9 answers
Josiah
Student
Sabetha, Kansas
11
Questions
Asked
2410 views
Piano Professor + Opera Singer?
Is it possible for me to be a piano professor with all the duties that come with that career (teaching, planning, office hours, performing, doing other side-gig type things, etc.) and also have a serious, yet part-time opera career? I know having a role in an opera requires you to be available for 3-6 weeks of rehearsals during the day, so how could I make that work while also teaching at a college? Is it even possible?
Login to comment
9 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Josiah !
You have two very admirable and exciting career interests and I would be happy to share some advice. You appear to have accurate insight and I will hopefully reassure you about what you may be concerned with.
Unfortunately, there would be no way to have a professional opera performing career at the same time also be a university professor. The reason for this is that both of these careers require a very heavy and focused commitment, being available for more than meets the eye. The standard schedules to be a university professor and being an opera singer would greatly conflict as you probably already realize.
Also, both careers take a lot of time and applying, interviewing and singing auditions in order to obtain the work so you would have to dedicate very much time to either on the path there. You also would need to heavily socialize increasing your presence in either the opera community or academia, and that means in person, not online. Your days would be filled with either career pursuit. Professors of Music are especially competitive and Opera is not part time. You would also have social events to attend, traveling, touring, performances and presentations and you just wouldn't have time to do both at the same time or even have the stamina.
So, is there a compromise ? There is a compromise but it may not be what you have in mind or may be inspiration to do both. It's not exactly like having a rich, full career in Opera or in Academia, but think about this alternative. You can consider becoming a teacher in elementary, junior high and high school (which may even be easier to obtain) and also do community based opera or light opera or musicals at night in the community but with the possibility that you wouldn't get paid for doing community based opera/performances. (Community theatre/opera is usually unpaid, it's not regional theatre - you get paid doing regional theatre, so I just wanted to clarify that). My ultimate advice would be to choose either being a University Professor or becoming an Opera singer so that you can become an expert in one field of work. In the end it's up to you to decide what is best for you based on your circumstances.
I hope that this informs you a bit and that you give yourself some time to make a decision that you would love. I wish you all the best in your exploring these two careers further !
You have two very admirable and exciting career interests and I would be happy to share some advice. You appear to have accurate insight and I will hopefully reassure you about what you may be concerned with.
Unfortunately, there would be no way to have a professional opera performing career at the same time also be a university professor. The reason for this is that both of these careers require a very heavy and focused commitment, being available for more than meets the eye. The standard schedules to be a university professor and being an opera singer would greatly conflict as you probably already realize.
Also, both careers take a lot of time and applying, interviewing and singing auditions in order to obtain the work so you would have to dedicate very much time to either on the path there. You also would need to heavily socialize increasing your presence in either the opera community or academia, and that means in person, not online. Your days would be filled with either career pursuit. Professors of Music are especially competitive and Opera is not part time. You would also have social events to attend, traveling, touring, performances and presentations and you just wouldn't have time to do both at the same time or even have the stamina.
So, is there a compromise ? There is a compromise but it may not be what you have in mind or may be inspiration to do both. It's not exactly like having a rich, full career in Opera or in Academia, but think about this alternative. You can consider becoming a teacher in elementary, junior high and high school (which may even be easier to obtain) and also do community based opera or light opera or musicals at night in the community but with the possibility that you wouldn't get paid for doing community based opera/performances. (Community theatre/opera is usually unpaid, it's not regional theatre - you get paid doing regional theatre, so I just wanted to clarify that). My ultimate advice would be to choose either being a University Professor or becoming an Opera singer so that you can become an expert in one field of work. In the end it's up to you to decide what is best for you based on your circumstances.
I hope that this informs you a bit and that you give yourself some time to make a decision that you would love. I wish you all the best in your exploring these two careers further !
Jane West
Science teacher, virtual assistant
2
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Jane’s Answer
If opera is truly part of who you are, don’t give it up, but build your piano professorship in a way that allows space for it. Many professors successfully balance both by being strategic, they choose schools that value performance, communicate openly about professional projects, and plan their semesters carefully.
Be realistic ,you can’t do every opera that comes your way, but one or two thoughtfully chosen productions a year can keep your singing career alive and even strengthen your teaching. Your students will benefit from seeing you actively perform at a professional level.
Choose flexibility over overload.
Don’t apologize for being both an artist and a teacher.
Let each side feed the other, your artistry inspires your students, and your teaching gives your performing depth.
It’s hard work, but absolutely possible and deeply rewarding when done with balance.
Be realistic ,you can’t do every opera that comes your way, but one or two thoughtfully chosen productions a year can keep your singing career alive and even strengthen your teaching. Your students will benefit from seeing you actively perform at a professional level.
Choose flexibility over overload.
Don’t apologize for being both an artist and a teacher.
Let each side feed the other, your artistry inspires your students, and your teaching gives your performing depth.
It’s hard work, but absolutely possible and deeply rewarding when done with balance.
