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Soprano Alyson Cambridge’s career path has been typical in many respects—she graduated from Oberlin and the Curtis Institute and won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. But her distinct and unique career choices have been less than traditional. Putting aside the advice of many to avoid pigeonholing herself in African-American roles, Cambridge has embraced her heritage and the music she loves with exciting career results. She also continues to pursue crossover work, modeling, acting, and more—again disregarding assumptions about brand dilution and instead choosing to focus on her strengths and passions. So far, following her instincts is paying big dividends.

A singer struggles to know how to pay back student loans while also pursuing low- to no-paying opportunities like YAPs and competitions. Do you have a question for Cindy? E-mail her at editorial@classicalsinger.com.

If you’re feeling like your practice sessions need a boost, read on for a host of ideas to get you focused and productive in the practice room.

While rocking a sleepy one-year-old recently, I had occasion to sit and look over my shelves of books. I saw at least eight books I have purchased in as many

By Carol Kirkpatrick, author of ARIA READY, The Business of Singing   I’m not sure there is a “magic formula” for alleviating the fear factor one often experiences before and

By British tenor, blogger, and author Christopher Gillett.   Getting work abroad in the first place is pretty difficult unless you have an agent. That certainly always used to be

By Mark Stoddard   The following is an excerpt from Mark’s best-selling book Marketing Singers, a business and marketing guidebook written specifically for singers. It is available online at www.classicalsinger.com/store.”

By Michelle Latour   What made you decide to pursue singing? Many singers are inspired by someone they admire or who encourages them: a choir director, a voice teacher, or

By Carol Kirkpatrick, author of ARIA READY, The Business of Singing   This topic is of paramount importance as you go forward with your goals and aspirations of having a

By Mark Stoddard   How many words should your flyer or advertisement contain inviting people to your concert or performance… assuming you want a full house? How many words should

We’re highlighting summer programs throughout this month and next. If you would like your program to be highlighted, email alex@classicalsinger.com. By Patricia Caicedo   2014 have been a very special

By Angela Myles Beeching   Seems like an odd question for musicians, “What business are you in?”   Terry O’Reilly, in his excellent CBC radio show “Under the Influence” (from