Hi: I don't post a lot but do read in digest on a regular basis. I find this group to be a unique mix of singers/musicians/teachers from many different aspects of the "singing" world.
I must say that we should all agree to disagree on personal tastes. There are people who like Kelly Clarkson's voice just as there are people who like Cecelia Bartoly etc etc etc. Much of this is a matter of taste and preference.
What made me respond is the way so many posts are indicating that one way is better than another. This is NOT the case. There's a technique (or style to use a better word) that permeates "pop" music just as there is a style that permeates "opera". Not all classically trained singers are opera singers. Not all pop singers do unhealthy singing.
As a musician and a teacher and a performer, I enjoy the vast varieties of the many different techniques and styles. I don't like most country but there are some singers that I do listen to because to say all country is bad because I don't like most of it is just foolish. I LOVE musical theatre but I don't like all Broadway songs. There are operas that bring me to tears and others than make me want to get up and leave. I love oratorio but Handel's Messiah doesn't contain my favorite sop. solos by any means.
I'm really glad I'm open to a lot of different musical styles. I would so hate to miss out on some great stuff because I have a prejudice to that which is not "classical".
Yes, there's a lot of crap out there. Rod Stewart's new CD is a great example. Who wants to hear this drugged out smoky voice singing ballads from the 40's? But, having said that, I imagine there are songs that suit his voice and without having listened to the CD, I can't say for sure that the whole thing would be bad. It's just my pre-conceived notion based on hearing him sing.
I don't mean to cause a flame war or anything here, but I would like to see a little more tolerance for music that isn't classical or techniques that don't exemplify the tone, vibrato and placement of classical training. I applaud those of you who do teach other methods or encourage your singers to be trained in a style fitting their voice, whether or not it is a style you particularly like. I've seen kids with great "pop voice" potential who are taken to a teacher who teaches the style right out of them. Some do develop nice, classically trained voices, but I've also seen others whose real potential was taken away.
Feel free to disagree with me. That's what makes this listserve such a great place. We all get to say what we think.
Happy Friday, jacqueline jaxsobcon@n... www.slightlyoffbroadway.com
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