Joyce DiDonato discusses, not only the "how to" of singing, but the true meaning of being a singer. Covering the importance of both hard-work and finding the enjoyment in the art of singing, she shares her experience as an acclaimed mezzo-soprano with the students at The Julliard School. Art, in her opinion, is about immersing yourself in your craft, and seeking the strength within to allow yourself to create in a peaceful, loving headspace. Art isn't about being perfect and judging yourself up for your mistakes while growing. Life is art, and it is meant to be enjoyed. My philosophy is that art has to come from an honest place and should never be manipulative or contrived.

Proverbs & Artistry

There is a Kenyan proverb which states that, “Until lions start writing down their own stories, the hunters will always be heroes.” Friends, you are lions! Write our story. Draw our story. Paint our story. Sculpt our story. Do so without reservation, without qualification, and without hesitation. Give our people the tools that we need to tell our story!

This sums up why I do what I do, and how I approach creating Art. It didn't begin as a "conscious decision"...it was simply my process. Now, I embrace and celebrate my gift and ability to honor those great performers of color who paved the way for me!

Be My Love by Ivan Tolbert

Here is another wonderful performance by African American artist Ivan Tolbert. An incredible voice from a great performer. A talent like this needs to be shared with the world.

Opera Noir celebrates and supports you, Ivan!

Ivan Tolbert singing On The Street Where You Live

I love this song. Opera Noir Emerging Artist, Ezekial McCarter did a fine performance of this number for the first Opera Noir Summer Intensive in 2011. I've had the pleasure of working with "Zeek" periodically over the past 2 years, and I am so pleased that he continues to evolve as an artist and a performer.

Zeek performs regularly at The Fillmore and the Boom Boom Boom in San Francisco. If your schedule allows, stop in and support this young "emerging artist!"

On That Note...

What does it mean to “connect” with a song, or piece of music?

There are many elements and things to consider when answering this question.  I look forward to sharing, what I believe to be, some of the most critical considerations with you in coming installments of On That Note...

I tell the vocal performers that I coach:

 “Don’t sing AT me, make me feel something!”

And for my dancers:

"I am not interested in how HIGH their leg can go, I am interested in WHY it is going there!"

Great artists make you feel as if they are allowing you (the audience) to see, or share, a very special intimate experience.

"Still waters run deep."

Many young artists, and far too many “seasoned” performers rely upon excessive gyrations and histrionics to try to “sell” a performance.  An artist who has taken the time to study the text, the music, and, when appropriate, the character, allows the audience to share an authentic experience in the moment.

For the purpose of this blog I will focus on performance rather than pedagogy.  I will, however, allow this one observation regarding technique:

Less is always more, and the most effective, and healthy approach to technique is to rely upon the breath, and not to manipulate movement or sound.

In the coming weeks, I look forward to sharing my thoughts and experience as both a performer, and a Director, as it relates to preparing and presenting the highest caliber of artistry in every performance. Consider this your opportunity to attend an online Master Class. And...On That Note...

I bid you Toi. Toi, Toi till next time,

J, Rosalynn Smith-Clark