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Date sent: Mon, 3 Jan 2000 21:00:43 EST
Subject: Vivian Genaux and Alternative Education
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Dear List:
The Washington Opera seasonal magazine recently did a profile of Vivian
Genaux b/c she's going to performing there this season. What I found
interesting was that she said she did not have any musical training besides
being able to read notes and having a good ear. Also she said she trained as
a soprano, although she knew that she was a mezzo. Her teacher by the name of
Zeani at Indiana University asked her what did she feel like a mezzo or a
soprano? She continued to train as a soprano, but didn't really have 4 or 5
arias under her belt, so she stayed an extra semester. I have several
questions. For those out there who have taking the road of private study how
and where did you find the classes that you needed? Does it ultimately cost
more than a college education? Also is Vivan Genaux an exception to the rule
of not having a strong background in music and catching up and still doing
well professionally? (I'm in the same boat, my theory is about a drop in the
bucket). Secondly, are teachers so nice as to let their students decide their
fach by saying what do you feel like being and then going on from their?
Lastly, does it hurt a student in the long run to train as a soprano, when
they have mezzo leanings?

Thanks.
Alia