"So I did not begin my studies with a regular vocal teacher, but with a
dilettante--I do not know just how you say that in English. This
gentleman was not a professional; he was a business man who at the same
time was a good musician. Instead of starting me with a lot of scales
and exercises, we began at once with the operas. I was twelve years old
when I began, and after one year of this kind of study, made my début in
the rôle of Inez, in _L'Africaine_. About this time I lost my kind
instructor, who passed away. I then worked by myself until I was
sixteen, when I began to study technic systematically. As you see, then,
I am practically self-taught. It seems to me, if one has voice and
intelligence, one can and should be one's own teacher. No one else can
do as much for you as you can do for yourself. You can tell what the
sensations are, what parts are relaxed and what parts are firm, better
than any one else. You can listen and work on tone quality until it
reaches the effect you desire. I do not neglect vocal technic now, for I
know its value. I do about three quarters of an hour technical practice
every day--scales and exercises.