"Frequently the trouble with the young singer is that her friends too
often tell her how wonderful she is. This is a hindrance instead of a
help. She should always have some one who will criticize her honestly.
The singer cannot really hear herself, that is, not until she is well
advanced in her work. Therefore she should always have the guidance of a
teacher. I never think of giving a program without going through it for
criticism. The office of critic is a very difficult one, especially if
you are to criticize some one you are fond of. Mr. Maclennan and I try
to do it for each other. I assure you it is no easy task to sing a
program knowing some one is listening who will not spare you, and will
tell you all your faults. I know this is all very salutary, but it is
human nature to wish to hear one's good points rather than the poor
ones. I sometimes say: 'Do tell me the good things I did.' But he says
he does not need to speak of those; I only need to know my faults in
order that they may be corrected.
"It is so easy to overdo a little, one way or the other. For instance,
you make a certain effect,--it goes well. You think you will make it a
little more pronounced next time. And so it goes on, until before you
know it you have acquired a definite habit, which the critics will call
a mannerism and advise you to get rid of. So the artist has to be
constantly on the watch, to guard against these incipient faults."