CINDY'S SOAPBOX

 

If I get one more email from a twelve year old girl who wants me to help her get an agent so she can become the next (shudder) Charlotte Church, I will don my red satin opera gloves and rhinestone tiara and hurl myself off the Met's Family Circle.

 

And if I hear one more university grad with a Master's degree and $40,000 in student loans who still can't sing on a professional level and yet can't understand why no one will hire him, I will probably just sit down and cry.

 

Why is it, with all the talent and information and resources out there, that people are leaving school with little or no business training, and little or no concept of their abilities and marketability?

 

In my workshops and master classes, I tell students about common industry resources such as  the Musical America directory, Classical Singer Magazine, and Opera America. These publications are often right there in the school's music library, and the students don't know about them. Teachers aren't telling them and students aren't looking.

 

"What’s the big deal?" you might ask. The big deal is that an awful lot of young singers are leaving university with skills in performance, languages, music theory --- but not the slightest idea what to do next. Some of them seem to think they should run right out and get a manager,  and their careers will be on the way. Many have a vague notion that they should audition for a Young Artist’s Program. If they do, and if they’re lucky enough to get into one, they’ll get some training in What To Do Next, and some of the connections to help them do it. But what about the majority of singers, who don’t get into a YAP? Where do they find out what to put on your resume when you don’t have anything to put on a resume? How to write a good cover letter? When and how to look for management? How to manage your career yourself  until you do get management?

 

Singing is an extremely challenging profession. One of the greatest challenges facing young singers is this lack of education in the business of singing. And one of the best resources for the information young singers need is their colleagues who’ve done it before.

 

That’s why I’m making space on my website for a FAQ for young singers. My colleagues have been, and continue to be, a wonderful source of help, inspiration, and support to me. By sharing my experiences, maybe I can help other singers.

 

A caveat: no one has all the answers, and I make no claims or guarantees that my advice will work for you, or even that you’ll have a similar experience. Nor do I claim that everything I say here is right. Who am I, after all, to tell anyone else how to run his or her career? Well, I’m just a colleague, sharing with you what I have done and what works for me. Take it or leave it. You are the CEO of your own corporation and ultimately you know what’s best for you. I wish you luck in your journey.