Becoming an Opera Singer: A Career Guide

There's an old joke that goes something like this: a New York City tourist asks "How do you get to Carnegie Hall?" and a New Yorker replies "Practice, practice, practice!" When it comes to becoming an opera singer, truer words were never spoken. I have been pursuing a career as an opera singer for more than a decade, and practice still comes first. However, there are many other steps in the process as well. Here's a very basic overview of what it takes to become an opera singer.

Talent
The major prerequisite for becoming an opera singer is having the voice for the job. This is not something that can be learned or acquired - you're either born with it or not. Most people discover their vocal talent early in life, although men may have to wait until their voices change to find out whether or not they can really sing. Young or amateur singers may not have a realistic view of how their voices stack up against the competition, so be sure to consult with a reputable classical voice teacher to get his or her opinion.

Training
Becoming an opera singer requires specialized training, and plenty of it. There are many training paths for opera singers, but most of us end up going to music school or majoring in voice at a university. As a voice major, you learn not only the art of singing, but also foreign languages and diction, music history and theory, acting, stage combat, and vocal and opera repertoire. College opera productions are also a great way for young singers to learn the roles that they will eventually sing professionally. While there are many successful opera singers out there who did not have this type of training in college, they are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to knowing the basics of language, pronunciation, stagecraft and operatic style.

At the very least, singers who choose a different path must still take voice lessons and learn how to pronounce the major operatic languages (Italian, German and French). Once a singer begins learning about proper operatic singing technique, that's when the practicing starts. Some singers practice several hours a day, some have a less rigorous schedule - but ALL singers work on their voices. We also spend a great deal of time learning and memorizing music, translating texts and working on dramatic interpretations.

Working
Transitioning from school to the professional world is extremely tricky for opera singers. Different voices mature at different rates, so while a woman with a light, high lyric soprano voice may be ready for the professional stage at age 22 or 23, a dramatic mezzo-soprano or basso profundo may not reach their full potential until they're in their 40s. Many younger singers take advantage of young artist programs to help them move from school to professional singing smoothly. Most American opera companies offer these programs, wherein young singers are hired to sing in choruses and do small roles, plus receive additional training and other performance opportunities. While these programs do not pay well, they are an excellent tool for young singers who need to bulk up their resumes and make professional contacts.

In order to transition from young artist programs to professional work, opera singers must use the contacts they've made as young artists to find professional gigs. Finding an agent or manager to represent you can also help with this process. However, this is not as easy as it sounds, and many singers get discouraged and quit the business during this phase of their career. Most singers also work another job, such as voice teacher, administrative assistant, waitress or freelance writer during this phase, in order to have a steady income while building up their schedule of paid professional gigs. Once a singer has steady professional work, the challenge is to continue to grow as an artist AND try to maintain a normal home life while keeping the gigs coming.

While becoming an opera singer can be extremely rewarding, it's not as glamorous as it may seem. Building a successful career takes talent, patience, money, sacrifice and a great deal of hard work. The grueling traveling schedule of a professional performer can take a toll on your mental and physical health, and the lifestyle is not for everyone. Every aspiring opera singer should consider these things carefully before embarking on the adventure of becoming an opera singer.