During my first year of graduate school, I received an e-mail that changed the course of my life in an unexpected way. As a subscriber to Classical Singer magazine, I got an e-mail about a job opening for an assistant editor position. I had worked a few desk jobs between degrees, all of which involved writing and computers, and I had enjoyed the work. This job seemed too good to be true—writing and editing about music, singing, the voice, and the career—a true wedding of all of my passions and interests!
So, I applied, even though I was going to school full time, teaching a few courses at the university as a graduate fellow, and assistant directing a children’s choir. I decided I had to jump at the opportunity—if I got the job, I would make the time.
That’s just what happened, and how grateful I am that it did. It began what is now a 12-year career that I hadn’t anticipated, but a career that provided flexibility and a regular income as I pursued a singing career. And even more than the financial stability, a career that has been deeply fulfilling, challenging, and satisfying.
Dana Lynne Varga describes my job as a “correlating career” (p. 24). As she explains, the singing profession simply isn’t what it was 20 years ago. The market is saturated with singers, and there are fewer opportunities for them. That harsh reality doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t pursue a singing career. But, rather, Varga recommends having a second career that can subsidize a singing career when you’re first starting out and then supplement your income if and when you start earning money from singing.
When is the best time to think about a correlating career? The earlier the better, as Varga advises. That way, as you think about college, you can consider a minor, a double major, or an advanced degree that can help you gain the skills you need for that correlating career.
And, so, in this annual University Issue of CS, we bring you stories of a few singers and their correlating careers to get you thinking about your own options. Rachel Antman interviews singers who have tried real estate as a correlating career (see p. 68). Glen Fernandez balances careers as an ER doctor, actor, and singer (p. 58). Baritone Thomas Meglioranza has developed a food app to help diners navigate new cuisine (p. 96). And even hugely famous and successful tenor Lawrence Brownlee, featured in this month’s cover story (p. 38), is branching out to administrative work in his new role as artistic advisor to Opera Philadelphia.
These singers aren’t the exception anymore. Read through the writers’ bios at the end of each article in this issue and you’ll find singers who are also technology consultants, university professors, private voice teachers, opera company administrators, writers, editors, and more. Even here at Classical Singer, correlating careers abound, including a basketball coach, a race director, a banker, a soon-to-be speech language pathologist, and a voice teacher.
Choosing to pursue a singing career comes with a lot of uncertainties, especially in the current economic climate. The right correlating career, however, can provide both flexibility and financial stability, as well as personal enjoyment and fulfillment. Begin now to look at all of your career options to help you reach your dreams—even the ones you didn’t know you had.
