Schmopera Op-ed

Hey everyone!

I was recently given the opportunity to write for the awesome online opera editorial Schmopera! (www.schmopera.com) and you can check out my article here:

http://www.schmopera.com/breaking-into-the-industry-a-vicious-cycle/

Let me know what you think!

Conflicting Advice Part II: Inside the World of a Male Opera Singer

PHOTO: www.ayi.com

Good morning everyone!

Sorry I have been somewhat MIA lately, it has been quite bonkers with my students and their upcoming festivals and I haven't had as much time to write as I would have liked.

Today I present to you: 

Conflicting Advice Part II: Inside the World of a Male Opera Singer

When I wrote the first version, I thought it would be both fun and interesting to hear some useless advice on the men side of things.

I have enlisted the help of Michael Pistorio: 

     Michael Pistorio is a 25 years old lyric baritone from Pasadena, MD a suburb of Baltimore, MD. He graduated with his undergraduate degree a year ago from a small liberal arts university in Music: Vocal Performance. Since then, Michael been an independent musician performing in concerts, recitals, and operas along the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. You can find Michael on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and SoundCloud all under his full name: Michael Pistorio.

"These are some of my favorite questions and comments I’ve received since I began training as a Classical singer in September 2011. For the record I am a 25 year old Lyric Baritone. I have a very versatile voice which allows me to sing a lot of rep in Musical Theatre, Art Songs, Spirituals, and Sacred Music. The operatic repertoire that best suits me right now is Handel, Donizetti and Mozart. I know this, and it’s not changing in the immediate future. 

“Are you a baritone? You sound like a tenor.”

“Is your voice right for that?”

“I think this piece is too high for your voice.”

“I think this [same piece] is too low for your voice.”

“Are you sure that you’re not a tenor?”

“Your voice is really starting to settle.”

“Your voice is starting to sound more dramatic.”

“You're too young, your voice is still changing too much.”

“You need more dramatic rep.”

“You need lighter rep.”

“You’re singing too dramatic.”

“Your voice isn’t big enough to sing Puccini.”

“Here, you should work on this Puccini.” (For the record, I’m currently working on the Puccini.)

“Your voice is perfectly suited for Mozart.”

“You’re too young for Mozart.” 

“You’ve lost weight.”

“You need to lose weight.”

“You’re too skinny.”

“You need to bulk up, put some muscle on.”

“You work out right?” (Got it, I need to hit the gym, thank you.)

“Directors want your voice big and your shirt off.” (GOT IT, really!)

a comment on my voice: “Well, at least you’ll fit the costume.”

“You know you have constant dark shadows under your eyes, right?”

“The features of your face are too bold.” 

“I like how bold your features are.” 

“Keep your hair short.”

“Grow your hair out.”

“You look too young on stage.” 

“You’ll never get cast, you look too young.”

“Keep your facial hair.”

“You should trim your facial hair into *insert pattern/shape here*.”

“I love your hair like this, don’t change it!”

“I hate your hair like this, change it immediately!”

“Make sure you wear a plain tux for every recital.”

“Don’t wear a tux, no one likes them anymore.”

“Yes a tie.”

“No, no tie.” (These last 6 were two different people weighing in for the same event.) 

I believe 100% that I have a complete advantage being a male in this industry. But that doesn’t mean I go without my criticisms and opinions from everyone. People are definitely more forgiving of me but I still strive to make as many people happy as I can. The truth is, I can only be happy with myself and the music I am making. 

My voice teacher says it best, “Opinions are like assholes, everybody’s got one. Best to just listen to your own judgement from here on out.”

Thanks again to Michael for all your help with this article! I couldn't have done it without you!

As I said to the ladies, be resilient, my darlings!

Things I want to say: also, too scared.

Byron Bay Events and beyond

So, I am feeling like I am letting myself down a bit with this blog. I started writing it because I feel like there is so much about this industry that isn't being said. So far, I have opted to ignore these issues and go for the comedy. And why? Because I am terrified.

This industry is so small; everyone is one or two degrees of separation away. I am afraid that if I say the things I really feel need to be said, that people will take offence and then I will get in trouble. I know it sounds so juvenile, but I am truly afraid of these people!

Ultimately, I want these subjects to be things that people aren't afraid to talk about. What does it say about the way things are being run if the people involved are tip-toeing on eggshells and unable to voice concerns?

