"In regard to the treatment of the voice, each singer must work out his
own salvation. A great teacher--one who understands his own voice and
can sing as well as teach--may tell how he does things, may explain how
he treats the voice, may demonstrate to the student his manner of
executing a certain phrase or passage, or of interpreting a song. But
when this is done he can do little more for the student, for each person
has a different mentality and a different quality of voice--indeed
there are as many qualities of voice as there are people. After general
principles are thoroughly understood, a singer must work them out
according to his own ability. This does not mean that he cannot be
guided and helped by the greater experience of a master higher up, who
can always criticize the _result_ of what the student is trying to do.
The voice is a hidden instrument, and eventually its fate must rest with
its possessor.