ery. "First,
she must have a voice, there is no use attempting a career without the
voice; there must be something to develop, something worth while to
build upon. And if she has the voice and the means to study, she must
make up her mind to devote herself exclusively to her art; there is no
other way to succeed. She cannot enter society, go to luncheons, dinners
and out in the evening, and at the same time accomplish much in the way
of musical development. Many girls think, if they attend two or three
voice lessons a week and learn some songs and a few operatic arias, that
is all there is to it. But there is far more. They must know many other
things. The vocal student should study piano and languages; these are
really essential. Not that she should strive to become a pianist; that
would not be possible if she is destined to become a singer; but the
more she knows of the piano and its literature, the more this will
cultivate her musical sense and develop her taste.

HOW AN ARTIST WORKS

"I am always studying, always striving to improve what I have already
learned and trying to acquire the things I find difficult, or that I
have not yet attained to. I do vocal technic every day; this is
absolutely essential, while one is in the harness. It is during the
winter that I work so industriously, both on technic and repertoire,
between tours. This is when I study. I believe in resting the voice part
of the year, and I take this rest in the summer. Then, for a time, I do
not sing at all. I try to forget there is such a thing as music in the
world, so far as studying it is concerned. Of course I try over Mr.
Homer's new songs, when they are finished, for summer is his time for
composition.

"Since the voice is such an intangible instrument, the singer needs
regular guidance and criticism, no matter how advanced she may be. As
you say, it is difficult for the singer to determine the full effect of
her work; she often thinks it much better than it really is. That is
human nature, isn't it?" she added with one of her charming smiles.

THE START IN OPERA

"How did you start upon an operatic career?" the singer was asked.

Just here Mr. Homer entered and joined in the conference.

"I do not desire to go into my life-history, as that would take too
long. In a few words, this is how it happened--years ago.

"We were living in Boston; I had a church position, so we were each busy
with our musical work. My voice was said to