Opera Singer Stereotypes

When most people hear the words “opera singer,” their mind conjures up images of bloated women, plunked down in the middle of a stage, illuminated by a spotlight, dressed in exotic costumes, and screaming at the top of the lungs in even more exotic languages. But frankly that stereotype could not be more wrong; I know that for a fact. If those stereotypes were right, then I would not be writing this paper. I love opera. I have been addicted to it for over five years now, and the fire that burns within me has no signs of burning out any time soon. As a matter of fact, it could be said that the fire is burning more feverishly than ever. That is the best thing about opera; it is a positive feedback loop. The more you listen to it, the more you understand it, the more you love it. In recent years, I have struggled to decide what career path I want to pursue. Now I am a high school senior on the verge of graduation with a promising future in medicine. So I am faced with this mortal decision: do I take a chance to do what I love, or do …show more content…
Most opera singers take at least four years to make a name for themselves. They must first study vocal music in college, obtain their bachelor’s degree in voice and then join a young artist development program at an opera house, where they work as understudies for at least two years. Exceptionally talented singers can skip the chain of command, but for most, it might take even longer than six years to make an international break. But more importantly than extensive preparation, one needs talent. To become a truly excellent opera singer, one needs to be born with a voice; it is not something one can just develop over time from practice (Stapp). Personally, I am more than happy to go through with the schooling; my alternative career, becoming a medical doctor, takes even longer. But it is upon the discussion of talent that I begin to falter, namely because I have