Memories from Michael Calmes

Susan Clickner saved me. When I was in college in Louisiana, I studied voice with Gerald Crawford (who went on to Oberlin Conservatory) but had to do so surreptitiously because my father refused to help pay the tuition if I did. Mr. Crawford was patient, thank goodness. Upon graduation, I got a scholarship to Boston University School of Theology. The proximity to music schools and their teachers had been a large part of the decision for Boston.

I connected with a leading member of the NEC faculty and began taking private lessons in that teacher's home. In addition to lessons, I was given the hope of being accepted to NEC. That went on for almost two years and two applications which were not accepted. I thought that was the end, but then a friend suggested I go to another NEC teacher, Susan Clickner. I went without much enthusiasm, but upon meeting Susan I was intrigued and soon felt I'd landed in the right place.

She made it clear from the beginning that she would be honest. How honest I didn't know! I made progress under her guidance although there were moments when...well... One Saturday we were having a lesson in her studio and whatever I was singing was a mess. Susan finally stopped it with a loud "No, no, no! I could get somebody off the street to sing it better than that!" I went red but then started laughing. She laughed, too, and we got back to it and made it to the end in decent shape.

Most of my lessons were out at her house in Shrewsbury. I would see the girls running through now and then and it was apparent that they were her heart. Once in a while my wife would come along and take a dip in the pool. There were many, many high notes (so to speak) and we usually had a nice chat unless another student was at the door. I learned from her for the first time why mezzos need a red dress for the Beethoven 9. After one lesson in particular, I drove back into town for a Bach "Magnificat." I was revved up and ready and sang the hell out of "Deposuit." I called Susan to tell her about it and she just said, "See? What have I been telling you!"

Eventually, we got to the point where she felt she'd worked as much magic as she could and recommended I go study with Grace Hunter. It hurt at first but Susan had great respect for "Miss" Hunter, which turned out to be completely mutual. It was the same path but on a different plane, if that makes any sense, and I was eventually grateful.

I'm sad to say we lost touch and I when I tried to reconnect, learned she was in poor health, though no idea then how serious it was. With Susan's passing we've lost not only a great teacher but a great soul, as everyone who had a relationship with her knows. I was surprised by how deeply the news hit but with it came a flood of fond memories and smiles. She was genuine, authentic, incredibly knowledgeable, funny, warm, and a true mentor. There was no one else like her.