Hello all:
I've been a lurking member of this group for a while, and I apologize for not saying hello sooner. Hello! :)
Recently I decided to pursue a bit of a Quixotic quest; I wish to find the "secret" to singing Bel Canto. Reason: what little I have found in Bel Canto methods has helped tremendously in giving my voice added flexibility, and I wish to continue growing and nurturing my still-young 33-year-old tenor voice.
I have purchased Mme. Marchesi's book, as well as several other books on the topic of "Bel Canto," and have read Richard Miller as well as Cornelius Reid.
So... here is where I am now:
1) I would like, if someone has resources, to find more exercises for my particular voice type. My passaggi are at about middle C and the F above (depending on how I feel that day, of course), and I would like to strengthen the upper passaggio crossover. (Don't we all? I can hear you all saying right about now. :)) Does anyone have specific exercises for this? Specifically, I'd like to get my chest voice to remain strong, as my head voice is good and strong there, but it tends to get a little breathy and airy unless I really force the oropharyngeal cavity open. (NOT a good practice, I know.)
2) As I am really just now getting away from "musical theatre" and being serious about the operatic career track, can anyone suggest good starting points as far as summer opportunities for next year? I know it's a long way away, but I am pretty ignorant of most of this information, and when I start reading the insert in Classical Singer, I begin to realize how many opportunities there are for the 25 year olds, but not for the 33 or 34 year olds who are really just getting on track.
3) Is there a book, or are there several books, on career suggestions specifically for tenors, or by a tenor? Not that I am prejudiced, but the one hope I seem to have in my corner is, the tenor voice seems to be the last to really grow, so I am hoping I have not outlived my opportunities to "break in!"
4) I am back in school, working on my Master's degree, and I hope to use this as both a springboard and a networking start. Please make suggestions on how to, say, use a master class instructor, or a visiting director/conductor to career advantage! :)
Thank you to all who help me in this endeavor. I must admit that seeing Salvatore Licitra replace my own role model at the Met, when he is the same age I am, depresses me greatly, but I am determined to persevere! :)
Paul B.
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