Here is one of the subjects I was hoping to talk about. 

I'm upset with the way most people are reacting to productions  because of by whom they are produced.

I saw a truly horrible and offensive staging of  "Don Giovanni" at the Canadian Opera Company. The reason I did not enjoy it is not a reflection on the COC or the singers but of the director (Tcherniakov). 

All the reviews (except Schmopera.com* - thank God) were all:

 "4 out of 4 stars!" 

"Not to be missed!"

 "OMG I LOVED IT!" 

and not a single review (again, except Schmopera.com who nailed it) spoke about how the interpretation just didn't work.

If I wasn't sitting in the middle of the 5th ring, I would have walked out. I was also fully ready to boo the director if he came on stage.

Because no one wants to step on the COC's toes because they are the only giant opera house in the country, nobody talks about anything other than how amazing it was.

I have seen this happen production after production and I can't take it anymore. I have been less than thrilled with several of the last productions I have seen, and it has almost been, every time, because it was just an interpretation that did not work.

 You don't have to love something just because it was produced by the COC (or any other place for that matter). If you hated the direction or the costumes or even weren't thrilled with some of the singing or the level of acting, that's ok! Sometimes I wish we were more like La Scala and could show our dislike with a big ole BOO!

We're getting too polite. (ahem, read: too Canadian) Please have an opinion. 

Having an opinion does not make you mean or disagreeable or unemployable. Voicing your opinion isn't going to make you a bad colleague. Your opinion is not a personal reflection on the people involved. Please don't be afraid to love something because everyone else disliked or dislike something just because everyone else enjoyed it. This is what creating art is about; making people feel something. Have feelings!

If we want the face of opera to change, they need to know what we think about what we see. If we just think everything is great, then the industry is not going to move forward.

* If you missed the embedded link and would like to read Schmopera.com's review of Don Giovanni, you can find it here: http://schmopera.com/in-review-tcherniakovs-don-giovanni/

Gal to Pal: how to be your own Valentine (and also how to make yourself look like a hunky dude)

Hi guys!

This week I did a VLOG for the very first time. I chose to do a tutorial on how to look like a really hunky guy. It should be helpful to most female singers as there seems to be a pants role for nearly every voice type.

I was also inspired by the fact that my partner will be away as he is rehearsing for a production of Mary Poppins (awesome!) and I will be alone on Valentines Day. I didn't think anything could be better, in this case, than being my own Valentine and so I turned myself into a hunk (ha!) for myself to hang out with.

I made this on my phone.

After I took my hair down I felt like I looked even dreamier.

I had intended to show you how to do it in 5 minutes, but by the time I finished explaining the first time through and had picked up all my dropped brushes, it was closer to 20. I had to record it again.

OMG AMAZING THUMBNAIL. THANKS YOUTUBE.

All of the products I use are things I already own; I have never purchased anything extra to play a pant role. You'll notice I did not do the loose powder over top and that is because it was my second time today doing the make-up and I didn't want to deal with it again.

Please give it a watch and let me know what you think!

If you are feeling ambitious, give it a try yourself and share the picture ( #immyownvalentine ) on my Facebook Page, Twitter (@irrelevantdiva) or Instagram (@theirrelevantdiva).

Let me know if there is anything you'd like me to write or vlog about and I will see what I can do.

I have some ideas up my sleeve so stay tuned!

Thanks for following me and have a great weekend!

Enjoy this young man singing "Die Holle Rache"

Good morning everyone!

This week went bonkers and I am sad to say I was unable to complete the project I had planned for this week so it will come at a later date.

In the meantime, while I usually cannot deal with "child opera singers", this German choir boy is delightful.

Enjoy and I will see you with a bigger, better blog next week!

Conflicting Advice: Inside the World of a Female Opera Singer

In the little world in which we live, there are many opinions on how one should exist. Every coach, colleague, director and teacher has a different idea. The advice and opinions of these people is usually unsolicited and freely given.

I wish that these examples were made up. I wish they were exaggerated.

They are not.

In the past 8 years, I have received  many well-intentioned and inconsistent opinions on: my body, my family, my voice, my appearance, my repertoire, whom I should marry, what I should wear, views on my hair and make-up.

Without further ado, I will share with you some of the most conflicting advice I have been given in this career.

