Jeffery Snider wrote: >It has been an issue here, I can tell you. We ahve had sopranos who >had different "fachs" represented on their audition repertoire and it >looks like they haven't figured out what they are! (Which I'm sure >sometimes they haven't!)
>Not that this is fair, but I would try to be consistent!
This issue is a real concern for many (particularly female) singers. Who CARES if someone (or someone's teacher - as many people want to give all credit for a student's progress to them -- yes - that was sarcasm...) has not figured out what they are at 24 years old for God's sake! I did not figure out what I was until I was 35! There were a lot of suggestions along the way though, I promise you - and all it did was to confuse the issue more.
People who are in the position to judge someone based on the repertoire they present should already be aware of this problem for some voices and remain flexible. A person should be able to present the things they sing the best - why should this be a problem?
This issue hits home to me because of comments I've received from judges at competitions and auditions. I can't tell you how frustrating it is as a singer to be told I have to make a decision my body isn't ready to make. But every single person sure had an opinion on my fach, I'll tell you - it made me feel pretty schizophrenic and made me feel that I couldn't have a career until the fach outcome was determined. And I haven't had that career.
I guess my point here is that educators should be the LAST people to hold young singers to one single fach. Put yourself in the shoes of the singer - let them show you what they do well and damn the fach.
Okay - I think I'm done - this is such a personal issue for me. I know I have the "goods" for a wonderful career, but I let this garbage get in my way for years. I just now (at 36 years old) feel comfortable enough to truly start my journey.
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M. Nuske Soprano and Voice Teacher Appleton, WI http://home.att.net/~earthbounddiva
You are the music while the music lasts. ~ T. S. Eliot ~
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