Influencers of Singing

Adria Firestone is an award-winning singer and actress whose credits range from Carmen to Family Guy. After an international singing career, she withdrew from the spotlight to explore a deeper calling. For the past 15 years, Adria has given master classes throughout the world and is presently on the faculty at New Jersey City University. She is a speaker, writer and life coach focusing on the international performing arts community.

Join Adria and Mark Stoddard as they discuss the business of singing and how to get yourself out there.

Mark Stoddard interviews George Martynuk of George M. Martynuk Artists Management to find out the ins and outs of having an agent and what the benefits - and costs - are.

Note from George Martynuk about his interview with Mark Stoddard:

Just a short note to say thanks for the podcast interview. It was fun and I hope informative. I have a reputation for being outspoken so I hope there's nothing there over the top!

As the season is upon us, we're working fast to revamp our soprano and mezzo rosters. If you know any looking for management our deadline is November 15. All they have to do is shoot us an email. I love talking with singers. (email George at  [email protected])

Have you ever wondered what you can learn from someone who plays the French Horn? Marc Gelfo, creator of Modacity and expert french horn player shares with us his thoughts on music. "It's 90% music and 10% the instrument you play," he says.

Join Mark Stoddard of CS Music and Marc Gelfo as they discuss the importance of performance, auditioning, and how to be the best musician you can be, no matter what you play. Also learn more about Modacity, the app created by Gelfo to help musicians self teach and perfect their skills.

After working hard through school and enjoying time in New York, Debra thought her every growing music conservatory would be the rest of her career. Now she is on the big stage again, presenting an original autobiographical work, and sharing with the world her story of heartache and triumph.

Debra Cook is a graduate from Brigham Young University with a Masters Degree in Music Performance. She served 10 years as Adjunct Assistant Professor for the University of Utah's Actor Training Program, also developing the Department of Theatre’s Musical Theatre studio courses, as well as 11 years on the music faculty at Brigham Young University, teaching voice, group voice and diction. Cook has done opera and concert work throughout the United States, including solo performances with the National Choral Society at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Utah Symphony, and several seasons in repertory with Utah Opera Company. She performed off-Broadway, and is featured as Roxanne in Stuart Crane's cast recording of Cyrano.

CS Music's Mark Stoddard interviews Cook to tell you what you need to know if you want to get into the business or present your own works.

Opera, Musical Theatre, and Jazz. They don't seem to have much in common. But in this interview with Sara Leib, owner and mastermind of the Voxercise app, we discover how the technique and the passion between all types of singers can be shared and spread.

Sara Leib has earned a reputation through workshops, her teaching studio Voice Studio LA, and SingingTV.com as a woman who helps everyone--big and small, sound great when they sing. Leib's app, Voxercise, lets you choose packs of warm-up exercises to help you focus on whatever you’re trying to get better at.

Join CS Music's Mark Stoddard as he picks the brain of this talented performer and creator.

With over 20 years of experience, Steven has worked on Broadway and the West End as a music director, conductor, pianist, sub and vacation conductor on such shows as The Life, Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Chicago, Miss Saigon, The Wedding Singer, Saturday Night Fever andDreamgirls and on the New York City Opera productions of A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, The Most Happy Fella and Candide.

Join CS Music's Mark Stoddard as he talks with Steven about how he got started, and the possible cross over between opera and musical theater, and how making that cross could enhance your career.

From never intending to do opera to the General and Artistic Director of the Des Moines Metro Opera, Michael Egel is a man with over 20 years of experience in his field.

CS Music's Mark Stoddard talks with Michael about a variety of the aspects of singing - from audition advice to the business side of the industry. Michael has plenty of unique projects and exciting summer program experiences that they discuss.

Listen up and learn from someone who knows the backs and fronts of the opera.

Robert Mirshak has listened to hundreds of singers' auditions and experienced the best and worst of them. As President and Owner of Mirshak Artists Management, he knows what it takes to make a real singer.

CS Music's Mark Stoddard discusses with Robert some dos and don'ts of auditioning and the importance of personality in the field. For Robert, it's not just about having great technique, but that the audience feels something that connects them to the singer.

Join Robert for some advice and opinions that could boost your performance to the next level.

David Evans has been the Associate Conductor for Wicked on Broadway for 15 years. He has been the musical director for shows like Company and Flower Drum Song as well as being a composer himself.

CS Music's Mark Stoddard interviews David about how his passion for musical theater has led him to teach students from all around the world. He shares his thoughts on interracial casts and the new opportunities for everyone everywhere to join the musical theater world.

Learn from this master of music who wants everyone to "find their tribe."

Kristine McIntyre altered her path from a degree in theater to receiving a Masters in Opera Directing, and has never looked back. Her draw to the non-naturalistic and dramatic led her to opera, and has since become the director of over 80 operas across the United States.

CS Music's Mark Stoddard interviews Kristine about the importance of being true to who you are as a performer, and why uniqueness is important in an increasingly digital world.

Don't miss listening to a woman who knows the business and what it's like to stand out when everyone else is trying to blend in.