Opera singer Martina Arroyo is known for her powerful spinto soprano voice, which allowed her to build a distinguished career handling both the heaviest parts of Verdi and the lighter moments of Mozart with equal aplomb. She is a former member of the National Endowment of the Arts, a member of the Carnegie Hall board of Trustees, and a teacher of music at several distinguished music schools. Arroyo retired from regular performing in 1989.
Renowned spinto soprano Martina Arroyo conducts a master class in opera and teaching voice at New York University. She reviews the performances of four students of voice and provides constructive criticism to each. Topics addressed include: understanding your text; the difference between learning and memorizing; choosing your repertoire to suit your age and voice; when to breathe; and dealing effectively with nerves. Then, in a question-and-answer session, she responds to audience questions about teaching voice students, choosing repertoire for students, and the pros and cons of how voice competitions are judged today.
Martina Arroyo answers questions from students after a master class at New York University. She advises the class on ways to mentor and guide the musical growth of their students, and how to choose teaching methods wisely. Part 2 of 5.
Martina Arroyo answers questions from students after a master class at New York University. She and the audience discuss the strengths and shortcomings of the voice competition and adjudication system, and ways to reform it to be more accepting of performers’ individuality. Part 3 of 5.
Martina Arroyo answers questions from students after a master class at New York University. She discusses the art of choosing a repertoire to fit your students’ voices. Part 4 of 5.
The final session of Martina Arroyo’s question-and-answer session with students at New York University. She discusses how to tell if your teacher and technique are doing the right things to maximize your vocal abilities. Part 5 of 5.
Martina Arroyo answers questions from the audience following a master class in opera and voice education at New York University. In this segment, she answers questions about choosing repertoire for students, and about developing students' musical horizons. Part 1 of 5.
Renowned spinto soprano Martina Arroyo conducts a master class in opera and teaching voice at New York University. In this segment, a voice student sings a selection from Bizet’s Carmen, and Arroyo users her performance to address the importance of understanding the text you are singing, of shaping your entire performance to fit the text, and of selecting your core repertoire to suit your age, experience, and voice coloration as you become a more seasoned performer. Part 1 of 4.
Renowned spinto soprano Martina Arroyo continues her master class in opera and teaching voice at New York University. In this segment, Arroyo advises students to place their characters in the age in which they were written – not the 21st century – and shares thoughts on the synergy of singing and acting, and the particular challenges that opera singers face. Part 2 of 4.
Renowned spinto soprano Martina Arroyo continues her master class in opera and teaching voice at New York University. In this segment, Arroyo addresses the problem of stage fright and the challenge of performing when one is not in their best voice, the technique of singing what you feel (even when you get the text wrong), and the difference between memorizing and learning. Part 3 of 4.
Renowned spinto soprano Martina Arroyo continues her master class in opera and teaching voice at New York University. In this segment, Arroyo coaches a student in when to breathe for meaning and when to breathe because you need to, discusses “seeing” during a performance or audition, and reiterates the need to synergize your vocal performance with your acting performance.
