student spotlight:
Julie Bosworth
Julie Bosworth, a Milder Musical Arts alum who is currently pursuing her Masters in Vocal Performance at Peabody Music Conservatory, shares some encouraging and inspiring thoughts for students and parents alike in the interview below. (pictured at right, senior year at Millikin, age 22)
1. How did your music training begin?
My mother enrolled both me and my brother in the Harmony Road classes at BMMA when I was six. It was fun! I really enjoyed the fact that we got to sing and explore other instruments in addition to playing the piano. I learned quickly through these classes that singing was for me. Although I loved singing more, my mother kept me on the piano track and I continued on to private lessons after I had finished Harmony Road. I did this until I was eleven, when I finally convinced my mom to let me take singing lessons instead. In high school, I took up the piano again when I realized how much I actually missed it...and that it improved my singing!
2. What is your favorite type of music to sing? What drew you to that kind of music?
I love operas; they're like musicals, but on a much grander scale. Arias are full of so much emotion that it's impossible not to become your character. And, the plots are so ridiculous; mistaken identities, disguises, love octagons; it's so entertaining! I started as a musical theatre kid in middle school, but the moment my voice teacher, Joni Lane, gave me "Adele's laughing song" from Strauss' Die Fledermaus, I was hooked on opera. Who wouldn't want to show off with all of those runs and a couple of high D's!
 3. Was there ever a time when you didn’t want to continue with music lessons?
There were many times when I wanted to quit playing the piano. I enjoyed it, but I never practiced at home in addition to my weekly lesson. Needless to say, I wasn't improving. If you really want to master your instrument, you MUST invest time in practicing. It's not easy! (pictured at left with Miss Gwen Wen, age 8)
4. What is the best practice advice you’ve ever received?
Every voice teacher, coach and professional singer I've ever worked with has told me this: Never run through an entire piece from beginning to end in one sitting; break it up into sections and focus on just one part per practice session. That way, you won't feel overwhelmed, more detail goes into the final product and you can make sure that your technique agrees with the style. This is good advice for any instrument.
5. How much time did you spend practicing your instrument growing up? How much time do you spend practicing now?
The easy answer is: hardly ever vs. all the time! I practice now because I want to represent myself as best I can. Now, I practice for at least an hour and a half everyday to improve my technique, learn repertoire and just because singing makes me happy. (with Miss Sharon, age 15)
6. What are your future plans?
After I graduate next year, I plan to audition for Young Artists Programs, choruses and small opera companies to begin my professional opera career. I'll still continue to take voice lessons.
Julie has a bright future ahead of her! Click here to listen to her sing an aria from Handel's Judas Maccabeus. |
