|
I have not blogged in a week because I am starting a new, year long project: the release of a commercial CD. It will be composed of musical theater standards (Sondheim, Rogers and Hammerstein etc....) and it is amazing how many details have to be taken care of. The first step is a concert series that I am starting to develop, partly to try out the possible selections for the CD, and see how audiences respond to them. So, keep tuned and I will let you know when the concerts are this summer and fall!
DWS It has been about two months since I have a long practice session singing my arias, songs etc...I went on vacation in January, got sick in February, and then suffered the aftereffects of the cold/allergies up until today. Singing while sick was simply was not worth it because I did not have my normal range and stamina to accurately judge my progress.
Well, today I sang, and it felt almost foreign to me. While everything is working as it should, the singing felt like meeting an old friend from high school - awkward at first, and then quite fun as you realize how much you still have in common. Perhaps not the perfect metaphor, but I hope you understand what I am trying to write. It was good to be singing, even if it will take a while to get back to 100%. DWS One of the opportunities for singers to advance without working for a company is to enter a singing competition. There are hundreds of competitions across the US, though many are intended for a certain geographic area. The problem is that competitions tend to have a fee associated with them, begging the question, should I enter X competition? Here are some factors to look into:
1) Monetary Risk vs. Reward - The risk is how much money and time you will spend to enter the competition. You need to factor in airfare, hotel, meals, transportation, as well as the time to prepare for the competition. The reward, of course, is the money if you win a prize. Look at both, and figure out if the prize money is really worth it considering your expenses. 2) Side-Benefits: If you do win the competition, does it have additional benefits aside from the prize money? Some competitions are so well known that if you win a prize, you will gain professional contacts, additional jobs, and reputation within the industry. 3) Skill Level of Entrants: Are you at the same level as your fellow singers? Do you have a credible shot at winning or placing in the competition? Thanks to the internet, you can often find out previous winners and see the winners' experience level. DWS |
Archives
March 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed