Are there well-known classical composers who aren't trained on a particular instrument? An acquaintance is a young singer who's interested in composition (mostly for voice), but in talking to him I get the sense that he feels a little inadequate compared to his fellow students who are accomplished on at least one instrument like piano or violin. Can you give me examples of classical composers whose work is respected but who weren't primarily instrumental players? Modern or otherwise. Thanks!
posted by mediareport on Dec 14, 2009 - 14 answers

Vocal warm-up suggestions for a play that requires me to talk loudly for about an hour straight, and then sing loudly for another hour? [more inside]
posted by 2or3whiskeysodas on Nov 24, 2009 - 3 answers

Looking for a vocal coach for a 30-year-old guy (me.) Preferably one who is hip to soul, jazz, r&b. [more inside]
posted by rubadub on May 29, 2009 - 4 answers

I'd like to learn some more comedy songs to sing at the piano along the lines of Hugh Laurie's Mystery. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by chrismear on Apr 20, 2009 - 18 answers

I like to gripe about Top 40 radio, but I don't have much of a technical music vocabulary. Are there names for the vocal styles of Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, et al.? [more inside]
posted by Beardman on Mar 9, 2009 - 20 answers

I've noticed my voice is hoarse in the mornings after an evening spent in any noisy environment. After an hour or two of speaking with a louder-than-normal voice, I'm croaky the next day. [more inside]
posted by ajp on Feb 17, 2009 - 6 answers

I need a recommendation for a Manhattan singing teacher for an actress in a movie. [more inside]
posted by captainscared on Oct 28, 2007 - 6 answers

So, I want to work on my (admittedly lacking) singing skills. Is there any way I can do this online? [more inside]
posted by DMan on Jun 23, 2007 - 10 answers

What are some impressive birthday songs, or songs that would work for a birthday song? My wife's a soprano with 10 years of voice training, and she's looking for something showy to sing for co-workers' birthdays. [more inside]
posted by agropyron on Feb 1, 2006 - 8 answers

Tips for tightening up my live vocal performance? [more inside]
posted by ludwig_van on Oct 17, 2005 - 9 answers

DiscourseAnalysisFilter: That I know something you don't know sing-song voice... how universal is that? Is it specific to North America? Do non-North American English-speaking kids know the tune for that phrase or others like "Iiiiii'm better than yoooouuuuu are" or "nyah nyah nyah nyah boo boo"? If not, is there another sing-song phrase they use for teasing? And how would one go about publishing their findings on such a question?
posted by heatherann on Nov 22, 2004 - 18 answers