When both of my interviews fell through in NYC because of the people being too busy, I asked Jessica if I could come with her on her interview, and I am really glad it worked out that way because I learned so much from Jana. It was a successful and fun interview. We met at the Brooklyn museum (that's where she worked) and talked about lots of subjects, from the Met Auditions to living in NYC, to taking care of yourself vocally and physically as a singer. She was a very nice lady and gave me lots of really great advice.
One thing she did was give us practical and musical advice for moving to a big city like NYC. She told us that it is important for us to have five arias-two Italian for sure and then German and French, that we feel we sing very well and can sing at any time for any audition. Then, have three on the backburner that you can also sing if need be. She said the first thing to do when you get here is make sure that you not only have a voice teacher, but also a diction coach, and she stressed the importance of having a diction coach so that you make yourself look really educated, and that you care about the pieces and performing them correctly. She said that there are very few people in NYC who have great diction, and in doing so, you will stand out. Another thing she advised us to do is find an accompanist right away so that you can start rehearsing and building that relationship. As for management, she advices that you don't get a manager until you are absolutely unable to manage yourself. She thinks getting a manager as a young singer is a good idea, once you really need the help. She told us to have someone to do your taxes, because when you get really busy, lots of things can distract you, and you can end up being really disorganized. Have a binder of each W2, and find a bank account that works for you and your needs, and stick with it. She advised us to know whom we are moving in with before we move to NYC, and only move in with someone you know will be a good room mate. She shared some of her horror stories that she has heard or experienced, and it really made me think twice about whom I will live with, since I had not thought about that before! She even recommended the "Stiverson Condos" in Brooklyn, which she knows is a good place to move into because the prices are decent and so is the living quality. This was very helpful. She recommended that we live in walking distance to the subway if we can, for obvious reasons.
Jana also discussed with us how to make a brand out of yourself. She explained first that creating a website for yourself is crucial. Have your five arias on there that you recorded, so that people who look you up can hear you. Do recitals, and make sure they are recorded so you can put them on your website for people to hear. If you want, your website can have both musical theatre and opera on there. You should have headshots she said, to which she recommended a printing company next to the public library called "reproductions." She said they did a great job with her headshots. The headshot should be in color, and should have your name on it. She also discussed auditions, which was very practical and important to me. First, she said to pick arias that are perfect in your voice, don't pick arias just because they are popular. For auditioning attire, wear a dress with no belt, and something that is flowy, looks good with your figure, and a vibrant color if you want to stand out. You should have a face full of makeup, and she wears a pointy toed shoe because that is what looks the most sharp, she thinks. You should never wear a full gown for auditions, as you will look like a total diva, she said. For a dance audition, you should still look nice, modest, and still wear makeup. Do not wear heels, as you will be very uncomfortable. She wears a non black leotard to grab attention, and character shoes or tap shoes.
She also stressed the importance of doing summer programs, and doing lots of auditions to get experience and get your voice out there. She gave us names of good programs, such as Karamores program and Glimmerglass. Jana advised us to not waste money on huge programs, and to make sure that we are not going to be in debt from a summer program. She also gave us names of websites that we should be on, such as yaptracker and playbill. As for finding a voice teacher, she recommended Mark Oswald, who charges 200 dollars a lesson and 100 dollars a vocal coaching. Although this is a little more pricey, she says that he is the best in the business and is totally worth the price.
For health regimen, she advised us to get an ears nose and throat doctor for vocal health. She gets lots of sleep, gets help for her acid reflux, and drinks lots of water (without ice, she advised us).
One thing she gave us advice about that really stuck with me, is that it will be a long time before you get work, in general. The emphasis on patience is great, and you have to really love what you are doing. This is very important to me, and a theme that I noticed developing on this trip. Jana and I have kept in contact through email and I am so glad that I have gotton the chance to meet with her. Even though my plans did not work out and I was super disappointed, I got to meet with someone really great and knowledgeable! I am very grateful, and plan on keeping her as a contact for as long as I can.
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