"You ask about my daily routine of study. In the morning I practice
exercises and vocalizes for one hour. These put the voice in good
condition, tune up the vocal chords and oil up the mechanism, so to
speak. After this I work on repertoire for another hour. I always
practice with full voice, as with half voice I would not derive the
benefit I need. At rehearsals I use half voice, but not when I study. In
the afternoon I work another hour, this time with my accompanist; for I
do not play the piano myself, only just enough to assist the voice with
a few chords. This régime gives me three hours' regular study, which
seems to me quite sufficient. The voice is not like the fingers of a
pianist, for they can be used without limit. If we would keep the voice
at its best, we must take care not to overwork it.