1 - Observations for the use of the singing teacher

Summary

1. Musical mistakes insinuate themselves so easily into youthful minds and it is often so difficult to find anyone to correct them as they arise, that ideally only the very best singers should undertake the task of teaching, because they, better than any others, know the way to success and, with perceptive insights, are able to guide the student in developing his talent from the beginning stages to perfection. But since among the best singers of today, unfortunately, not one can be found (unless I am mistaken) who does not detest the idea [of teaching], we must reserve them for those refinements of the art that immediately enchant the soul.

2. Therefore, until such time as the student can sight-read without faltering, instruction in the basics, it would seem, must be entrusted to an average [lit. middle-level] singer. This person must be of impeccable character, industrious, well practiced, and without nose or throat defects (difetti di naso e di gola) in singing. He must have agility of voice, some inkling of good taste, the ability to make his thoughts easily understood by others, completely accurate intonation, and the patience to tolerate the trying difficulties of the most tiresome employment (a).