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The Business Side

A RESOURCE LIST FOR CAREER, ART, AND ARTISTS’ SPIRITUALITY

These publications and sites are a great source of information for singers.

Top 'o' the list: The Student Singer's Starter Kit (yes, this is my book), available on Amazon.com. Everything you need to know to get started studying music as a career, or to make the transition from student to pro.

1. Musical America International Directory for the Performing Arts (published annually), Primedia Publications, Hightstown, NJ.

2. Classical Singer Magazine, P.O. Box 278, Maplewood, NJ 07040. Also, online, their forum at www.classicalsinger.com is an important resource.

3. Opera America Career Guide for Singers, published annually. Opera America organization.

4. www. YAPTracker.com for comprehensive information and applications for young artist programs, competitions, and more.

5. Complete Preparation: A Guide to Auditioning for Opera, by Joan Dornemann; 1992, Excalibur Publishing, NY

6. What the Fach? The Definitive Guide for Opera Singers Auditioning and Working in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, 2nd Edition, by Philip Shepard; 2010, available on Amazon.com

7. Management: The Book: Research and Discussion on Professional Management for Classical Singers, by the Editors of the New York Opera Newsletter; 1998, New York Opera Newsletter, Maplewood, NJ

7. The Back Stage Handbook for Performing Artists: The How-to and Who-to-Contact Reference for Actors, Singers, and Dancers, compiled and edited by Sherry Eaker; 1989, Billboard Publications, NY

8. Money for Performing Artists: A Guide to Grants, Awards, Fellowships, Artists’ Residencies, Competitions, Technical Assistance, and More, edited by Suzanne Niemeyer; 1991, American Council for the Arts, NY.

9. Directory of Coaches and Accompanists, Third Edition. 1997, The New York Opera Newsletter, Maplewood, NJ.

10. Power Networking: 55 Secrets for Personal and Professional Success, by Donna Fisher and Sandy Vilas. 1991, 1992, MountainHarbour Publications, Houston.

11. Time Management for Dummies, by Jeffrey J. Mayer. 1995, IDG Books Worldwide, Foster City, CA.

12. Great Singers on Great Singing, by Jerome Hines. 1982, Limelight Editions, NY.

13. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, by Julia Cameron with Mark Bryan. 1992, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NY.

14. The Vein of Gold: A Journey to Your Creative Heart, by Julia Cameron.1996, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, NY.

15. Creating a Life Worth Living: A practical course in career design for artists, innovators, and others aspiring to a creative life, by Carol Lloyd. 1997, Harper Perenniel, NY.

16. The New New Forum for Classical Singers. With over 10,000 members, it is currently the largest Facebook group devoted to singers. This is one of the most important web resources for singers, connecting you to other young professionals as well as some seasoned pros and company administrators, all of whom have strong opinions, ideas, and generally a wealth of knowledge. Helpful hint: be sure to read the pinned post, don't join if you're offended by strong language and off-color jokes, and check to see if someone has already answered your question before you ask. Oh, and under no circumstances ask for a free PDF of music you could buy. You've been warned! 

Please see my resources page for an extensive listing of other need-to-know sites and resources.