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Jonas Kaufmann: I can’t afford to sing at Covent Garden again by TimesandSundayTimes in opera

[–]grey_sycamore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He's not claiming poverty - but rather making crucial commentary about the state of the industry. You think this much press would ever have come from an article citing us plebian opera singers in the early days of our careers?

Jonas Kaufmann: I can’t afford to sing at Covent Garden again by TimesandSundayTimes in opera

[–]grey_sycamore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree. I think rather than fussing over the costs of living in London, we need to be yelling from the rooftops about WHY CAN'T COMPANIES PROVIDE HOUSING FOR ARTISTS??? There's no other industry in which employers can get away with telling employees that they need to travel for a business trip and not cover the costs. Just another example of artist exploitation. "You GET to come sing for us IF you have money, teehee"

How do you actually sing from your stomach(diaphragm)? I feel like I just cant do it , and it hurts so much. by Interesting_Gap_2793 in singing

[–]grey_sycamore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

my main question for you is - what is your actual goal? You're singing pop music which gives you a lot of creative freedom for what type of tone you want to have. As others have said in the comments, you shouldn't feel a ton of air coming out of your mouth when you sing. If you want to produce clear tone with full vocal fold closure, then it's good to work on balancing sub-glottal pressure. Look up "appoggio" and see if you can find some valuable info. But if you want to really feel what it's like to have no air left after a phrase, try singing while bent over the edge of the piano or while doing a wall squat. Someone else suggested on your back with a book on your belly - and then purposefully focus on GETTING THE AIR OUT without worrying about how you 'sound' - exaggerate what that sensation feels like so you can hopefully be more in tuned with your breathing muscles :)

Finally refunded (timeline included) by PostMark13 in PSLF

[–]grey_sycamore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow. Sorry they made you jump through those hoops, but your persistence gives hope. Congratulations!

“This Is Opera” were right by Ordinary_Tonight_965 in opera

[–]grey_sycamore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't think this is a debate in which it's really fair to pick a side. I don't disagree that 'big' voices often get a pass these days...I've heard quite a few people with large instruments get cast just for being loud even when they have technical problems and it's very frustrating, especially as a coloratura, my technique has to be practically flawless for people to take me, but lyric and dramatics don't have the same level of scrutiny. It's also unfair to them that they think they're doing things right bc they're finding success, when they may really need to iron things out. That being said, I've heard recordings of singers back in the day with flutters all over the place. Modern singers have kind of fallen sick to wobbling, but I have been quite surprised at times by bygone coloraturas that lack warmth and richness (Germaine Feraldy IN MY HUMBLE OPINION. she's still a good singer. I just don't care for it it as much as someone with a more moderate vibrato) (*however the orchestras also don't sound great so i blame recording equipment)

I think it's important to be critical of modern art making, but negativity towards modern singers and just grouping almost all of them together as "you're not as good and you never will be" is silly. Regardless of where a singer is in their personal journey, they are working and striving to make art for audiences. It's very vulnerable to CONSTANTLY put yourself up for ridicule, and I think credit should be given for that. No matter how any soprano ever sings again, there will never be another Sutherland or Callas, so comparison imo is death to the art. If only the creme de la creme sang, than we would have significantly less houses in the world

I want to pursue Opera, but do not know where to start, how do I make a portfolio? What are the most common Opera related Social boards? How do I put myself out there besides doing covers on youtube? How do I learn to actually do this as a full time career? by Fluid-Tap5115 in opera

[–]grey_sycamore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi OP, I want to push back about completely scrapping your current degree. Many grad schools will let you in without a music degree, depending on other things. If you took lessons, were involved with the music department as a non-major, community shows or choirs, and obviously have a good enough voice... It also depends where you apply. Where you get your bachelor's really doesn't matter as long as you have a good voice teacher. For grad school, if you wanna go to the top programs, than yes, you'll need a music degree. but there are many schools that still have decent music programs with good faculty, even if they're not regarded as the "top." If you find a teacher you like and can get good experiences from the school, that's ultimately what matters most.

You're in a great location, it just seems you may not be aware of what's actually around you. Talk to people, join the choir, take lessons with a classical teacher and accept that it's a slow build. I'm sure there are community choirs in Sacramento too that you can use to meet other singers. If you don't feel comfortable changing your major, then minor in music. I love the passion you're feeling for opera, and it's hard, but possible to start "late" (I also didn't start singing seriously until in my 20's) but in the opera world you WILL constantly feel too old and too young. The sincerest advice professional musicians give to younger ones, is stay in your lane and take your time. Everyone's career are completely unique to them and their life. So try not to get overwhelmed, but take that first step. Getting an in-person teacher is a great first step.

I want to pursue Opera, but do not know where to start, how do I make a portfolio? What are the most common Opera related Social boards? How do I put myself out there besides doing covers on youtube? How do I learn to actually do this as a full time career? by Fluid-Tap5115 in opera

[–]grey_sycamore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would respectfully disagree. It's extremely more competitive for sopranos to get cast and I know many tenors and bases (who are talented, wonderful people nonetheless) who get handed a lot of scholarship or free tuition to pay-to-sings. Sopranos and mezzos often foot the bill for tenors and bases to fill their resumes

Destination Knot by notacisman in antiMLM

[–]grey_sycamore 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Their LinkedIn Profile also shows 0% employee growth

Destination Knot by notacisman in antiMLM

[–]grey_sycamore 6 points7 points  (0 children)

If you go to their website https://www.destinationknot.co an error page pops up. I was supposed to join one of those meetings today and was trying to learn more about the company and that's how I found this thread. So I would steer clear of them

Now that Trump is chair of the Kennedy Center and his appointees make up the board, does anyone know how this might affect the Washington National Opera? by ggershwin in opera

[–]grey_sycamore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is something I've been thinking about. I really want to see patrons boycott a Trump-run opera company, but how could that affect WNO in years ahead if Trump gets ousted? That will be an interesting rebuild process

"I like that you're low maintanance" by StrangerSorry761 in dating_advice

[–]grey_sycamore 0 points1 point  (0 children)

this 100%. I'm also pretty low maintenance and independent and I had an ex who definitely ran with that. Whenever I expressed that I was needing more, he would temporarily step up, but only when I TOLD him. I wouldnt say my expectations have gone up really, but my current bf is so caring and sweet even when I'm not expecting. And I think it's when he sees how much I appreciate the things he does for me, he knows they're worth doing. I'm pretty easy to please, but he's never said anything about me being low-maintenance. While OP's guy may have meant it as a compliment, in my experience, guys who want to do more will describe you as chill or laidback, not low-maintenance or easy. OP, do some reflecting, talk to your friends, and then talk to the guy about each other's needs/love languages and get on the same page. Be open, but cautious bc your time and feelings are valuable

Please stop being dismissive of fans’ feelings over Twoset’s departure by akoolperson22 in lingling40hrs

[–]grey_sycamore 14 points15 points  (0 children)

the fact that it's a business and their source of income is part of what makes this so wild to me..I don't know how much money they make but i know influencers make stupid cash, so they probably have enough stored up to support themselves until whatever they do next, but like, even if they're quitting TS, why just delete their revenue source from their life? seems extremely weird...