| From: Isabelle Bracamonte Subject: vocal advice needed - Zajick's technique? To: vocalist Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Hello, I have a question to post to the list. I am a soprano trying to decide which graduate school to attend.
One of my choices is the Manhattan School of Music, where I have been assigned to study with a professor of music there. From the research I have done, Dolora Zajick (who still studies with this professor, Mr. Ted Puffer) gives him all the credit for having built her voice. I read three of her interviews in Opera News (one from the 80s and the others from a few years ago) and she talks about his technique as the only one she has ever learned. This would seem to be a good sign.
My current voice professor, in my undergraduate university, does not want me to to go the Manhattan School and study with this man. She says that his technique is edgy and tight, and that Miss Zajick is his only famous student after years of teaching (and therefore, a fluke). She also says that he has produced only technically-sound mezzos and baritones, but no successful sopranos or tenors.
My other option is go live in New York, not in a graduate program, and study with Beverly Johnson, into whose private studio I have been accepted. I know nothing about her but the name was recommended by my current teacher. I understand that she taught Renee Fleming, although she is never mentioned when Miss Fleming speaks of technique.
This is quite a dilemma for me, as you can see. I admire Miss Zajick vocally a great deal, but am not as well-versed as some posters, perhaps, who may be able to shed some light on this issue for me. You also can perhaps understand why I choose to send this anonymously (through a friend's email address who is a subscriber to the list). I am sending this in the hopes of finding some operatically-educated advice, more objective than my current teacher and immediate circle.
I thought this was an opportune time to bring up my question, as the Cav/Pag broadcast will have Miss Zajick's vocal sound in the ears of posters.
Thank you for any responses. While I am encouraged to have been accepted by both of these teachers, I feel that one cannot be too careful about the voice teacher one accepts. I also do not have a huge voice like Miss Zajick or Miss Fleming. My voice might best be described as "tweety bird with shrillness" by detractors, and as "young dramatic coloratura or pointed lyric" by admirers.
Thanks again. Miss X __________________________________________________ http://im.yahoo.com
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