Pinterest 1973 Dabney Street: January 2012

Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Salzburg Voice Festival




2011 was a very good year for singing; I had my first role with Long Beach Opera, got a glowing review in the Los Angeles Times, sang in the chorus for Opera Santa Barbara, and sang in various concerts throughout the year. Yet, I wanted to do more with my singing. A desire was growing in my heart to stretch my singing to the next level. Subsequently, I set my sights on applying to various Resident Artist and Training programs.
I started the 2011 off with a stressful job as a receptionist at a film production company. Regrettably, they let me go at the beginning of the year. Since finding another job in this economy was proving difficult, I decided to use my unemployed time to dedicate myself to my music. Ironically, this is where I was having the most luck! I developed a goal for myself; daily practice, look for gigs, and apply to as many programs I felt could help me develop my skills as a performing artist in the operatic field.
Yap Tracker was essential in searching for Programs. I looked for everything, Master Classes, chorus gigs, and Resident Artist programs. Searching through the database started to feel like Goldilocks looking for the perfect bed; this one’s too expensive, this one’s too large, this one’s apparently wants babies! I found four programs that struck my intentions to train, gain some experience, and make some contacts. Out of the four, I set my sights on going to Salzburg!
The Salzburg Voice festival is a fairly new summer program founded by the pianist Jonathan Floril and Mezzo Soprano Therese Mahler. It’s an intense two week program which focuses on voice lessons, coaching’s, German language courses, and performing in and around the Salzburg Area. There are only 12 participants. This makes it easy to learn, observe, and participate without getting lost in the shuffle. After hearing the testimonies of the three award winning participants, I was convinced this is where I needed to be in order to shape myself as a product!
The S.V.F. has an engaging application process as well. In addition to submitting an application, headshot and resume, there is an essay section. The questions really gage your true intentions about who you are as a singer, where you want to go with your career, and how you plan to get there. They also have a scholarship essay as well.
Summer programs can be very expensive, especially if they take place overseas. There is room and board, insurance, airfare and the tuition to factor. Getting the scholarship was important in making my decision to attend. The tuition is a reasonable €1290(Approx. $1660). Fortunately; I was able to receive a scholarship that covers 75%. Given my financial state, covering the rest has been a challenge. I heard about a fundraising website called www.indiegogo.com which allows you to set up a fundraising campaign on line to send to your family, friends and patrons. The money goes to your PayPal account to be used for your expenses. I have also raised money through my church job, and through eBay sales. Happily, I have been blessed with such a supportive family and patron base, all who believe in my talents and want to see me develop as an artist.
In conclusions, going to Salzburg, Austria will be a pilgrimage for me as a singer of Mozart. The opportunity to absorb the spirit of the location and the history is thrilling. Being accepted to this intense program is the highlight of the year. This summer, I know my life will be enhanced and forever changed by this experience. My hopes are to gain knowledge, reconfirm my passion and commitment to the vocal arts and develop connections with other singers and musicians.

www.salzburgvoicefestival.com

www.indiegogo.com/dabneys-salzburg-fund