Modern Singer Book Club: December
Baby, it's cold outside! Do you know what that means? It's time to curl up under a blanket with a new read for December's book club! With all of this new free time, 2020 is the year to read more books. Why not finish out the year strong? We've cultivated a list of books in four categories: For the Betterment of Humanity— books that are relevant to expanding our knowledge of the people around us; For Thought— books that have been turned into operas, For Growth— books about music and the industry, and For Learning— books to learn something outside of the music industry. This month is all about self-care; from your physical to your mental health, engaging in self-care is essential to prepare yourself to take on the world. If you're looking to shop these books and support BIPOC-owned small businesses, click here. Looking to support local bookstores online? Click here.
For the Betterment of Humanity
The Art of Empathy by Karla McLaren
What if someone were to tell you that empathy is not just a concept, but a skill that can be refined? That is exactly what Karla McLaren aims to do in The Art of Empathy: A Complete Guide to Life's Most Essential Skill. Growing into your full potential with this one skill can directly and radically improve your relationships as well as your emotional life. Informed by neuroscience, social psychology, and healing traditions, this book looks at empathy as a natural, innate ability that we can strengthen and develop. Learn more about yourself and how you connect with others as you hone a skill that fosters connection and helps effect positive change in all areas of our lives.
For Thought
The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Many an opera lover knows Massenet's sad tale of the young Werther, based on Goethe's first novel of the same title. Originally published in 1774, Goethe tells the tale of an unhappy, passionate young man who is hopelessly in love with the lovely Charlotte. Not only did this semi-autobiographical novel launch Goethe's impressive career, but The Sorrows of Young Werther is also one of the most influential pieces of the German Sturm und Drang literary movement, which led into the Romantic era. Written in diary form, you can explore unrequited love through Werther's eyes as you snuggle up with your favorite cup of tea this winter.
For Growth
Your Art Will Save Your Life by Beth Pickens
Writing in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, Los Angeles-based artist consultant Beth Pickens reminds today's blossoming young artists that their work is more important now than it has ever been before. Throughout Your Art Will Save Your Life, Pickens advises on fostering creativity, sustaining an innovative practice, and navigating institutional funding as an individual. Part self-help book, part political manifesto, Pickens combines practical advice for those seeking out a creative career while contextualizing it for the artists of today's world. Grab a pen and your notebook— this isn't a book you'll want to miss out on.
For Learning
Brené Brown first hit the viral stage with her TEDx talk on vulnerability. In Daring Greatly, Dr. Brown challenges everything we think we know about what it is to truly be vulnerable. Based on twelve years of research, her argument recontextualizes vulnerability not as a weakness, but as a vehicle for courage, engagement, and meaningful connection. We experience the scary uncertainty of life that makes us feel exposed and defenseless every single day. As artists, we are expected to open ourselves up to all sorts of overwhelming sensations and emotions throughout our lives. Whether the arena is a new gig, an important interview, our creative process, or a difficult conversation, we must find the courage to walk into vulnerability and engage with the world around us wholeheartedly. What does that look like? Pick up your copy and find out.
Bonus Book
Spawned from the detrimental effects COVID-19 had on our industry, creative leader, writer, and performing arts producer Duncan Holzhall authored Voices of Tomorrows Songs: A Vision Statement for American Opera According to its Next Generation of Leaders. Comprised of interviews with young professionals within our industry, Holzhall creates a vision statement for the future of opera as well as outlines issues related to diversity, accessibility, sustainability. Holzhall proposes five ways the American opera industry can start improving its status and perception. This vision statement offers readers an insider look into what the next generation of opera needs and wants as well as offering tangible ways to advance the art form we all cherish.
