One of the hardest things about working for yourself as an artist is the fact that you have to create and present an image of yourself online as someone who is worth hiring. Creating the image is not only hard, but it borderline feels icky. Making everything look good, hiding flaws and imperfections, debating how and what images and stories you relay to an audience of blank faces. Because who is actually looking?? Anyone?? Bueller?? 

I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you don’t have to do that. What I’m going to say is that no matter how awesome that other singer’s profile looks, chances are theirs is just as curated as yours. 

And maybe there’s a way we can take steps to share a little more honesty amidst all the curated bullshit, and we can start to create a more realistic picture of this lifestyle. 

We aim to shed light on a career in opera by talking with other singers and investigating the goings on in the business. So if you have a story you’d like to share, don’t be afraid to share it. 

Here are some shoutouts to singers we think are killing social media with their honesty, passion, and compassion for others. 

Christine Goerke @heldenmommy posts the good, the bad, and the funny. Like that time she flashed the Vienna State Opera.

Jamie Barton @jbartonmezzo posts about things she cares about, like being openly a queer opera singer, dieting and weight in opera, and CATS.

Lucas Meacham @lucasmeachem writes and talks about his journey being an opera singer as a means to help and support young singers. He has a way of posting advice without sounding super preachy, and his compassion and love for the business shines through in his social media. He even has a blog with actual helpful information for singers. 

Kathryn Lewek @kathrynleweksoprano is a fierce momma both on and off the stage. Her Queen of the Night is to die for, but on Instagram she shares what it’s like to be a new mom while singing at the Met and travelling around the globe. Her honesty and humor are downright inspiring.

Lastly, here’s a post from a musician-turned-computer-nerd with some no nonsense tips on self-promoting.