I’M FRUSTRATED AND SCARED AND NOT SURE I’M ON A LEVEL WITH OTHER SINGERS MY AGE.
WHAT’S MISSING FROM MY EDUCATION?
WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

 

Singing can be a scary business, and it's not weird or unusual for you to feel a bit frustrated and unsure of where to look next. It’s smart to take a look around and see what might be missing from your education, and while you're still in college is a good time to do it. But if you're post-college, you can still continue your education through private instruction, reading, workshops, and networking with your colleagues.

 

Colleagues are a terrific resource. There is always someone who's been there before you and knows more than you, and are usually happy to help when you ask nicely. Talk to as many other singers as you can --- particularly those who are ahead of you in the game. Get their opinions and listen to their experiences. At first it may seem frustrating, because you will hear so much contradictory advice. You have to look for a consensus, and you have to assess the information you're given and decide what is right for YOU. Even if you're a student, YOU are the CEO of the your corporation. You are in charge of your career, your voice, and your life. And believe it or not, you know what's best for you!

 

Try not to worry about being on the same level as the other singers. It’s fine to use the information to see where you’ve been and where you need to go, but beating yourself up is self-defeating and counter-productive. Be a good business person and disregard the things that won't help you; or as my friend Kellie says, "Bless it and release it!"

 

Concentrate on yourself and compete with yourself. In the world of professional singing, there are so many elements going into who gets hired, and it is not always the most talented person or even the right person for the job! You let yourself in for endless frustration by trying to "keep up". Besides, school isn’t the same as real life. 85% of the singers who are big shots at school won't be big shots once they get into the big pond. And there will be some surprises --- people who no one thought would succeed turn out to have the best careers.

 

Now, about not knowing what to do next. You do what anyone does when they need to become an expert on something --- research, research, research! --- and learning about the business of singing. You’re pretty much on your own, though resources are available. (See above reading list and the links page).

 

A good summer training program or Young Artist’s Program will help you gain some of the knowledge you need. Look for one where you will be working with people who are connected --- this will help you later. Check each program you're interested in very carefully. Some of the pay-to-play programs are not honest.

 

Your research should give you an idea of the direction you need to head next. Try to establish where you are in comparison to other people your age/experience level without beating yourself up or worrying about it. You need a reference point so you’ll know what companies and agents will be likely to hear you right now.

 

Work on establishing connections. The music business is all about networking. You get more work from networking than from auditions!

 

Finally, don’t get overwhelmed. A director friend of mine, Marc Verzatt, says, "Do one thing every day for your career." It’s good advice. Keeps you moving forward, breaks the work down into manageable tasks. And you’re worth the investment!