People always told me that my voice was 'special', that I was talented, and that I was not to waste my blessings. So, when deciding upon university courses, it was extremely hard to deny the romantic appeal of studying my 'passion', and the opportunity to cultivate the 'natural gift' of my classical singing voice.
It was not easy to reach this conclusion. The past two years have been some of the most confusing in my life (due in part to the tumultuous nature of adolescence in general) but also to the glaring fact that I felt like a fraud in my pursuit of classical music. The Melbourne Con is undoubtedly a breeding ground of exceptionally talented people who live and breathe classical music. As much I tried manipulate myself to fit this mould, I could not, and more importantly, I should not need to. The reality is that locking myself in a practice room for hours on end and striving anxiously for a perfect technique does not make me want to get out of bed in the morning, it does not give me a purpose in life, and it certainly does not set my spirit free.
collaboration, including a finely tuned ability to listen, assess and adjust accordingly.
Melbourne University has wonderful career counselling services, including the work of Susan De Weger (coordinator of Ignite Lab) whose job is to advise musicians of their many career options (many of which have absolutely nothing to do with performing). Meeting with her made me genuinely enthused and excited about the diverse opportunities that exist within the music/arts sector for non-performing professionals.
I plan to lead a fulfilled life, buoyed by a motivating career. Such an ideal is completely achievable for anyone if you have the courage to admit what you truly want even in the face of what you thought you wanted, and strive tirelessly for it.