By Carol Kirkpatrick, author of ARIA READY, The Business of Singing
What criteria might you use to determine if it’s time to change career directions? This is only occasionally thought about when you are pursuing a singing career. But there might come a time when you are ready to make a change, but don’t know how go about it without looking like a loser or someone who just gave up. You are concerned about what others might think of you and more importantly, what you will think of yourself. You are not the lone ranger when these thoughts come to mind. I don’t know a singer that hasn’t had this thought at one time or another. So…let’s “air out” this subject. Here are some ideas and questions that might help you determine whether you are just in a slump, or whether you are beginning to understand that this is not taking you where you ultimately want to be.
First, this subject is thought of as taboo, never to be spoken of or brought out into the light of day. I disagree. Having a professional career as a performer is a tough job. It requires dedication, focus, working your well thought out plan of action while remaining flexible, having strategies and tactics, and knowing how to run your business. And how well do you deal with rejection? You’re it in the beginning!! This means making lots of sacrifices, being able to stay very healthy, be away from family and juggling a job and a career until you’re employed 3 -5 years ahead and performing is your only job. Not many singers make it that far. There just aren’t enough big opera houses out there that can pay a living wage to employ the thousands of hopeful singers. Luck plays a part as well. Who say’s your exceptionally talented, innately musical, and have the dramatic instincts that all can be honed to a professional level? Are those advising you honestly qualified to give you trustworthy advice in this new and larger arena?
If you are frustrated and not sure you are measuring up to those that you hear at any auditions you are participating in, it might be time to talk with and work with other teachers and coaches asking for an honest evaluation of where they see you fitting into our industry? None of this is going to be easy, but wouldn’t you rather know right now so you can stop spending your resources of time, energy and money pursuing a dream that is that, just a dream.
Could you be happier and more content, performing in less stressful situations, where you are truly enjoying the process and contributing every ounce of your love for this art form without all the anxiety of trying to measure up?
What will you do with your life now, what are the alternatives? Just because you are no longer participating as a singer, doesn’t mean you have to leave the industry. There are sooooo many other ways to be involved. There is everything from working backstage, being in the chorus, to the management side of things, or working within your local opera company in some capacity or even the recording studios.
If you’re not sure what you want, take a break from singing so you can think seriously about this for yourself. There is no shame or blame for not following through. You become the smart one who has stopped spinning their wheels getting nowhere. You are the brave one for taking the time to work through your doubts. What others think of you is none of your business. This is your life going by, not theirs. Live your life large and out loud.
If your final decision is to change direction, know you are likely to go through a period of depression. You are losing a dream; this not unlike losing a loved one or a pet. But, knowing it ahead of time will help you understand that it is part of the process of mourning your loss and then allowing you to get on with life and an opportunity to find what other talents that you want to explore and pursue that will make you happy. As I said before, this is your life going by. If you don’t make something out of it, someone else will.
Happy Holidays to you all and let me hear from you on this subject. Ciao, Carol
Email Carol at Carol@ariaready.net.
Since retiring from the stage, Carol Kirkpatrick continues to be in demand as a voice teacher, clinician, and adjudicator of competitions including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Combining her knowledge of performance, business, and interpersonal skills, she has written the second edition of her highly regarded book, Aria Ready: The Business of Singing, a step-by-step career guide for singers and teachers of singing. Aria Ready has been used by universities, music conservatories and summer and apprentice programs throughout the world as a curriculum for teaching Ms. Kirkpatrick’s process of career development, making her “the” expert in this area. She lives in Denver, Colorado.
