What does it take to become a player in the hypercompetitive world of opera? “Even a stellar voice is no guarantee of success. It helps, but so do looks and luck and that intangible, uniquely human quality called charisma. A knack for strategic schmoozing can’t hurt either. And great hair. Very important, that.” Sherrill Milnes, who knows a thing or two about all of those qualities, may be the best thing ever to happen to young singers hoping to become the next big operatic thing. From his perch at Northwestern University, Milnes has earned a reputation as not only one of America’s great vocal teachers, but as a man who can prepare students for what they will face in the professional opera world.