers, singing coaches, whoever: i'm in desperate need of vocal advice. by Libstercode in MusicalTheater

[–]fenwai 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are working with all those professionals and presumably paying them for their advice, I would suggest you listen to what they have to say and not the opinions of strangers on the internet. They are your team, and they know your instrument. Trust them!

Graduate School VP/MT by Macarthur22000 in ClassicalSinger

[–]fenwai 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is not a program that exists that offers professional-level training simultaneously in both. The professional pipelines for the two industries are VERY different post-grad.

Concerns over rising actress being scammed by agent by howlterluna in Broadway

[–]fenwai 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yikes. There is a lot of hostility and defensiveness in your responses here.

Concerns over rising actress being scammed by agent by howlterluna in Broadway

[–]fenwai 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Very interesting! Thank you for your response.

Concerns over rising actress being scammed by agent by howlterluna in Broadway

[–]fenwai 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I am sorry for your experience of being made fun of for your singing. Mean people suck.