Jacqueline Bobak is Assistant Dean and Coordinator of the Voice Program at the California Institute of the Arts. As an advocate for new and experimental vocal music, she teaches master classes and seminars on the subject worldwide, and as a touring soprano performs a repertoire ranging from classical standards to newly commissioned works for voice.
Jacqueline Bobak, from the California Institute of the Arts, gives advice to aspiring creative artists. Assuming the individual has talent, Bobak recommends making sure it's what they must do as a career. The creative arts career is a struggle. Bobak explains that it takes a lot of perseverance and discipline. She also shares that having a career is 99 percent hard work and 1 percent talent. Also in this segment, Bobak comments on her conversations with concerned parents. She encourages parents to let their child follow the musical path if the child has discipline and talent. Be involved in the process and don't think about the end result.
Jacqueline Bobak, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about the importance of music from other cultures. Music from other cultures helps one embrace a more global culture. It also helps one gain other skills such as different tuning systems, rhythmic skills, or disciplines. Bobak points out that students introduced to world music end up incorporating elements from other cultures. Also, voice students gain broader extended voice techniques in a global context rather than a western context.
Jacqueline Bobak, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about what she looks for when auditioning students. Students must be open minded, talented, and provide some sort of spirit in their performance. Cal Arts is also looking for music that's well prepared and a singer that has a promising future in vocal development. Bobak explains that Cal Arts attempts to prepare singers for a wide variety of experiences and styles. No longer do singers follow the traditional career path. Instead, singers continue on to a variety of careers, such as opera singers, and composers. Bobak shares that we live in a global culture that provides more access. Therefore, it is necessary to provide the appropriate tools so the singers know their instrument.
Jacqueline Bobak, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about teaching voice. Cal Arts faculty tends to focus on technique. They want to make the instrument and then learn how to play it. Bobak points out that students also work with a coach. The coach deals with repertoire and musical decisions. During lessons, students begin with scales and exercises and then use current repertoire broken apart as technical exercises. Also in this segment, Bobak explains that Cal Arts faculty is pretty traditional in teaching technical techniques. She covers how Cal Arts deals with the individual as well. Singers do not graduate from Cal Arts sounding the same. Instead, Cal Arts attempts to build on the individual voice.
Jacqueline Bobak, from the California Institute of the Arts, talks about the requirements of being a singer. Singers must have a grasp of history. It is important to understand aspects such as the expected style and the background of the piece. Bobak points out that some singers are able to grasp it easier than others. She also explains the significance of immersing one's self by listening, studying, and attending concerts. The more studying, the more understanding one gains. Also in this segment, Bobak comments on the difficulty of only being a singer. She suggests at least being involved in literature. Bobak also stresses theatrical presence for the singer and musician. The excitement of living one's life creatively is covered as well.
