I have the possibility of moving to the Miami area for ONE year - just a vague possibility at this point, but....

Just wondering what the classical singing scene is like there in terms of finding coaches, getting local performances, getting in on things in a short time as a newcomer.

I am at the stage where yeah, I do what opera auditions I get but really work to get other possibilities as well and just wondering
"what is it like" down there for someone with their big toe in the classical singing pool?

There is nothing going on here and there is everything going on here. It is hard to explain, but you just have to be here to understand.

Miami is a great place to sharpen your skills and do some great work. There are a couple of really great teachers here and a few totally excellent coaches -- some of the best coaches in the biz.

If you LIVE here, you probably will not sing with the FGO, unless its chorus. HOWEVER, if you get into the "loop," you might be able to sing a few leads with the Miami Lyric Opera, a kind of "JV Team" of sorts -- kinda campy, but has a total cult following. If you live in Miami, it is a great place to get some on-your-feet experience and media reviews. There are several MLO singers who are singing all over the world. No lie. I sang with them once and loved the experience. It is totally spaghetti and meatballs opera.

Also, Miami is part of South Florida. If you're willing to travel to West Palm Beach, there might be singing opportunities for you in the Palm Beach Opera. They run an excellent show up there.

And apart from the FGO, MLO and PBO, there are many gigs to be had all around South Florida. Plenty of recital opportunities, as well as oratorio and other sort of gigs. The local zarzuela company, Sociedad Pro Arte Gratelli, hires local singers all the time.

Good luck - Buena suerte.

I hear ya.

in some places the "loop" is rather impenetrable for someone coming in from the outside and from far away. In some places like you can 't even get in with decent coaches if you are an outsider!

I am not expecting to reap big leads and publicity immediately.... I just do not want to grind to a standstill for 12-16 months if I end up there...

In your judgment, is it possible for a newcomer who shows themselves to be talented, amenable, hardworking, a good colleague, and 'knowing their place as an outside' to break some kind of loop at least with regard to coaching, doing local gigs, etc.?

... and much more relaxed that New York or other parts of the world. You want to sing, work hard and make friends? Totally easy. Just do it.

Let me know if this year-in-Miami turns into a reality. I'll give you some names and contact info for you to follow up with. Just relax. You'll love it here.

Disappointingly, it has NOT.

We aint' goin' anwhere.

And I was REALLY starting to get VERY into it!

Thank you for your kind comments and if fate sends me southward I will follow up!