Opera Singer

What do you think of heavy metal music? What about rap?

Asked by John over 4 years ago

I love them! Heavy Metal is the most dramatic, operatic music of 'popular' music. And the singers are frequently some of the best in the business. You need to have real control of your vocals to do what they do. Rap actually is very much like 'recitative' in opera. In opera, before the aria or duet, there's usually "speak singing" called recitative that explains the circumstances of the scene and progresses the story forward. Then the 'song' comes in to express the emotion. Rap has a similar structure where the spoken words in with beat and emotion comes in the verses and then the chorus usually has more 'sung' hooks. I also love great storytelling and both metal and rap are 2 of the best story telling genres. Maybe add Country to that list too. I'm not a huge country fan, but their writers, especially the old school styled songs, are amazing.

Who sang and what is the name of the famous tenor song with lalalalalalalalalalalala? I have seen it used in cartoons. I thing bugs bunny, but not sure.

Asked by Susie over 4 years ago

Probably Pavarotti singing Figaro's Largo al Factotum... it's actually a baritone aria, but he did record it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSWh1i6StyQ Let me know if that's what you're thinking of!

Do you ever use instruments?

Asked by Sarah over 4 years ago

Yes and the more instruments you know, the better. I play piano, but wouldn't get paid for it. Knowing piano and guitar are very helpful. But I have been paid...and was on a Grammy Award winning recording... as a singer and also as a kazoo player. Ummm... what? It was a super random gig, but just shows that being flexible and musical is always a benefit.

Have you ever sang for kids at a school?

Asked by Jade over 4 years ago

Yes! I adore singing for kids and actually taught opera through Opera Improv where the kids told us what their opera was to be about. It was a blast. I've also done other in school performances that are more traditional. Kids are the greatest audiences.

Where is your favorite place to sing?

Asked by Sadie over 4 years ago

I sang in a German castle that's still lived in by the family that's been in it since the 12th century. I think that was one of my all time favorite places to sing. I loved the sense of history and intimacy it brought, with a great space with surprisingly great acoustics.

Was there ever a time where you felt so unmotivated and lost in the profession? I am a senior vocal performance major, and I feel like I don't know what I'm doing. I don't know if there is any kind of future in music for me. Did I just waste 4 years?

Asked by kiersten about 4 years ago

Do you know any professionals that started voice lessons in college? I know so many of my classmates that have only just started, but we can't find professionals like us.

Asked by kiersten about 4 years ago