Headshots!

When an artist is at the beginning of his/her career, the first step is getting a simple, black and white, 8x10 headshot. It is important to show not only best appearance, but to do it in the simplest way possible; nowadays, the opera industry is has changed, and most companies are looking for more artists that appeals to young and slender audiences. In prior time, headshots used to express the mystique of singer, rather than the appearance; however, physical appearance has become more important.

Companies around the world are trying to make their audience to grow, as well as develop an interactive relation with them. Due to this, sex appeal is important for an artist, and the looks play an important role when searching for a job. Due to the factor, such us: pop culture, movies and TV among many others, the new generations look for something different; something that represents the generation as a whole.

Headshots are not only used for auditions, but for promotion purposes as well. Companies are looking for the known “triple threat”, which basically consist in the three main characteristics an artist must be: great singer, great actor, and great look. This phenomenon is the result of the expansion of opera in the multimedia world: from HD movies, to the live stage performances.

Just for artist to know you may go through many photographers before you find the one and that will portray you as artists.  A photo can portray many things for example if the headshot is dark and your face has a harsh look you might portray an image to the company witch is fine if that’s what you want. Photographers have there own nitch so you need to make sure that is the look you are looking for.

Because once you have something out you can never take it back. “Word goes around”

Headshots session is just you and the photographer. You as the artist will pay anywhere from $150- $2000 for them. You might be charges more depending what you want for example makeup or location etc.

http://www.yourtype.com/survive/headshots.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_shot

Placido Domingo

Placido Domingo is a classical music singer known world wide, who is recognized for being one of the greatest personalities in the opera world. He is the current director of two major companies: The Washington National Opera, and the LA Opera; and also enjoys a role of conductor.

Domingo was born in Spain, but after a tour through Mexico, his family decided to stay there and start their own business; which later own was able to paid for his performances. While getting small performances in different places of Mexico, he started to study piano and also give voice lessons in order to master his technique and skills.

His first debut as a tenor was in 1959 in Mexico City, and he played the big role of a character named Alfredo from a classical piece La Traviatta. That same year, he sang in the United States, and from there on, he became a member of Hebrew National Opera in Telaviv from 1962 to 1964. After his short life in the Hebrew National Opera Group, the jumped to the Metropolitan Opera, and stared singing all over the world. Recently, he celebrated his 40^th anniversary from his first debut. Some of the places he has performed include the Escala in Italy, and Verona.

As a singer, has performed in more than 134 opera roles. Domingo has 100 recordings of  himself singing, and as a conductor, he has participated in over 450 operas. In 1993 he introduced the international voice competition: Operalia.

http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Domingo-Placido.htm

“Singing the Primal Mystery” (TED)

This post empathizes the positive aspects of a company named :(TED) Technology, Entertainment, Design. Sites like this connect and communicate variety of topics through videos, and it has been active since 1984. The way it works is by providing to the speakers with 18 minutes for them to expose and present his/her topic; this will give each speaker the opportunity to speak directly to a targeted audience, and develop communication skills inside the business world. Videos like this are very useful because they teach and present different themes through people’s experiences; in them, real people discuss their real experiences, ideas and views. Some of the positive advantages of using this type of media are: the increase the motivation to develop and grow inside a business field, development of communication skills in order to reach bigger audiences and express true opinion and perceptions, and the use of this tool without spending any money.

In my case, I decided to choose a speaker named Claron McFadden as well as her video: “Singing the Primal Mystery”, because it calls my attention and brings themes that in my opinion are very important for my career. Mrs. McFadden is a very influential person for me because of her image as an American soprano, her extraordinary music education, and also her extended experience in performing leading roles all around the world.

“Singing the Primal Mystery” is a video that discusses many interesting themes for singers; such us, the connection of the breathing and the voice. In the case of singers, this a very useful tool because it is important to learn how to breath and control the voice strength and color; this video is not only motivating to grow as singers, but also motivating in the sense of communicating knowledge. In the video by John Cage called: “Aria”, she performs very challenging piece, and put it on practice the main themes of her own video.