Photo: GETTY

Voice Type (Fach)

"Are you sure you're a mezzo?"

"Are you sure you're not a mezzo?"

"I am not convinced you are a mezzo."

"Voice types are a choice, I think you should choose to be a mezzo and just be a really good one."

"You are definitely not a mezzo."

"You are a really unusual soprano."

"Maybe you should sing a fach lighter."

"I don't think this lyric stuff works for you, definitely sing the dramatic rep."

"You are definitely a dramatic voice type."

"I think maybe you're a Rossini mezzo."

"Your voice is too rich to put you on stage with your peers."

"Although your voice is of substantial size, it's not what we're looking for."

"You're too young to sing with those people."

"Your voice hates moving! We're going to forget about teaching you to trill."

"Why aren't you singing any Mozart?"

"You will never sing Mozart."

"Maybe look at this Mozart."

"I think you could sing this Mozart. Actually, I don't think you will sing Mozart."

"You have to have a Mozart."

Acting

"Wow, that monologue was really amazing, you could bring that to Stratford today and they would probably hire you."

"You need to take acting lessons."

"You have IT! You need to be doing this! Maybe think about switching to straight acting."

"Have you thought about going into acting?"

"I think you should look for an acting teacher."

On a comment sheet from a summer program audition the following boxes were checked off:

ACTING

- too general

- too specific

- excellent

"I think you'll only ever do character acting, you're so funny."

"You are so fearless on stage! Definitely a Lady Macbeth."

"You are a natural Shakespearean actor."

Body & Appearance

"You look so much better than last year!"

"You're so tiny for your voice type!"

"You're a little soft around the belly."

"Don't lose too much weight."

"Maybe think about losing a little more weight."

"You'll always be the funny, chubby one to me."

"You walk into the room and I think, THAT'S CARMEN!"

"You are way too feminine to play a pants role."

"You look too masculine with all that make-up on."

"Go easy on the eye make-up, you look like a drag queen."

"You hair looks amazing!"

"Don't wear your hair like that, its far too severe on you."

"I liked your hair better before."

"I like the straight hair."

"Don't straighten your hair."

"Dress pants don't suit you."

"Get a pant suit."

"Never wear a pant suit, only a skirt or dress."

"Wear whatever is most comfortable!"

On Choosing a Partner

"Don't date a singer. Promise me you'll never date a singer."

"Marry a pianist - you'll save a fortune on coachings!"

"Only other singers understand, maybe think about marrying a singer."

"Don't get married."

"Marry someone self-employed so they can follow you around."

"Marry someone with a good job so you can focus on your singing and not worry about money."

On having children

"Have kids now before your career starts."

"Wait until your career has taken off to have kids."

"Have them now and give them to your mother to raise." (I was told this at age 19)

"Don't have children."

"Have one and have it late in life."

"Have them while you're young so you aren't too tired."

"Have them before you're thirty so you can get your body back."

"Wait until you're in your mid 30's and you have enough money."

"I regret waiting so long, have them as soon as you can!"

"I wish I had waited to have mine. Definitely wait."

"You can just adopt later."

"Have them now while you don't have anything else going on."

I know there are no black and white answers in this industry. I really do.

I sometimes simply do not understand why everyone thinks you want to hear what they think about your body, your family and your personal life. The voice stuff I get, I guess although it doesn't make the contradictory opinions any easier to sort out.

Be resilient, my darlings!

NOTE: I labelled this "Inside the World of a Female Opera Singer" because that is what I know best. If there are any men out there who would like to guest blog about being "Inside the World of a Male Opera Singer", I would be happy to hear from you!

Performance Hair[styles] Part 1: Bobby Pins

Ok. It needs to be said. I have seen some abysmal hair styling skills in my performance life: in particular, the misuse of bobby pins.

An example of misuse:

c. Beauty High

I wish I could tell you that this misuse is happening because bobby pins are tricky, but they truly are not that hard to use correctly.

I am not a professional hair stylist. I am, however, very handy with a curling iron. In most performances, I have, at some point, been called on to assist with someone's hair. In a production I did this past summer, I ended up styling all the Woodsprites in Rusalka, the Prince and many of the chorus members for the ballroom scene.

