Singers today may possibly be stronger musicians and more competent vocal technicians than singers of the past – yet, they frequently exhibit poor language skills and very weak stagecraft.What of the WHOLE artist?!?Why do young singers not complete their artistic training and strive to perfect all of the various aspects of their art?Why the big hurry?Once out of school and out there “in the trenches”, so to speak, today’s singers rarely allow themselves sufficient time to grow artistically and to develop their voices and their artistry.Almost invariably, there is way too much exposure too soon!They want to make a huge amount of money; to own a big house and everything that goes with it – and they want it all “right now”!Often they are reluctant or possibly afraid to say “no” – even when they themselves know or when they have been advised that a particular role is not right for them – or appropriate, given their current degree of vocal maturity, artistic development and/or performance experience.In many ways, I question the motivation for many of today’s singers – why do they really want to do it?Is it simply the love of singing?Is it the music itself – performing for an audience and experiencing all of the joy and fulfillment that opera, concert and recital repertoire can offer them and their public – or is it merely the prospect of instant fame and money?If indeed this latter one is the answer, how very sad – they are missing out on so much that life has to offer!