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/claron_mcfadden_singing_the_primal_mystery.html

American Guild of Musical artists (AGMA)

AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists) is a labor union that represents opera/ classical concert singers, personnel, dancers in professional opera companies, production and dance companies around the U.S. When you become an AGMA member, you get a union negotiation agreement, to in turn pursue their workplace concerns. If you are AGMA, allot of the larger opera companies will respect you more and recognize you more as a professional. AGMA can fight for your wages, hours, terms in contract, and reassure that you’re not overworked. In other words, AGMA does the “dirty work.” The music world can be tough; AGMA allows you the opportunity to have assistance and defense if and when necessary. Lets not forget that performing artists support themselves with the talent and skills they were born with. Like people say “their bread and butter.” AGMA is a small union yet unique in comparison to other entertainment unions. To the contrary of most unions, AGMA feels that the performer needs to perform as much as possible; therefore, giving the performer the opportunity to perform anywhere they choose without strict guidelines. Now you may ask yourself, how can I get AGMA?

You can call AGMA’s membership department at 1(800) 543- 2462. They will guide you to the application or you can download it through the website, www.Musicalartists.org. With AGMA you have a one-time fee of $500 that is tax- deductible, in addition a yearly fee of $78. The performer must receive a minimum income of $2000 and maintain his/her membership with AGMA for at least three years.

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/american-guild-of-musical-artists,

http://www.musicalartists.org/

Auditions

The auditions season has been unfolded and new opportunities are rising in the horizon for those who have a deep interest and music and the performing arts. This is the time of the year where we, as opera singers, have the opportunity to show our talent and capabilities, so make sure all applications are ready to be send. Some of the subjects that can be submitted include: grad-school auditions, young artist programs, main stage performances, artist management auditions and competitions among many others. Yes, it is stressful; however, it is important in this field to learn how to get through this type of obstacles. These are some of the aspects an opera singer must have in the checklist:

1.     Resume ready: A resume should have your name, information of the operas and roles you have performed, name of the teachers you have been working with, competitions and awards. It is important to reflect all your talent in your resume because it will endure the directors to give you the role you desire.

2.     A repertoire list updated and ready to be performed: For the repertoire, a singer must take in consideration the type of music, character development and correct vocal. It is recommendable to practice these pieces at least a couple of times in order to have them well prepared and internally learned.

3.      Attitude: Positive attitude and self-confidence are key characteristics a singer must have. A good singer must be able to express emotions naturally, as well as hide the negative things that may affect the performance. Self-confidence clearly is expressed in a performance; it exposes a lot about the type of person the singer is.

4.     Wardrobe: Clothing selection plays a very important role because it let the performer to embody the character. It is recommendable to dress nice and sexy, but not out of limits. A singer must be very careful with wardrobe because the intention is to call the audience’s attention through the voice, not the outfit. For men, the most recommendable wardrobe is a suit or tux, and for women, long dresses.

5.     Networking and contacts: The field of opera is very small and complicated, as well as other fields are. It is always good to try to meet as many people as you can, and give the best impression as possible. As a singer, we have to watch the way in which we express ourselves and shown who we are to people.

6.     Headshots: The most important characteristic of a headshot is that it has the power to speak for itself. You want it to expose the best of yourself, as well as give the best impression of your physical characteristics. Once again, crossing the lines of sexiness may affect the way in which director perceive yourself.

7.     Flights and hotels: In order to concentrate in the music and the performance, it is very important to have everything under control and organized. Things must be ready and in order in case any opportunity arise out of town.

8.     Accompanist: If you want to give the best impression and show a high level of professionalism, a singer should always bring an accompanist to sing with. The audition should NEVER be acapela.

Yap Tracker: More than just a website, a source of opportunities.

www.Yaptracker.com

“Yap” (Young Artist Program) is a course designed for young singers on training. The program is usually used by large companies, such us, Metropolitan Opera and Florida Grand Opera among many others, to hire singers by seasons and give the expose necessary to develop their performing skills.

