What makes a great soprano? A lot more than simply learning to hit the right note! It requires a great deal of hard work and sacrifice, but the journey to your bow and receiving the applause from your audience is so rewarding. As a classical soprano, there is nothing quite like successfully executing a piece like Mozart's Queen of the Night. Your goal should not only be to give the audience goosebumps, but touch your own heart as well.

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

I know that you’ve been sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for the second
installment in this dialog…and here it is!

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

Start with what is on the page.

Some singers start with the music, some with the text. I am a text person, however,
I will allow room for personal preference. If you choose to start with the music,
take note of all the markings and notations of the composer. This is the first step
in interpreting the intentions of the composer. Depending on your level of musical
proficiency, the score will offer great insight in terms of chord structure, mood
(based on major or minor keys), and reoccurring themes and motifs.

If you choose to start with the text, the obvious place to begin is to determine what
the librettist is trying to convey. In the case of an aria or musical theater piece, you
have to understand who the character is, what their intention is in the piece,
and what lead them to that intent. Even in Jazz and Popular music, the singer has to
understand the “story” and/or “intention” of a song. If you don’t know where you
are going, how can you expect an audience to connect with and join you?

I believe that great performances are created “in the moment”. However, an
authentic moment can only come from being fully prepared, and having done the
research that allows you to work from “beat to beat” in both the text and in the
music.

I believe that the same holds true for great dance performances. There is so much
more to dance than doing steps and moving to the music. Understanding the style
and era from which the music is drawn, again, provides a point of reference. The
same holds true of characterization, and the ability to connect with the music and
how it influences the way in which the story is being told.

Great artists have the ability to make countless hours of research and rehearsal look
effortless and immediate every time. That is the magic and the mystery of “being in
the moment”. And…On That Note…

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

J. Rosalynn Smith-Clark

For me, the greatest moment in Opera of all time.  A "must watch" to the very end.

Duke Ellington & John Coltrane - In a sentimental mood

Although I am a classical soprano, I was heavily influence by great Jazz, Soul, and, R & B female vocalists.  I actually sang jazz in clubs in Pittsburgh, Pa for years to pay for my classical voice lessons! 

I humbly offer, what I believe to be, one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Two legendary African American artists - Duke Ellington and John Coltrane -- came together to share their artistic gifts to express the spirit of an era. 

Classic.

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