TOIL & TROUBLE: A Degree in Early Music? Really?
Do students need a degree in historical performance to enter the field of early music? Most instrumentalists are positive about the need for a specialized degree. Singers? Not so much. But for anyone considering a degree in early music, ask yourself, “What does the program offer?”
Period Instruments? Yes. Period Costumes? Uh…
Are clothes of the period part of a historically accurate performance? Opinions vary about what constitutes an acceptable period outfit, but advocates of historical attire in early music have one thing in common: They believe the costume helps enrich the music’s context.
Reflections on 400 Years of Sephardic Choral Music
From the 17th century onward, choral music became the defining feature of the musical identity of Western Sephardic Jews.
Apprentices as Colleagues and Sometimes as Teachers
The Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado started an apprentice program in 2007, in part to mentor the next generation, to scout for new members, and to bring fresh perspectives into the ensemble. They've succeeded in all these aspects.
Letters to the Editor: Replies to ‘Let’s Talk about the English Choral Tradition’
"How many talented singers are we losing who encounter vocal fatigue or injury and assume that it is their fault? [By] implying that vocal fatigue equates to a lack of natural talent rather than framing it as a normal challenge that everyone will experience at different points of their career encourages the maintenance of the current veil of silence around vocal injury. We must encourage singers to seek help, be vulnerable, and understand that vocal challenges can be worked through."
CANTO: Let’s Talk About the English Choral Tradition
"Historically, the shorthand way of achieving an 'English sound' has been to ask singers to 'straighten that out,' which can often lead to physical tension, fatigue, burn out, and resentment. The word 'straight' has been so overused and developed such a reputation that it fills many singers with indignation..."
Early Music is Flowering on Philly’s Main Line, and Beyond
For Early Music Month, we check out a historical performance scene that is taking off in the north Philadelphia suburbs of Main Line and Bucks County, with quality ensembles and venues perfect for early music.
250 Years Ago, a Black Composer Etched Anti-Racism into his Music
Likely born into slavery, working as a butler and shopkeeper, Ignatius Sancho became an accomplished writer and composer. Embedded in his published music, the author argues, are anti-racist ideals that rejected British cultural norms.
Reflections on Walking Black in the Field of Historical Performance
'The opportunity for me to dream, create, and follow a path that I expected would hold me in good stead was, frankly, fraught with challenges. What do you do when you have been taught to believe in your creative gift only to be discouraged in overt and subtle ways in the profession?'
Sphinx Performance Academy Taps Early Music
The Sphinx Performance Academy introduces Black and Latine students (age 11-17) to period instruments and historical performance in an intensive, two-week summer camp. EMA is assisting the project with scholarships and free memberships.
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