"I find there are quantities of lovely voices here in America. The
quality of the American female voice is beautiful; in no country is it
finer, not even in Italy. You have good teachers here, too. Then why are
there so few American singers who are properly prepared for a career?
Why do we hear of so few who make good and amount to something? If the
girl has means and good social connections, she is often not ready to
sacrifice social gayeties for the austere life of the student. If she
is a poor girl, she frequently cannot afford to take up the subjects
necessary for her higher development. Instruction is expensive here, and
training for opera almost impossible. The operatic coach requires a
goodly fee for his services. And when the girl has prepared several
rôles where shall she find the opportunity to try them out?
Inexperienced singers cannot be accepted at the Metropolitan; that is
not the place for them. At the prices charged for seats the management
cannot afford to engage any but the very best artists. Until there are
more opera houses throughout the country, the American girl will still
be obliged to go to Europe for experience and routine. In Europe it is
all so much easier. Every little city and town has its own opera house,
where regular performances are given and where young singers can try
their wings and gain experience. The conductor will often help and coach
the singer and never expect a fee for it.