For twenty-two years Carol Forte has taught many of Canada's prominent singers of classical music & music theatre as well as popular recording artists offering special attention to vocal health and in-depth psychology. She is writing a book about singers and singing entitled WHEN SINGING HURTS. This project will consist of statistical research on all types of vocal problems and their remedies. It will also explore the emotional temperament of the artist, how it affects his / her performance, how big a role "politics" play in the profession. It is a book intended to help artists see themselves, help themselves and redeem difficult experiences with other individuals encountered in the course of a singing career.
If you are a singer working in or towards a professional career in the above mentioned vocal disciplines, you can help with this project by bringing forward your own particular vocal or personal problems within the business of singing. Here are some examples of information the author is seeking:
Technical problems --- loss of range, power, flexibility, or unable to sing fully or quietly, vocal changes due to age or hormonal shifts.
Medical problems --- nodules, polyps, edema, allergies, acid-reflux.
Educational --- Teachers and coaches who misguide singers. Staying with a teacher out of loyalty when one should have moved on.
Political --- Not being able to be honest with teachers, managers, directors, recording engineers when they make false demands on the voice for fear of losing a job or being black-balled; sexual politics.
Psychological --- how singers handle the results of any of the above criteria; when singing is not a positive experience; Insomnia, poor memory, neurosis, stage fright, etc.
If you are interested in filling out a detailed questionnaire, please use the e-mail link provided. Please include your fax number and/or mailing address. Allow two weeks for delivery by post. You will not be paid for your contribution, however, all submissions will receive a credit in the back of the book. Artists may of course request anonymity (no credit), partial anonymity (no direct quotes in the body of the book). Since this book is also intended as a guide for young aspiring artists, it would be helpful if some of those making biographical statements were of high profile and willing to be quoted.
Thank You for reading this web site. Please pass this information on to other professional singers or students you may know.
Carol Forte (singers@interlog.com)
singers@interlog.com