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To: Vocalist <vocalist>
From: Naomi Gurt Lind
Subject: re: where to go after college
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Kelly wrote (speaking for many young singers, I suspect):

>I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for me.
>I really don't care where I have to move to, but I
>would really like to be able to do some performing
>while being able to come home at night. I also don't
>have a preference between conservatories, graduate
>degree programs and other performance options, SO
>could someone stear me in the right direction?

This depends so much on your individual goals, your lifestyle, and your
level of technical attainment. Your teacher & coaches should be able to
help you evaluate what you need next. If your technique is not yet at a
professional level, then some kind of training program is probably
appropriate. These options would include graduate school and
apprenticeships, the latter being much harder to get into and much more
demanding vocally. If you're really ready to be "out there singing," then
it's probably best to choose a city where you want to live, and then go
there and pursue freelance work.

There's a lot of homework you should do before choosing a city. Find out
about the musical scene in the city or cities where you think you might
like to live. Get local newspapers and scour the arts sections, especially
at the beginning of the performing season -- Septemberish -- to get a sense
of what kind of music is done most often and which conductors/groups are
doing the things that interest you. If you know anybody who lives there,
ask them for their honest assessment of musical life in the city. Think
about where you have the most contacts who think well of you and who might
be able to give you some references. Also think about the cost of living &
layout of the city (public transportation?) and what you absolutely cannot
live without. (If you need lots of space around you, New York is not for
you; if you need changes of season, then Los Angeles is out; etc.)

The internet can be a great resource, too: when I decided to move to
Boston, I got most of my information from a friend of a friend (who is now
a friend!) through emailing to everyone I knew for references. This man,
then a stranger to me, was an invaluable resource! Don't be afraid to ask
for help, but do your homework, too, so that you are able to follow through
on the help you get.

You must have a few questions & ideas by now... ; )

Naomi

P.S. If or when you start the freelance thing in the city of your choice,
be patient. Don't take it personally that people won't return your
phonecalls promptly -- you are a new person and it will take a while before
enough people know you and you feel there's room for you. Don't get
discouraged!