Page 13 - Classical Singer Magazine November/December 2019

“It has been a wonderful experience so far. It is rare to be able to make a living just singing with no side hustle.”
hour shows 10 to 12 [times] per week. I only have one day off a week, so I have to make it count.
The show is constantly changing. We have different acts that come in and out throughout the year, so there are times that we are rehearsing new material while performing the current show. It makes for long days and vocal fatigue.
But it is all worth it when it finally comes together, and I see the audience sing along and hoot and holler during their favorite songs. Sometimes a patron will catch me walking to my car after the show and take the time to thank and congratulate me.
Would you do this or a similar gig again?
Absolutely!
Anything else you would like to add?
I began singing pop music when I was a toddler. It was my introduction to music. But I had to put that on the back burner when I began to seriously study voice in college. My training and career centered around classical and musical theatre repertoire. I had a few opportunities here and there to sing some pop tunes for fun, but with the recent explosion of jukebox musicals on Broadway, it was clear that I needed to brush up on my pop music skills in order to stay in the game.
I am so thankful for my foundation in classical technique because it has helped me stay healthy during this gig. But I am also grateful to the
voice teachers that were not afraid to tackle belt techniques and embrace my natural capabilities for commercial genres. I cannot stress the importance of crossover training in this industry. It’s becoming more and more necessary to have diverse training in order to be marketable.
You can learn more about Rivera at www. melissariveraonline.com.
Michelle Latour’s bio can be found on page 48.
SING WITH US
Opera in the Ozarks has trained emerging opera artists for 70 years. Come play your part in this amazing opera season set in the beautiful mountains near Eureka Springs, Arkansas!
All operas are double cast with artists in multiple productions. Grow into your roles with 3 to 4 performances each.
NEW: Weekly vocal lessons and classes. Movement, acting and stage combat workshops with resident and guest artists. Career development sessions.
Studio Artist program gives younger singers a number of opportunities to perform a children's outreach production.
2020 SEASON RESIDENCY MAY 20–JULY 18
THE CRUCIBLE LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR CENDRILLON
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