AboutPamela Thomas Expertise Questions on Opera performance, repertoire, vocal technique, acting for opera. I have some 20 years experience in opera in both leading roles and chorus. I have sung with New York City Opera since 1981. I have studied voice in NYC for over 20 years and have also taught technique and coached singers in acting.
I've recently developed an interest (via my voice teacher) in opera, and I'm wondering what I should learn/ what courses I should take to pave the way to a possible career in it.
I'm currently 17, and my voice teacher has determined me to be probably a soprano, though needing several years more work. (I'm currently singing comfortably in mezzo-soprano, but my range has been expanding steadily upwards)
I've been told I'll need a few years of Theory, and that it would be helpful to have around a grade 5-6 playing level on piano. I'm also starting to learn Italian, and plan on taking a French course next year.
This is about the extent of what I know, however, and after that... I'm wondering what will be needed to get into a good university program, etc.
How to you generally make your way, I'm basically asking, into this career path?
Thank you so much for your answer!
-Rachel.
Answer Hi Rachel,
It sounds like you are on a good path. I would agree, keep working on your technique - as long as you are improving and learning that is great. You should try to study languages (Italian, German, French) so taking the French course is excellent. If you can study piano - that will help you in reading music and in your basic music knowledge. And playing the piano is tremendously helpful in learning the repertoire you will study when you begin learning lieder, opera roles, etc.
If you live somewhere where there is a good music school that offers theory - then that would be great. But theory is something you would definitely study in college or at a music school - but it's not a prerequisite.
If you go to www.classicalsinger.com you will see they have a category on the left that says "university vocal programs" - click on that and you can look up almost any school in the US and get information about their programs. Also you can go to the school's site and you will probably find the audition requirements, the teachers there, and the curriculum offered - that will help you get an idea of what is required.
I think, mainly, music schools and music programs at university, look for potential. If you sing well and are well prepared with your audition pieces, if you sing musically and you interpret (act) well, they will focus on that.
If you can, listen to the great opera singers - there are many wonderful audio and DVD video operas available now - and you will learn so much by watching and listening to the great singers interpret the great roles. If you can, join the theatre group - study acting or just perform wherever you can.
Certainly, being a successful opera singer is a tough road - but if you go to an excellent music school you will have a good chance. You might find that you end up not wanting to perform - but perhaps you will love teaching, or perhaps you will find arts management exciting and challenging. So don't rule anything out.
I hope this helps you somewhat - best of luck to you!
