About Cindy Sadler Expertise I am a professional opera singer and am happy to answer questions about the business, including: music, opera plots, where to find musical scores, what you need to know if you want to be a singer, what life backstage is like, something about the technology used on stage now, costuming, who`s who in opera and in opera companies, the business of singing, how to get a good education in singing, what to look for in a voice teacher and where to find a reputable one, publications and other resources for professional singers and fans, how to get an agent, where to find singer websites and information online, where to get worldwide opera house schedules and reviews online. However, please do NOT ask me to act as a phone directory for you. :)
Experience My greatest accomplishments are making a living at the art I love and helping young singers get their start. :) www.cindy-sadler.com, www.thebusinessofsinging.com
Question I am a 30 yr. old baritone with a BA in Music Ed./Performance living in Sacramento, CA. My question for your consideration is how do I get into the business of singing/acting (oratorio, stage, opera, recital)for a living? I am seeking your advice on what further schooling would be appropriate (graduate, conservatory)or if a connected teacher/coach would be the better way, or if simply auditioning for everthing in sight is the best course of action. Can you connect me with someone or can you get me started on the path to making a living doing this? I have discovered after six years that I do not want to teach music in the public schools anymore and want back into what I really love to do. Thank you for your expert advice and time!
Answer Dear Teagan,
As a matter of fact, I offer personal career counselling and workshops to educate singers in the business side of the industry. I teach young singers the ropes of the classical singing industry so that they will not only be good artists, but good business people. You can visit my website at www.cindy-sadler.com and click on the "workshop" button for more information. Also on my site, you will find an FAQ page with advice for young singers, and an extensive listing of resources of interest to the professional singer.
Without hearing you or knowing more about your background, I can't give you specific advice. However, here are some ideas and resources to get you started.
The first thing you must do is evaluate where you are as a singer and how you fit into the market. A degree doesn't matter a bit for a performer; what matters is whether you can sing. Only you can decide whether going back to school or pursuing studies privately is the best course for you. However, at age 30 you have no time to waste. You are already past the age limit for many (but not all) Young Artists' Programs and competitions. Starting a performing career at your age, you need your technique to be solid. How are your languages, your knowledge of repertoire, your acting ability? Have you done any professional auditions? You need to be more or less ready to be hired and to do the work.
By no means should you "audition for everything in sight". You must carefully research venues. Find out who they're hiring and who hires singers with your experience level. Make sure your resume, headshot, abd bio are top notch and reflect you at your best. Carefully target which venues, YAPs, and competitions you do. It does you absolutely no good to scattershot your resumes. They will end up in the trash can of the companies that don't hire your level singer, and that may jeopardize future opportunities.
Few singers plunge directly into professional work from school. Opera is an expensive proposition and no one wants to take chances on an unknown. You will need to build your resume judiciously. Young Artists' Programs (professional apprenticeships in which the artists are paid to sing) such as Glimmerglass, Santa Fe, Chatauqua, Central City, and Des Moines are a great way to get some professional roles, start learning how to get around in the business, and make contacts that will help you along in your career. There is a great deal of competition for these programs and you may already be too old for some of them, but it also depends on your voice type. Application deadlines are usually in the early fall and auditions usually occur late fall through December, so now is a good time to research them.
Many emerging artists also find pay-to-sing programs (training programs which the participants pay for, although some scholarships are available) valuable and easier to get into than YAPs. I always did them as a student. These generally take place in the summer and must be meticulously researched, because some of them are scams. It's too late to apply for this summer, but these programs are always looking for men, so you might be able to get into one this year if you start calling now. Brevard, Music Academy of the West, Intermezzo, International Institute of Vocal Arts, Interlochen, and Aspen are just a few of the many fine pay-to-sings out there.
You need to start getting a feel for what's out there. Here are some excellent resources to get you started:
Classical Singer Magazine
Various publications of Opera America, including "Voices" bulletin
Musical America Directory, a listing of festivals, YAPs, pay-to-sings, managers, singers, and venues. Your Fine Arts Library may have this.
The New Forum for Classical Singers (nfcs.net)
Good luck, and if you have further questions, please feel free to contact me directly at cindy@cindy-sadler.com.
All the best,
Cindy
The Business of Singing
Turning artists into businesspeople
www.cindy-sadler.com