Myself and Megan-Maeve McCarthy HSOF Rusalka 2014

When I was little, I was sure I was going to be a hair dresser and spent hour after hour practicing updos on my dolls or on myself. 

So, without further ado, I announce todays blog:

Performance Hair[styles] Part 1: Bobby Pins

I have compiled some good performance hair strategies and looks for you which I will outline here.

Bobby Pins: how to use correctly

Our friend, the bobby pin, is one of the performers best friends. It can hold little to plenty of hair, can be used to create a wide array of looks and, when used properly, both hold style well and are discreet.

1. You are probably inserting bobby pins upside down.

c. Kathleen Kamphausen

It's true! The wavy side goes down! Putting bobby pins in the right way prevents hair from sliding out. The wavy side creates more traction, holds the style longer and, when crisscrossed with another bobby pin, literally locks them into place. This quick fix will save you a lot of refastening of your hair style!

2. For extra-fine or slippery hair, spray the pins with dry shampoo or hairspray before use.

Lay the pins out on a paper towel and spray them with dry shampoo or hairspray. Allow time for them to dry and then pin away!

3. Try the twist-and-pin method for discreet usage.

c. MakeAGIF.com

As it says on Cosmopolitan.com:

"Using a larger bobby pin or hairpin like Nishida Hair Pins, aim the open end of the pin against the direction that your hair is pulled. Next, rotate the pin so the open end is facing the same direction as the hair, and push the pin in toward your head to secure it. If inserted correctly, the pins will pull your hair tighter and be unnoticeable. Repeat these steps until your style is completely secure. (Tip via Matrixartistic director Ammon Carver.)"

Easy fail-proof styles that use bobby pins.

1. One side pinned back

This is always one of my go-to performance looks. I always wear my hair down because I have a gigantic head and face (no joke) and wearing my hair up is too severe on me. 

I think this hair style works for just about every hair type: straight, fine, wavy, curly, short, medium or long hair. It is soft, feminine, easy and a great way to get those pesky half-grown out bangs out of the way.

I usually wash and blow dry my hair in the fall - winter season (always dry your bangs/shortest layer first!). My hair is naturally very curly but not consistent enough to leave natural when the weather is drier. 

My favourite hair tool is the Conair Infinity Pro Spin Air Brush:

c. www.folica.com

It makes my hair really smooth and still keeps all the volume and a big, loose curl. 

Then, run your fingers through your hair, flip your head over and spray with hair-spray (not too much, it should not be stiff!)

Take a piece of hair, gently twist it back and insert the bobby pin with the open end toward your face and the way side down. If it isn't holding with one pin (usually it will), cross a second one underneath, wavy side down.

c. Getty + Getty, Kathleen Kaupenhauser,Elizabeth Griffin

2. Roll-up

If your hair looks better up or you are having a bad hair day, this is a great way to look elegant and put together without too much hassle:

c. Barbara Donninelli

To achieve this style, put hair in a low, loose ponytail. Above the elastic, gently split the hair in two and feed the ponytail through the hole. Sprinkle some of Schwartzkopf Got2b Volumizing Powder ($3.99 at Shoppers, definitely worth its weight in gold!)

c. www.makeupalley.com

Then, back comb the top half of the ponytail lightly for added volume. Take the end of the ponytail and tuck it across the elastic and out to the sides. Pin across the top to secure, give it a spray and, for added flair, add a pretty barrette or comb.

c. thebeautydepartment.com

3. Half-up

I love half-up. When my hair isn't completely down, it is usually half-up. It works great if you have a really nice barrette or pretty, decorative bobby pins.

Note: Decorative bobby pins are allowed to be seen.

Here is a really easy, great style from The Small Things Blog.

Watch her youtube video here:

If you have natural hair, I adore this look:

c. babble.com

Pin Curls

Another amazing use for bobby pins which I feel is greatly under used, especially when you're travelling and don't have your entire hair arsenal with you. It is also a great way to curl your hair without heat if it is easily damaged.

I have hidden many pin curls under hats on my way to performances!

They are also a great way to maintain the curl if you have a long time to wait between hair time and performance time. I have used lots of the methods from this article in the past and she does a great job of before and afters:

How To Curl Straight Hair Without Heat

Well, that's all for this week. I hope you have found the information to be both helpful and informative!

Tune-in next week for Performance Hair[styles] Part 2: Curls