Hey Divas!
Maybe it’s the winter chill or the week I just spent at Toby’s alma mater for his performances of Die Fledermaus, but I’ve been “all in my feels”— reflecting a lot on what I wish I had known before jumping into undergrad and grad school for opera. There’s so much advice thrown at young singers—some of it helpful, some, well, not so much. Narratives like “You have to sacrifice everything if you want a career” and the classic, “If you can do anything else, do that” have personally haunted me, and spoiler alert: they couldn’t be further from the truth.
So, this month, we are going to be discussing all things career-building—sans voice! I know, this sounds counterintuitive, but despite what we might have been led to believe, being a great singer is only one part of the equation. If you want to have a career, you have to be an artist. And if you want to be an artist, you have to live.
Now, let me be clear—I’m most certainly not writing this from the peak of an illustrious opera career. But I am on the path, and every day, I’m hustling, making mistakes, and learning what it takes.
Here’s what I’ve discovered so far:
1. Movement
You don’t need to move like a long-lost Hough sibling, but having command over your body is a prerequisite for any successful performing arts career. There are few things more distracting than watching someone sing about their dying lover while looking like a piece of cardboard.
My favorite ways to connect to my body are through drop-in dance classes and yoga! Even if you think you are a lost cause, just show up and lean into humor. Learning how to control your physicality will change the way you carry yourself onstage, in auditions and elsewhere in life.
2. Acting Classes
There are a lot of people who can make pretty sounds. And don’t get me wrong, pretty sounds are great, but if you want to truly move an audience, you must tell a story.
Approach your opera career and roles like any actor would in drama or musical theatre. Seek out acting classes, whether it is at your university, conservatory, or local arts school.
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3. Improv
I already know what you’re thinking: Teddy, opera is one of the most rehearsed art forms in the world, why would I ever need improv? And to that, I say, have you ever been in a performance
where someone forgot a line, missed an entrance, or had a wardrobe malfunction? Because I have. Being able to stay present and react on your feet instead of panicking is truly a superpower. Plus, if you can survive an improv class, you can survive anything.
4. Develop Your Taste
If you want to be a great artist, you need to experience art. Not just opera—everything. All forms of music, theater, film, dance, art, literature, everything. And make an effort to seek out the stuff you “think” you hate.
My first memory of opera was on my grandpa’s couch. I was maybe 8 or 9 years old. He put on a recording of The Pearl Fishers duet and I hated it. But my grandpa watched it the way he watched golf and baseball—completely captivated. I didn’t get it.
This past summer, Toby sang the duet with our friend (shoutout Kevin!) and the performance brought me to tears. Your opinions are alive, so stay open.
5. Explore Everything
Enroll in cooking classes, intern at a high fashion brand, minor in psychology—absolutely everything feeds into your artistry. Your highest potential is already waiting for you at the intersection of your personal interests. The more you bring to your artistry, the more unique and desirable you become as an artist.
6. A Note on Delusion
You already know I love being a little “delulu” but, only in healthy doses. There’s a time for blind faith and there’s a time for strategy. When laying the foundation of your career, focus on skill-building, networking, and real-world experience. Passion and dreams are powerful forces, but they alone are not strong enough to carry you across the finish line. Once you’ve put in the time, built up your skills and have taken a long, honest look in the mirror—lean into the delusion, divas. Why not you?
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7. What is a Singer?
I know how easy it is to get caught up in the external validation that comes from roles, prestigious programs, or professional gigs. But you must remember, your artistry is not defined by these external markers. Your voice has inherent value, whether you’re singing in the shower, a rehearsal room or on the grandest stage. What makes you a singer is your commitment to your voice, your artistry, and the joy you bring to yourself and others through song.
8. The Many Hats of A 21st Century Artist
While no artist should feel pressured into a backup plan, wearing many hats is often part of the journey. Whether it’s teaching, waiting tables, or leading a social media mission to help NYC get more bathrooms (*cough cough* @got2gonyc), each job enriches your artistry. Teaching
deepens your understanding of technique, hospitality sharpens your interpersonal skills, and building Got2Go has taught me about community, leadership and the power of social media. Your diverse experiences make you a more compelling and dynamic artist.
Plus, you never know who you’ll meet or what doors your “hats” will open. Got2Go has brought me opportunities beyond my wildest dreams—including the chance to be writing to you right now!
9, Your Career is Bigger Than Just Your Voice
Singing is only one piece of the puzzle—the way you work, move, interpret, and connect with others is what sets you apart. Show up prepared, be a considerate colleague, and respect everyone. Your network is your net worth; in a few years, your former peers might just be the people behind the table!
Be curious, stay open and lead with kindness.
People might acknowledge you for your voice, but they will remember you for your heart. Until next time, divas!
Mwah!
Teddy
