The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-21
ADVICE TO SINGERS.


1t is sometimes very amusing to read the
editorial criticisms and comments of some
of the musical editors The zeal which
many of them manifest in advocating false
ideas of musical training would be worthy
of better cause. The following, clipped
from weekly magazine, is worthy of no.
tice:
THE new soprano Mile. Jean Douste
who Is making a musical sensation abroad
the teachers to say o abo yea tb;s hat nave
can be created with such rapidity we shall
either have to have fewer teachers or more
stars. Mile. Douste's success is a right po-
tent argument against years of study, and
sort O brushes the statements that all ar
lists delight in, to the effect that success is
the result Of much Overwhelming, arduous
strength-consuminge labor. The truth is
gradually edging to the front and will. per-
WHILE ~ - = p'l 'sn' ai'e'
With fifteen years experience as a teach
er, among the many pupils taught / have
met but one who could with one years in
struction sing worthy Of artistic reeogni-
ton. This was girl sixteensyears old. She
sang naturally, her breath was taken cor
rectly. her tones came forth full and free
as a canary's The first lesson I gave her
consisted of swelling and sustaining tones
pronunciation and primary work in trilling
l was not obliged to repeat any suggestion
i
never thought of taking any credit to my
self when this pupil sang SO readily, but
when harsh, pinched voices develop into
sweet tones, then think that method has
brought about these good results. These
natural singers can be compared to natural
pianists like I4isZt Rubinstein and others
who played well when mere children They
are musical prodiges. Perhaps Mile
Douste had talent the same as the girl I
mentioned, but If she has studied but one
year / cannot believe that she has a great
repertoire of songs she may be able to sing
a part in some opera something that is
particularly adapted to her voice., but take
her outside of songs that have been given
her in study and she undoubtedly would
find herself lat sea-
/ do not think it necessary to remain one
year on 90. oh and ah Soon as the breath
can be held somewhat firmly, it is not detri-
mental to commence songs that are within
the compass of the voice. OF course, there
is proper way to begin this part of study,
as words Especially in the English lam
guage) are abrupt and must be given care
fully, or they will undo much good work
that has been given in building up pure
tone. Then, l usually give them three or
four songs, which we sing over at the
close of each lesson. They do not tire of
them because the songs are from good
composers whose compositions will bear
repeating, but 1 do not promise anything
good beginning. A famous man once said,
that few artists were critics before seven
ty," 50 there is plenty Of time to acquire the
to become a good critic of singing.
The conditions necessary for the produc-
ton of great singer are: Good health,
love of the work. energy of character and
thoughtful study from two to four hours
per day. Then, should hear the best
artists a n mot ot11,,
once, but many. many times; should visit
the best of art galleries, and lay aside
crates from pure mind; to be honest with
ones self and all their musical associates
and loyal to their teacher; should look
onward and upward. rising in the morning
with the thought that that day shall bring
forth more knowledge and higher ideas of
life. Parents and associates should be in
closest sympathy with them, encouraging
them and overlooking mistakes, which in
eyitably come to students in all branches
this department means hours of solitude as
mental discipline. Then, too, the sacrifice
The students in singing may shut their eyes
and try to persuade themselves that some
thing more pleasant and not those difficult
things are required of them, but it will .be
of use. These duties will remain and
must be performed. This must be followed
There ere i is something me Fascinating in life
which respond in laughter or tears, should
be reward. Is not the thrill of joy that
comes to one who can hold great or small
audiences at their will something worthy
of hard study and sacrifice? Where can we
find anything so enchanting the human
voice pouring forth melodies in tones pure
as the flute or trills that vie with the
warbling Of the feathered songsters? re
this grand accompaniment was on sale at
our music stores 1t would soon become
valueless. 1t is the hard work and sacrifice
that makes the accomplishments valuable
to the singer and the listener, as well.
1t is well that those who aspire to this
divine art do not realize the labor required
to become a singer. If there is any Way
of going "cross lots to reach the goal Of
success I, for one, have never found the
path. MARY NJ. SHEDD
Indianapolis, April 20.