The hobby of singing verses the profession of singing.
I was at rehearsal last night for a concert I am doing. I am a soloist contracted to come in and sing with a choir and orchestra. This I would say is a medium scale event, not LA phil level, but there are both paid and volunteer musicians in both the choir and orchestra.
I guess I found myself in awe of the choir members last night that were volunteers. I think there are a few different kinds of singers. There are those that sing purely for fun- as a hobby, and there are those who feel that it is there “calling’ for a career.
Both are great. The hobbyist I think has it a bit easier, since they do not have to tie in there enjoyment with their own pursuit of the craft. The career driven ones, they have it tougher, often times, they can’t feel the joy of singing unless they are performing, (and to get to the spot on that stage can be a long unpredictable road).
I am a career singer. I knew always that it was what I was “Meant to do”. Somewhere along the way I became interested in teaching and helping other people sing their best so I think I morphed into a career singing voice teacher professional at some point.
Being that person, the career singer, I really felt like watching these volunter singers last night in that choir was a breath of fresh air into a side of my craft that is really special. I love how music can pull people together. I love the different levels of talent out there and the drive that people are born with to share it and be active in it.
I just wanted to take a moment and think about all the volunteer hobby singers out there. How they do Karaoke with friends, join their church choirs, and volunteer in the chorus at their local civic light operas. Thank you to them. You back me up as a soloist and make me feel good about my craft.
written by: Ariella Vaccarino creator of Voice Lessons TO GO (singing lessons on CD), and author of Vocalize!
www.voicelessonstogo.com
Tags: choirs, singing careers, singing hobby, the joy of singing
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