“Music, though the language of emotions, can only arouse them in a vague and general manner. To express any particular feeling or idea, we must make use of the words. The pupil must read the words of the piece again and again till the finest shadow of meaning has been mastered. He must next recite them with perfect simplicity and self-abandonment. The accent of truth apparent in the voice when speaking naturally is the basis of expression in singing. Light and shade, accent, sentiment, all become eloquent and persuasive. The imitation of instinctive impulse must, therefore, be the object of special preparation.”
— Manuel Garcia
Hints on Singing, 1894
VOICES Of Summer Presents:
BASS-ICALLY
BEL CANTO
22 FEBRUARY 2025
Hosted in Studio 535 of the Fine Arts Building in Chicago from Noon - 5 PM
Join me in the exploration of various bass types, ranges, passaggio, and rarities through the time-honored techniques of Bel Canto.
If you have interest, please click Apply at the bottom of this page. I am looking forward to hearing from you!
(For Basses Only)
Voices of Summer
Voices of Summer is devoted to the enhancement of interpretive skills.
Bringing vocal music vibrantly to life relies on a skill rarely taught in universities and conservatories, namely the emotional preparation of the texts of art song, oratorio, and opera as theatrical monologue.
This intensive course asks operatically trained singers to divorce the text from the setting provided by the composer and - using the vocal-technical resonance of operatic singing - declaim and act the texts until a personal connection is formed with the words. This skill amplifies the choices made by the composer as well as providing an interpretation unique to the individual performer.
Full Summer Course To Return Summer 2025
Listen to
Voices of Summer Alumni
“At that point, I’m looking at a poem. I’m trying to understand the point of view of the person behind the words. I want to understand his emotions. Then I start speaking, not singing the words, so I can experiment and get the right inflections. When I get with the orchestra, I sing the words without a microphone first, so I can adjust the way I’ve been practicing to the arrangement. I’m looking to fit the emotion behind the song that I’ve come up with to the music. Then it all comes together. You sing the song.”
Interested in joining us?
Please submit your resume and an audio or video audition including two examples of your singing preferably in French, German, or Italian.