How to build an opera career in 2023

I just feel like writing today about how difficult this transitionary period is. I desire to create so much and yet watching each day go by without tangible action steps towards the open career I’m currently building is deeply frustrating.

Challenges to Being an Artist:

• Competing schedules - competing values

• Trading time for money

  • Bills to pay

  • Cost of living

  • Homeownership

  • Debt vs Investments

• General Health

  • Temptation vs choice - better environment better choices eat smart better for me

  • Bartending and opera do not mix

• Focused Time

  • Vocal Practice and Exercise - it is a muscle - move it or lose it

  • Language study

  • Music study

  • Translation

  • Performance practice

  • Coaching

  • Voice lessons

  • Auditions

  • Rehearsals

  • Business management

  • Marketing

Here’s what I am working on to develop a new level of execution consistently. It’s ultimately up to me to learn, practice, and build confidence in trusting myself.

• Trust Without Action is a Dream

  • I trust = I believe

• Trusting With Focused Action = Make it Real

  • Trusting Yourself = Girl on Fire - Manifested Results

Yeah, I want to look back and say I did this. But what does that look like for opera and my career in the world today? I was taught to think it looks like…

Enter traditional opera career business model:

1. Attend A music conservatory to study with an elite teacher

2. Learn to sing, hone your craft, gain performance experience

3. Attend young artist programs in the summertime for networking and to build performance resume

4. Either attend a master program or travel to Europe to build your career

5. Win voice competitions

6. Audition for agents

7. Perform in top-tier stages

8. Poof! You’re a Performing Artist.

But what do you do when that isn’t the path you followed? What if none of this worked out in your favor? What if you felt constantly behind everyone else in the operatic game? Well…I’ve lived the untraditional path for opera singers. I still hear feedback that something is “wrong with my vocal technique” I wonder if it is even true anymore that there is something “wrong” with me.

Opera does not always like to offer feedback. They like to keep the criticism to themselves and then blacklist you silently for all the things they deem unacceptable for public consumption.

I don’t know exactly but this is part of what I think it is. Here’s the thing, it can be whatever I WANT which is kinda cool and incredibly scary.

What do I want:

To Thrive as a full-time Performing Artist, Business Woman, & Creative Influencer for all things Opera

How do I make that happen? Honestly, this newsletter feels like one of those steps in the right direction. Join me on the journey by subscribing to this weekly newsletter.

So much love,

Cassandra

Thriving Artist