Cindy Sadler

Cindy Sadler is a professional singer, teacher, writer, director, and consultant. She is the founder and director of Spotlight on Opera, a community opera troupe and training program in Austin, Texas. Upcoming engagements include Marcellina in Le nozze di Figaro with the Jacksonville Symphony, alto soloist in Messiah with the Boise Philharmonic, and Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance with Portland Opera. For more information, please visit www.CindySadler.com and www.SpotlightOnOpera.com.

Ask Erda : Careers for Performers

From paid chorus work to truck driving, consider the many interesting and creative ways that you can make ends meet while pursuing a singing career.

Jul 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : The Day Job Dilemma

Can you make a living as a classical singer? There’s no one better to answer that loaded question than CS’s own “Ask Erda.”

May 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : How Not to Be the Singer Behaving Badly

Teachers and opera company directors weigh in to share stories of the growing trend of entitlement by many up-and-coming singers. Such an attitude can not only lead to colleagues disliking you, but it can also mean losing singing jobs. Read on to find out if your own attitude might need some adjusting.

Feb 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : Singers Behaving Badly

Jan 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : Becoming Carmen

In an age of close-ups and high definition, singers have to acknowledge that appearance is importance in this business. But it isn’t everything. Focusing on the things you can control can empower you to take control of your career.

Dec 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda: Should I Take That Audition? : (And Other Agonizing Choices)

Life is all about difficult choices, but sometimes those choices can make or break a career. Find out the critical things you need to know and consider to make the best decisions possible.

Nov 01 Cindy Sadler

Maestro Joseph Mechavich : How a Chain of Connections Builds a Career

Joseph Mechavich’s burgeoning career is, in short, an inspiring lesson in networking. Through his words and story, young artists and professional singers alike can learn how to be prepared and get hired—not once, but again and again.

Nov 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : Why You Might Want to Rethink Your Career Choice

Find out why purposefully missing out on opportunities might mean you don’t have what it takes to succeed as a professional singer.

Jul 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : Progress vs Preparedness

Don’t let emotion and eagerness keep you from having the career you want. Follow Cindy’s sound advice for exercising the patience and diligence needed to become a professional singer.

May 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : The Entrepreneurial Artist

Most singers are simply unaware of the realities of starting a singing career. By recognizing that you are in essence starting your own business, you can be prepared.

Mar 01 Cindy Sadler

Ask Erda : A Guide to Homestays for Hosts

In the November issue, Cindy shared how singers can make homestays heaven. This month she writes an open letter of both gratitude and advice to those who open their homes—and often their hearts—to singers.