It's been suggested in the monsterthread below that singers don't get enough information about "what a singing life entails". So maybe the time has come to spell it out. Feel free to add your own observations/experiences:
What you must NOT expect:
- a linear career path
- steady work
- health benefits
- regular reviews and raises
- a corporate structure of any kind
- security from year to year - even once you're on the career-treadmill, you will have good and bad periods
- the dream scenario of school, to YAP, to quality agent, to established career. If you're the right voice with the right look and the right attitude, motivation and work ethic who gets lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, then this is a great way to go, but it cannot be assumed.
What you can expect:
- lots of downtime. Remember those waiters who are are "between jobs"? Those are opera singers too.
- competition.
- lots of rejection. The rule of thumb is approximately 20 auditions for ever callback and 20 callbacks for every hire. Do the math.
- to do your best and still maybe not get the job, and it may not be anything to do with your singing.
Things you should learn about, because you'll need them:
- basic and responsible financial management
- how to understand Schedule C taxes (even if you use an accountant, it's good to understand how it works)
- union rules, regulations and contracts
- day job skills - even established singers need them between gigs sometimes. Nurture your computer-savvy, clerical/office skills, teaching skills and any other skills you may have.
Things you should start learning about
- fee structures. Read the existing contracts on the AGMA site for basic ideas (they will vary from company to company, but that's certainly a starting point)
- learning your own music. You'll save yourself a bunch of money on coaching time and be a better musician because of it anyway
- how to shop for cheap travel, travel light, and travel smart
- how to carry on successful long distance relationships
There are plenty more, but that can get us started.
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"If you only look at what you left behind youll never be able to focus on what lies ahead." - Gusteau
This message has been edited by Not-a-coach on May 8, 2009 5:17 PM
