Homework

There's a lot of homework involved with singing opera. Scores to translate. Roles to memorize. Occasionally complicated rhythms to decipher.

And even when we are not preparing roles, there are acting classes to attend. Voice lessons. Language study. Dance.

Being a professional singer - a professional artist of any kind - requires rigorous and constant self-improvement. If we're not getting better, we're falling behind. One can never sit still.

For some, this is a turn-off. For me, it's probably my favorite part. Aside from a few forced, short vacations each year, I'm working. And I think I like it that way.