Ask an Opera Singer anything

73 Questions

Last Answer on July 03, 2020

I remember listening to a classical music station some time in the 1980s. And there was an opera singer who grew up in communist China during the cultural revolution. He had helped the communists break his fathers vinyl records. Who was that?

Asked by Rob Busby over 7 years ago

I haven't heard that story before. I'll keep asking around though and will report back if I find out.

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

Asked by John about 6 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.

320 Votes

What kinds of churches do you sing in?

Asked by Question Maker over 6 years ago

I sing mostly in Catholic, Presbyterian, Congregational churches and Jewish temples, but there are a wide range of opportunities for sacred singing for professional and volunteer singers alike.

319 Votes

Is there other types of music you like if so what kind? Also is it hard to sing opera

Asked by Dan over 6 years ago

I learn so much from other styles of music that I listen to everything...although smooth jazz and country have never spoken to me. Yet, country singing and the story telling in that genre's songs are truly amazing. As a musician, we should learn from everything.

Yes, opera is a challenging art form, but it's amazing and so much fun. The hard part is learning, dedication and keeping yourself healthy and focused.

313 Votes

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Who is your fav famous singer?

Asked by ddfasdfasdfasdf over 6 years ago

I love Joyce DiDonato. Her voice, stage presence, acting and overall joy for music is an inspiration to me.

308 Votes

Do you ever use instruments?

Asked by Sarah about 6 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.

298 Votes

Have you ever had a embarrassing moment on stage or something similar?

Asked by Jamie about 6 years ago

Oh many! But that's the fun of live performance. I think the one that could have been the worst is when I was singing in a concert and they didn't tell us we'd be on stage sitting for the first 45 minutes of the Beethoven 9. Usually in that concert, the soloists walk out for the last movement. I had been hydrating and they shoved us out onto the stage without any notice. Needless to say, I almost peed onstage. I was sitting directly center stage, with the audience only maybe 15 feet from me. I had a glass of water by my seat and decided that if I started peeing, I'd "spill" my water so they couldn't tell. Luckily, it didn't get so far, but I have never bowed so fast at the end of the show ever or since!

296 Votes