I’ve been meaning to write about this for some time, especially since one of the emotive words I’m hearing most often in coaching sessions during the pandemic is “frustrated”. We all have good reason to feel that way right now — more than usual. But I’d like to tell you two stories. First, yes — … Read more
Our most observant Twitter followers have probably picked up on my fascination with Lifehacker, a blog that covers wide-ranging topics and solutions for problems you didn’t even know you had. Sometimes it’s genuinely helpful. Sometimes it’s dead wrong. Sometimes it’s just plain fun. (And sometimes, it even features one of our own!) A post from … Read more
For those who suddenly find themselves with time on their hands because rehearsals and performances have been canceled, cabin fever is a danger almost as scary as the coronavirus. Here are a few things that might help you make the most of this time “off”:
A few weeks ago, I had the sheer pleasure of being part of the first Hildegards Symposium at the Colburn School. The Hildegards is a new networking group for women in classical music, based here in SoCal and supported by organizations that include LA Opera, LA Phil, and many others. As a member of the … Read more
This may initially seem like a rant from the “grammar police”, but please bear with me – I’d like to point out an article that offers lessons for any of us who need to talk to the public, online or by other digital means: I’ve found my share of typos on this blog and elsewhere, … Read more
Lauri had an in-depth chat with Lister composer Amy Gordon, who has recently launched a fully functional store on her website. You can peruse and listen to her compositions as well as purchase as many copies as you need. It’s beautifully built, well-designed and an excellent example of how musicians can take sales into their … Read more
One of Seth Godin’s recent posts is particularly apt for performing artists. (He gets us.) The title is, The limits of technique Click the link to get a truth nudge. To be fair, Seth’s very short post has a somewhat limited application to singers, as we’re dealing with an organic instrument that is in constant … Read more
There’s something about being a musician that makes some people feel helpless, like luck is everything. Quasi-proverbial clichés like “it’s who you know…” and “opportunity knocks” can be misinterpreted as reality checks, and can often feel like slaps in the face. But they should really be calls to action. If you know what you want … Read more
(or perhaps the canary in the mine?) Hi, tenor Nathan Granner here. I’ve been singing opera and classical music professionally for over 25 years and producing live shows, tours, recording albums for around 15 years. I’ve seen a lot in my day! Here are some of my thoughts. I’ve been so crazy these past months … Read more
Over the years with the List, I’ve had quite a few people call me, wondering why singers behave the way they do. Sometimes these calls are quite entertaining, and I hope that my responses are useful, and my giggling not too loud. But one pattern has popped up on a fairly regular basis, and deserves … Read more
