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:
Attend A music conservatory to study with an elite teacher
Learn to sing, hone your craft, gain performance experience
Attend young artist programs in the summertime for networking and to build performance resume
Either attend a master program or travel to Europe to build your career
Win voice competitions
Audition for agents
Perform in top-tier stages
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