Without getting into any of the drama, politics, etc., that might result in my burning bridges, I would like to talk about my teacher of the last three years, Susana Poretsky. Everyone says the voice type of your teacher doesn't matter, but, having studied with two high-voices and then, mezzo-soprano, Susana, I'm convinced it makes a difference. At least it did for me. When she described what I need to do technically in order to sing in my higher range it made sense. She helped me with a lot of breakthroughs. I've always been self-conscious of my big voice. She has helped me not be afraid of my sound. She helped me expand my range from about G5 up to C6 while strengthening and bringing resonance to my lower range. She has helped me with my performance and embracing the drama of singing. She helped me work through serious arias and made me believe that I could actually have a professional career and poured out her support in getting me there. She has inspired a desire to learn more opera repertoire and encouraged me to pursue the greatest stages. From day one she was supportive in telling me about the rarity of my voice and the very real possibility in making it. I am speechless when I think that UCSB is depriving the remaining and incoming students the opportunity to work with her. It's true that you can't please all the people all the time, but it's a testament to her that every one of her students is willing to stand up in her defense.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Susana Poretsky
Without getting into any of the drama, politics, etc., that might result in my burning bridges, I would like to talk about my teacher of the last three years, Susana Poretsky. Everyone says the voice type of your teacher doesn't matter, but, having studied with two high-voices and then, mezzo-soprano, Susana, I'm convinced it makes a difference. At least it did for me. When she described what I need to do technically in order to sing in my higher range it made sense. She helped me with a lot of breakthroughs. I've always been self-conscious of my big voice. She has helped me not be afraid of my sound. She helped me expand my range from about G5 up to C6 while strengthening and bringing resonance to my lower range. She has helped me with my performance and embracing the drama of singing. She helped me work through serious arias and made me believe that I could actually have a professional career and poured out her support in getting me there. She has inspired a desire to learn more opera repertoire and encouraged me to pursue the greatest stages. From day one she was supportive in telling me about the rarity of my voice and the very real possibility in making it. I am speechless when I think that UCSB is depriving the remaining and incoming students the opportunity to work with her. It's true that you can't please all the people all the time, but it's a testament to her that every one of her students is willing to stand up in her defense.
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What a loss for UCSB!
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice tribute, Steph. And how sad for UCSB- teachers who inspire are such a rarity.
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