Im always on here at the mo but you guys are so helpful - This is great

I am already getting quite a lot of work as a solo artist for concerts, weddings, functions etc so is there any need for me to go to music college?

I am planning to Market myself a lot more but my concern is that even thow I am a very experienced performer that I want to do Opera eventually and can I still get into it without going to music college?

What other routes are there?

I love the fact that im getting work and a good reputation and I dont want to give it up (im 23)

What dya think?

Hi I'm not a professional musician myself but I would have thought it would be in your best interests to go to music college. Firstly you will get access to some really good teaching, secondly there will be lots of people out there trying to break into the music profession who will have been to college you will probably be at a disadvantage if you haven't. Thirdly you will make lots of great contacts at music college which may well help you. You will still be able to keep up some of your performing work that you are doing now whilst you are at college.

Hi linnetbird!

I think music college is a good idea but if you're already getting work as a singer where you are, that's fab!

Just a few ideas:

Ask someone who knows the answer from retrospect, i.e. an opera singer - a bit of initiative and you would get a few conversations with some.

Ask an agent, as they deal with the issues you are considering on a day to day basis (try the phone book).

Ask some people who've been to college - what did they value from it?

College is fantastic, but do you want the whole thing? Can you save time and money and years and effort by getting the bit you want by another means? Is it the contacts? Is it the lessons from a particular teacher? Is it the certificate? Is it the exposure to the history of music? Is it the music theory?

Why not get a few lessons from a teacher from a college - and a few minutes of conversation here and there will give you worlds of perpective on where you're at in their eyes, and on what is best to do about college.

Hope these few ideas help.