Julie Baron, general manager of Yap Tracker, earned a master’s degree in vocal performance from the Manhattan School of Music in 2004. Enjoying a career as a young mezzo-soprano and singing in different countries, she decided that her other passion was technology. As a result, she combined both activities, and created the popular website YapTracker.com. The number of users that currently enjoy the website is over 8,000, and it is still growing strong, by reaching singers all over the world.

Baron created the website in 2005 with the intention of bringing something new and fun to her family and peers; she never thought it was going to grow up to the point is it today. The website has become essential to young singers, and it has over 2500 listings. Some of the benefits Yap offers to the audience include: singing guidance, competitions and auditions opportunities, and performing advices.

The website it self is friendly to use, and there is also a mobile version that offers the same benefits. The membership fee starts at $55.00 a year and includes full access to all the auditions and competitions, email alerts, and reminders of the datelines for each audition. It also offers tracking tools and direct notifications to the mobile.

Because of the benefits that Yap tracker offer, it is described as the stepping stone for any young aspiring artist; it represents not only a professional guidance one can rely on, but the dreams and illusions of future singers.

Source: Amelia Northrup,Yap Tracker: Organizing the Uncertain World of Audtions, September 29, 2010. From: http://www.technologyinthearts.org/?p=1466

Promoting yourself as an opera singer

For a new singer, entering the music business is very difficult. New singers face critiques and judgments, which is far more difficult because of those who already have a place in the industry. The Opera world not only requires a certain voice talent, but also an image that should cause impact at first impression. When promoting one’s name as an opera singer, there are some major aspects to be kept in mind:

-Young artist program in a major opera company- as a young artist you have to build connections with conductors, other singers and stage directors among many others. In the case of opera, different than popular music, the singer needs to rise slowly up the ladder; age and experience is primordial when referring to classical music. A good source of experience and self-confidence are the young artists programs. These programs help the opera singer aspirant to acquire the necessary level of confidence, while reaching the average age.

-Wining Competitions- A great way to promote oneself and networking as much as possible is by competing. Wining any competition will attract sources in the field that will target oneself for jobs, publishing and management.

-Meeting and working with conductors- The more conductors that one works with, the more likely they will be offered a job opportunity. If the conductor likes working with a singer, he/she will recommend one to other houses where he/she will be conducting. The world of the conductors is even smaller than that of opera singers; being known by a conductor is beneficial for a singer that wants to be recognized.

-Networking sites and Internet exposure– The web is an easy and fast way to get one’s name out there. Creating a profile and linked to professionals is beneficial and fun. The amount of contacts following a profile is never enough.

-Management companies- securing representation is necessary when considering the competitiveness of the opera world nowadays. Working with a manager helps in guiding the carrier in the correct path, and building an image as an artist.

-Performing in concert/ recitals- Performing as a non-professional artist helps to develop technique and at the same time market one’s name among audiences.

- Promotional package (resume and cd)- Sending out promotional packages to opera houses is a key point in order to be heard. Maintain professionalism and present one’s self correctly is the most important thing to keep in mind when applying for a job.

http://www.operastuff.com/Singer_Resource/Young_Artist_Programs/index.html

http://www.operaonline.us/guild_53.htm

http://www.yusypovych.com/eng/young-opera-singers/

What are the requirements a young opera singer need to accomplish in order to become a professional in the field?

The world of opera is known for being demanding to the aspirants, regarding the developing of artistic, responsible and voice skills. In order to successfully put one’s name out there, he/she must develop specific elements that will determine how far or close is the possibility to achieve such goal.

- Music and ear training

- Strong Technical skills with the voice

- With technical skills project through a full orchestra

- Acting skills

- Knowledge of operas and composers

- Sing in Italian, French, German, Possibly Russian and Czech

- Some business studies

- A spark that will attract the audience

- Weight is important in many circumstances

- Luck does have a big part of becoming famous unfortunately