The Plan
After Peabody, I knew I wanted to move to New York; I just wasn't sure when. By January of 2005, I announced to my family that I would be moving to New York the following year; they were not surprised. As the year progressed, my plan changed from a winter 2006 move to a spring 2006 move, and I had plenty of time to save money and give notice. It was, afterall, the largest moving decision I've made in my life. Moving to Baltimore from West Virginia (by way of Hanover) wasn't hard- it's only an hour away and I was familiar with the city before taking up residence. New York, however, was a horse of a different color.
Since I have been here for over a year, I now feel like it is home. The routine of commuting is now just part of my life, the long days and work hours, the expensive food and drink, the taxes- it's just life. I can honestly say there is no place else I would rather be right now. However...
My plan was, and is, that if by the time I am 30 years old I do not have the career I want in the United States, I will try my hand (or voice, I guess) across the pond. While being in New York is great for auditions, and I will say I've been pleased at the work I've been given in the past year, it's pretty much the most difficult place in the US to have a career. I would love to sing for some agents, and I plan to in a year or so, but that takes money. That also takes being in the right place at the right time. I did about 10 auditions last fall, spent a lot of money and time, and got nothing. Now, I'm not complaining- it's simply the way it goes. But I wonder, how many more years will I do this? Young Artist Programs are certainly not the only way to start one's career, and I have figured out that I'm really not interested in being a big fish in the New York choral scene; at least not for life. I've met some of these choral lifers, and for them, it's fine; for me, not so much.
In conclusion (wow, flashback to Music 34), I've decided that in 3 years time, I will move to Berlin for several months and try my hand at German and Austrian houses and agents. Now, a lot COULD in 3 years. I could get an agent here, I could get into a YAP. I could also marry a gorgeous philanthropist who will pay for my debut at the Met, but I don't want to get ahead of myself.
I sort of feel the same way I did 3 years ago: I know what's next, and even though I don't have it completely figured out just yet, I know where to start.
Since I have been here for over a year, I now feel like it is home. The routine of commuting is now just part of my life, the long days and work hours, the expensive food and drink, the taxes- it's just life. I can honestly say there is no place else I would rather be right now. However...
My plan was, and is, that if by the time I am 30 years old I do not have the career I want in the United States, I will try my hand (or voice, I guess) across the pond. While being in New York is great for auditions, and I will say I've been pleased at the work I've been given in the past year, it's pretty much the most difficult place in the US to have a career. I would love to sing for some agents, and I plan to in a year or so, but that takes money. That also takes being in the right place at the right time. I did about 10 auditions last fall, spent a lot of money and time, and got nothing. Now, I'm not complaining- it's simply the way it goes. But I wonder, how many more years will I do this? Young Artist Programs are certainly not the only way to start one's career, and I have figured out that I'm really not interested in being a big fish in the New York choral scene; at least not for life. I've met some of these choral lifers, and for them, it's fine; for me, not so much.
In conclusion (wow, flashback to Music 34), I've decided that in 3 years time, I will move to Berlin for several months and try my hand at German and Austrian houses and agents. Now, a lot COULD in 3 years. I could get an agent here, I could get into a YAP. I could also marry a gorgeous philanthropist who will pay for my debut at the Met, but I don't want to get ahead of myself.
I sort of feel the same way I did 3 years ago: I know what's next, and even though I don't have it completely figured out just yet, I know where to start.
posted by Hilary at
11:08 AM
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