Learning from experience: exploring the wellbeing of professional opera singers

Abstract

In this pilot study, 46 professional opera singers were surveyed, exploring their physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. While most of the participants in this study were American, the other participants included South Africans, Canadians and Germans. Of the 46 participants, 24 were female and 22 male. Professional singers provided pertinent advice to aspiring singers so that they could make informed decisions when considering a career as an opera singer. Data collected through both quantitative and qualitative methods indicated that pursuing a career as an opera singer is indeed viable. Most of the singers surveyed, however, did not only perform as their main career focus. Many of the participants also taught singing to supplement their income. Financially, the majority of this sample regarded themselves as comfortable. Physical and psychological ailments were minimal and the reported instances of ailments were treatable.