Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Caroline Olsen
F E A T U R E
Interview with Caroline Olsen
How old were you when you first got interested in singing and when did you start voice lessons?
I’ve been singing all my life, starting at age seven in children’s choirs. At age thirteen, I had my first voice lessons where we worked on art song and musical theater repertoire.
How have your favorite teachers inspired you?
My teachers have been the most inspirational people in my life! And now my colleagues and fellow teachers continue to inspire me every day.
What is your favorite genre of music to play? To sing? To listen to?
On the piano, Classical sonatinas. To sing, French art song, Baroque music, and pretty much all choral music. And for listening, Bluegrass.
Has dancing helped your musical training (and vice versa)?
Absolutely. I continue to study modern dance, and though I do very little in the way of dance performance, I incorporate dance theory into my other artistic practices. Martha Graham is one of my all-time favorite performers!
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
Busted! I was not the most diligent practicer as a child. (I think all the time how different it would be if I had only practiced more as a kid!) I practiced piano probably about two to three hours a week and solo voice much less than that. As a professional, I like to think I practice smarter! And of course, my adult voice can handle a lot longer practice sessions than it used to.
What was your most memorable musical performance?
When I was eleven, I performed with the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus in Bernstein’s Mass at the Hollywood Bowl. It was spectacular—two choruses, opera, R&B, and blues singers, an orchestra and a band, dancers, the wonderful Marin Alsop on the podium. I fell in love with the piece and the oratorio experience. I think I have been chasing this feeling ever since!
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
I really do learn something new every day from these young people. I know that’s a cliché, but it still astonishes me how much it’s true.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve their singing?
Keep an open mind! I try and give myself this advice every time I go into my own voice lessons and rehearsals. For me, it’s the fastest and most fun way to learn.
When you’re not performing or teaching what other hobbies or interests do you have?
I absolutely love learning languages, so I study and go to conversation groups. I also knit and read science journals. (In my next life I’ll be a scientist.)
I’ve been singing all my life, starting at age seven in children’s choirs. At age thirteen, I had my first voice lessons where we worked on art song and musical theater repertoire.
How have your favorite teachers inspired you?
My teachers have been the most inspirational people in my life! And now my colleagues and fellow teachers continue to inspire me every day.
What is your favorite genre of music to play? To sing? To listen to?
On the piano, Classical sonatinas. To sing, French art song, Baroque music, and pretty much all choral music. And for listening, Bluegrass.
Has dancing helped your musical training (and vice versa)?
Absolutely. I continue to study modern dance, and though I do very little in the way of dance performance, I incorporate dance theory into my other artistic practices. Martha Graham is one of my all-time favorite performers!
How often did you practice when you were a kid and how have your practices changed since you became a professional?
Busted! I was not the most diligent practicer as a child. (I think all the time how different it would be if I had only practiced more as a kid!) I practiced piano probably about two to three hours a week and solo voice much less than that. As a professional, I like to think I practice smarter! And of course, my adult voice can handle a lot longer practice sessions than it used to.
What was your most memorable musical performance?
When I was eleven, I performed with the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus in Bernstein’s Mass at the Hollywood Bowl. It was spectacular—two choruses, opera, R&B, and blues singers, an orchestra and a band, dancers, the wonderful Marin Alsop on the podium. I fell in love with the piece and the oratorio experience. I think I have been chasing this feeling ever since!
What do you like most about teaching young musicians?
I really do learn something new every day from these young people. I know that’s a cliché, but it still astonishes me how much it’s true.
What is your best advice to students who want to learn a new instrument or improve their singing?
Keep an open mind! I try and give myself this advice every time I go into my own voice lessons and rehearsals. For me, it’s the fastest and most fun way to learn.
When you’re not performing or teaching what other hobbies or interests do you have?
I absolutely love learning languages, so I study and go to conversation groups. I also knit and read science journals. (In my next life I’ll be a scientist.)
