Aundi Marie Moore shares her strategy for singers to achieve financial success and stability…“No Moore Starving Artists!”
“If you can picture yourself doing anything else, you should do that instead.”
“Being a mother will hurt your job prospects.”
“Don’t tell anyone about your other job, or they won’t hire you.”
Ever been given so-called advice like that? Stigma surrounding a second career—and even parenthood—remains all too common, and many artists feel shamed into silence. Exactly when “Vissi d’arte” turned into “if you do anything else you’re a fraud,” I’m not sure, but it doesn’t reflect the reality of most artists. It is necessary for nearly all professional musicians to supplement their income, and plenty of successful artists are also full-time partners and/or parents. Thankfully, artists like soprano Aundi Marie Moore are speaking up and sharing their story to bust the “starving artist” myth for good.
With a voice of “clarion beauty” (Washington Post), Moore is an acclaimed soprano, celebrated for her exquisite vocal talents and captivating stage presence. Her talents have been seen on some of the world’s greatest stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Washington National Opera, Dutch National Opera, Atlanta Opera, Sarasota Opera, L’Opera de Monte Carlo, the Amalfi Coast Festival, and Virginia Opera—among many others. In 2023, she was the Sphinx Organization’s Medal of Excellence Award honoree in recognition of her artistry and accomplishments.
But that’s not all. Aundi is also a multimillion-dollar, top-producing real estate agent in the Washington, D.C., area for The Barnett Group, a business that she runs with her husband, Terry Barnett. And she regularly shares her entrepreneurial experience and financial expertise on her social media platforms. But her favorite role? Mother to her two young sons. Leading by example, Moore has made it her mission to inspire other artists to live the life they want, not the one the industry told them they should want.
Moore was generous enough to sit down with me to chat about how she balances artistry, entrepreneurship, and motherhood. Her motto is “No Moore Starving Artists.”
The “starving artist” trope is still rampant in our industry. What made you want to push back against that?
I got tired of the industry telling me “no.” I wanted more in life—to be married, to have children, to build wealth, to travel. I realized that I was putting my life on hold waiting for the industry to give me an opportunity to make a decent living.
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How do the skills you’ve developed as an opera singer translate to your work in real estate?
To be honest, the skills are very similar, and it was refreshing to feel like I was ahead of the game. In the world of opera, you must be personable, somewhat outgoing, and able
to communicate effectively with donors, directors, and musicians alike to stay on top. In real estate, it is a little easier in that marketing will bring the clients, but you have to use the same skill with lenders, contractors, title companies, attorneys, buyers, and sellers. It also truly helps when you have integrity. People will trust you and then refer you to others.
What challenges have you faced in managing two very different careers, and how have you addressed them?
Oof, this is a good question! The challenge is being able to stay on top of juggling it all. I keep my laptop or tablet with me at all times. I can be in my dressing room or rehearsal, sending off emails/properties to various clients or contractors. I can be in my car or even in the property talking to my manager about my upcoming gig prospects while trying my best to pay attention to the needs of my clients at the time.
I just make it work and I don’t give myself any excuses because I actually love both of these careers. They are so satisfying. I am able to provide for my family and dream bigger dreams. I bring joy to people, whether it be singing or selling them their dream home. It gives me a sense of accomplishment when the jobs are complete. I do lose sleep, but it is worth it for me.
How has your experience in real estate impacted your financial security and overall well-being?
Selling real estate and becoming one of the top realtors in the DMV (DC, MD, VA) area has been so financially rewarding. I can sell however much or little I want and still be able to maintain a family, fulfilling my passions and living the dream. It also makes auditioning easier—whether I get the job or not, my family and responsibilities are well taken care of.
Real estate has become my financial vehicle to support my singing dreams and goals, like voice lessons, coachings, traveling to auditions, gowns, audition wear, recordings, and everything else.
Let’s talk about your other joy: motherhood! How has becoming a mother influenced your approach to your singing career?
Becoming a mother is one of my greatest roles, which I perform daily. My sons make me feel seen in a way that I can’t explain. They need me, want me, and couldn’t care less if I sold real estate or sang all over the world. When the lights of the stage go out, the conductor leaves the pit, and the curtains close, it can be lonely in our world. My children and husband give me a sense of belonging and love that I don’t have to crave as much as I did from the career.
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How do you balance your dual roles as a mother and a performer?
I don’t care what business you are in, one cannot do it all alone. My support system is everything. I not only have the help of my family and friends, but I have also sought outside help, using an au pair service. Now I have a bonus daughter, through the au pair program, who is with me currently.
Having dual careers is truly a perk financially. I am able to afford to bring my family with me, especially on longer gigs, to be able to spend quality time and travel the world with them. When I am not performing, I make my own schedule with real estate and am able to be a full-time mom—going to PTA meetings, volunteering in the classroom, and being a soccer team mom.
What advice do you have for artists who also want to break the mold of what singers are “supposed” to be?
This past May, I had the privilege and honor to give the commencement speech at my undergrad alma mater, the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University. The best advice I could give them was to not give up. Write it down, and make your dreams and goals plain. Create a vision board and don’t worry about how it will happen, because it just will happen.
It is okay to fail, but when you do, put a deadline on your pity party. Give yourself seven days to mourn and wallow in that place and space of time. But on the eighth day, get back up and try again. Continue to keep preparing with voice lessons and coachings, even when there is nothing to prepare for. It is better to be ready than to get ready.
You can learn more about Moore at www.aundimariemoore.com. Follow her at @aundimariemoore on Instagram and Facebook.
