Job Posting: Voice Instructor at Queens Conservatory in Kingston

This just in from the Queen's Conservatory of Music in Kingston, ON:

Queen’s Conservatory of Music

seeks a dynamic, part-time Voice Instructor

Queen’s Conservatory of Music (QCM) is a non-credit, community music program housed at Queen’s University School of Music. Since its inception in September 2007, QCM has quickly developed into a vibrant centre for anyone who has a passion for music.  QCM offers a wide range of educational opportunities to people from both Queen's and the greater Kingston community.

The ideal VOICE INSTRUCTOR will be comfortable working with students of all ages at a variety of levels.  Flexibility in teaching both the classical and musical theatre repertoire is required.  The QCM teaching year runs September through June, with possibility of extension into the summer months. The successful candidate will start at his/her earliest convenience, and ideally not later January 2011.  

Requirements

• Bachelor of Music degree with a major in voice performance or voice pedagogy.  
• Minimum 3 years teaching experience

Certification in specific pedagogical methods is an asset but is not required

Employment with QCM is contractual, as a casual staff position at Queen’s University.  It is not a faculty appointment, and it does not guarantee employment with Queen’s School of Music. Rate of pay is hourly, and commensurate with experience. Scheduling will be based on room availability, with a preference given to weekday after-school/evenings and Saturdays.

Applicants invited for an interview should be prepared to do a teaching demonstration, and discuss their pedagogical approaches.  Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and two references with contact information to:

Karma Tomm, Director 

Queen’s Conservatory of Music

39 Bader Lane

Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6

Please direct questions to Karma Tomm at 613-533-6000 x 79069 or tommk@queensu.ca. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY OCTOBER 22, 2010

INTERVIEW DATE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2010

Canadian Opera Company gets street-cred on Opera Chic blog

Canadian Opera has made it to the pages/screen of opera blogger Opera Chic.

On occasion of Sondra Radvanovsky's Aida debut for the company's first production of Verdi's grand opera in 25 years, The Globe and Mail's Style section gets all fashion-y, proving that Canadians don't throw tuxedo jackets over Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys for opening nights (obligatory Canada/hockey joke).  

Go Canada - a hockey AND an opera nation!

Coloratur...aaah!

One of my favourite blogs to read is Coloratur...aah!  (yes, I've shattered glass!). A young up-and-coming coloratura soprano making it in Europe and now the US and incredibly, has been able to remain anonymous (to my knowledge) on the web.  I really love her direct, American candour about what it takes to be a singer and most recently, her rant about singing Queen of the Night.

...how many different ways can you freak a Koenigin out right before she has to sing DER HOELLE RACHE?! The ONE aria in the show that EVERYONE knows? and the REASON that we get hired for the role? ie- the PERFECT F's! Really? You want me to enter on a revolving what? And go into what trap door halfway through the aria? With dancers underneath me making noise with props that they have to use DURING the aria? Oh- awesome, because I just thought that you wanted me to sing it without feeling like I have to throw up. That would be nice.

Check her out because I know you will laugh out loud AND get a fresh perspective on this crazy business of being a singer!

Finding Scores the quick way

For someone who prides herself in being (somewhat) techno-savvy, I can't believe I missed the boat on this one!  A student came to her lesson yesterday with reams of music - nice, clean copies of Mozart, Chausson and the like.  When I asked her where she got it, she said "on-line".  Well, duh...why didn't I think of that? All that public domain music out there to be sorted and organized and, wait for it, Petrucci Music Library has done it for you! Here is what they have to say about themselves:

Our goal is to create a virtual library containing all public domain music, as well as music from composers who are willing to share their work with the world without charge.

The Petrucci Music Library also encourages the exchange of musical ideas, both in the form of musical works and in their analysis. Feel free to post your analysis of a particular piece on the "discussion" pages, or join our forums for interactive discussion with the community.

I'm sure you already knew about them but if you didn't, their web address is www.imslp.org  They will be your life saver when you can't get to the library!

Auditions for Advanced Singers

Over the past five years, there have been a number of Canadian programs for advanced singers popping up on the radar.  I have linked a few below that have upcoming deadlines:

The Centre for Opera Studies in Italy (COSI) was started and is run by my colleague Dr. Darryl Edwards.  This program is a fantastic opportunity to perform and do intensive study on the Italian language.  Deadlines are fast approaching so check this out soon!  Dr. Edwards has also done an excellent comparison of programs that Canadian singers are eligible for in Canada and across the US that look at cost, location, performing opportunities etc. Needless to say, COSI is not just excellent value but a unique program for Canadian singers!

I have blogged about Opera on the Avalon before which was started by my former classmate soprano Cheryl Hickman.  This program is located in St. John's, NFLD which provides a stunning backdrop to a rigorous daily routine.

Opera Nuova has been around a bit longer and has created great opportunities for many of our young professional Canadian singers.  At the other end of the country in Edmonton, AB you have the option of a four week or six week program.

I will post more programs as I receive the information!

And finally....Welcome Back!

Well we have made it through the first few weeks of this new university academic year so WELCOME BACK!  A special welcome to all freshmen everywhere who finding their way in a new environment with new teachers, a new school and a new place to call home for the next four years!

I am looking forward to this year in particular as I commute for the first time between two very fine but different schools - Queen's University and the University of Toronto.  Additionally, I am looking forward to an exiting blogging year. Whether you are my student or not, this blog is for you - it is the conversation that extends beyond the lesson and hopes to encourage and inspire you to listen more, attend more concerts, learn more music, ask more questions, and get MORE from your learning.

I will be keeping a regular Spotlight on Repertoire section, will post auditions and performance information and sometimes just pose questions to start a discussion.  Feel free to respond whether to agree or challenge so that we all learn MORE!

Aida: A complex role steeped in tradition

American (and Canadian resident) soprano Sondra Radvanovsky talks about her role and COC debut as Aida this fall this COC General Director Alexander Neef:



For whatever reason they don't video cast the complete interview but suggest you go over to the podcast section to listen to the rest of the interview.  What a tease!!!

Here is Radvanovsky singing in the Classical 96 studio last year: