Vocal Studies

1. How often do you sing?

Every day – in a choir, a band or on my own. I can’t imagine life without it. Now and then, for fun. Hardly ever.

2. Your singing teacher asks you to repeat one phrase twenty times to perfect your breathing. How do you react?

No problem – I know good technique comes from patient repetition. I do it, but I get impatient. It’s boring – I’d rather just sing whole songs.

3. How do you feel about singing solo in front of an audience?

I love it – the nerves give me energy. I get nervous, but I manage. I freeze completely.

4. You’re given songs to learn in Italian, German and French. How do you feel?

Excited – I enjoy working on the pronunciation and understanding every word I sing. OK, as long as someone helps me with the pronunciation. I’d rather only sing in languages I know.

5. Lessons, masterclasses and rehearsals will be in English, with students from many countries. How does that sound?

Wonderful – music connects people, and I’d love to learn alongside singers from different traditions. Fine, though following detailed feedback in English might be tricky. I’d rather study in my own language.

6. You wake up with a sore throat the day before a concert. What do you do?

Rest my voice, drink warm water, follow vocal hygiene rules and see a specialist if needed. Sing anyway and take a throat lozenge. I’ve never really thought about looking after my voice.

7. How do you feel about music theory, ear training and sight-singing?

I enjoy them – they help me learn faster and understand the music better. A necessary evil. I’d skip them if I could.

8. Your teacher criticises your interpretation of a song. How do you respond?

Listen carefully, try the suggestions and discuss my own ideas too. Accept it, but feel upset. Ignore it – I know how I want to sing it.

9. Singers often act on stage, for example in opera or musicals. How do you feel about that?

I love it – I want to tell a story with both my voice and my body. Maybe, if I have to. I just want to stand still and sing.

10. What motivates you most to study Vocal Studies?

A passion for singing and the dream of developing my voice for the stage. I enjoy singing as a hobby. I’m not sure it’s for me