Priyanka Olikshetri
Real Estate Agent and Social Media Marketing Manager
4
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Priyanka’s Answer
It's possible, but you'd need to be very realistic about what that balance would look like. Being a piano professor is already a full-time commitment with teaching, grading, meetings, and sometimes administrative work, so adding an opera career on top of that would make your schedule extremely tight. Some people do manage it, but usually only because they work in supportive environments that value their performing careers or because they teach at institutions that allow flexible schedules or reduced loads.
The truth is, you'd have to accept that something would always be a bit compromised , either your availability for students, your performance preparation, or your personal time. You'd need strong organization skills and the ability to handle stress without burning out. It's not impossible, but it's rare to sustain both at a high level for long periods without some trade-offs. If performing is truly essential to you, you might consider teaching at a smaller load or part-time, so you can keep both passions alive without overwhelming yourself.
The truth is, you'd have to accept that something would always be a bit compromised , either your availability for students, your performance preparation, or your personal time. You'd need strong organization skills and the ability to handle stress without burning out. It's not impossible, but it's rare to sustain both at a high level for long periods without some trade-offs. If performing is truly essential to you, you might consider teaching at a smaller load or part-time, so you can keep both passions alive without overwhelming yourself.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Josiah,
That's a great question, and it's good that you're already considering combining two artistic interests! In fact, it is possible to teach piano and pursue a part-time career in opera, but doing so requires careful preparation, open communication, and a clear awareness of your professional boundaries.
A large number of music teachers at the university level are also performing. In fact, universities often respect instructors who maintain their artistic interests since it enhances their reputation and teaching. Choosing the right institution and being open about your creative commitments are important.
At a university or arts center with a strong performance culture, your instructors would probably expect you to keep up an active performance portfolio. Operas and other professional engagements raise your profile. You may simply need to work with the academic calendar or work out a flexible schedule for rehearsal times.
Here are some practical tips:
- Make a strategic schedule: Opera rehearsal seasons coincide well with the majority of academic breaks, whether they be winter, summer, or in between terms.
- Early communication is key: If you are cast in an opera, work with your department chair to modify course schedules or manage teaching coverage.
- Start locally or regionally: You may balance both worlds and save down on travel time by performing with local opera companies.
- Make use of your dual talents: your skill with the piano can be used as an accompanist or rehearsal coach, creating an effective connection between your teaching and performance jobs.
It is challenging, but it is completely achievable. Many academics are successful at leading this "dual-artist" lifestyle. The key is creating a work schedule that allows you to maintain your creative and academic personalities without becoming burned out.
Maintaining both interests can benefit your pupils greatly. A professor who sets a good example in the classroom and on stage will inspire them.
Best wishes!
That's a great question, and it's good that you're already considering combining two artistic interests! In fact, it is possible to teach piano and pursue a part-time career in opera, but doing so requires careful preparation, open communication, and a clear awareness of your professional boundaries.
A large number of music teachers at the university level are also performing. In fact, universities often respect instructors who maintain their artistic interests since it enhances their reputation and teaching. Choosing the right institution and being open about your creative commitments are important.
At a university or arts center with a strong performance culture, your instructors would probably expect you to keep up an active performance portfolio. Operas and other professional engagements raise your profile. You may simply need to work with the academic calendar or work out a flexible schedule for rehearsal times.
Here are some practical tips:
- Make a strategic schedule: Opera rehearsal seasons coincide well with the majority of academic breaks, whether they be winter, summer, or in between terms.
- Early communication is key: If you are cast in an opera, work with your department chair to modify course schedules or manage teaching coverage.
- Start locally or regionally: You may balance both worlds and save down on travel time by performing with local opera companies.
- Make use of your dual talents: your skill with the piano can be used as an accompanist or rehearsal coach, creating an effective connection between your teaching and performance jobs.
It is challenging, but it is completely achievable. Many academics are successful at leading this "dual-artist" lifestyle. The key is creating a work schedule that allows you to maintain your creative and academic personalities without becoming burned out.
Maintaining both interests can benefit your pupils greatly. A professor who sets a good example in the classroom and on stage will inspire them.
Best wishes!
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Josiah,
It is definitely possible to be both a Piano Professor and a Opera Singer. It mostly depends on the time that you are able to give for both of them, how other factors like money/lifestyle are important to you and how much you are willing to sacrifice personally. If you are passionate about doing both then go for it because you don't want to live life knowing you didn't try to do both. Chase after what you are passionate about and everything will work how it is supposed to!
It is definitely possible to be both a Piano Professor and a Opera Singer. It mostly depends on the time that you are able to give for both of them, how other factors like money/lifestyle are important to you and how much you are willing to sacrifice personally. If you are passionate about doing both then go for it because you don't want to live life knowing you didn't try to do both. Chase after what you are passionate about and everything will work how it is supposed to!
Michelle Engleman
Stage Manager
1
Answer
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
George, I have opera colleagues that make having a teaching role & singing in concerts and production work.
The main juggling point is outside of classroom responsibilities & time constraints of the teaching position + size & schedule of singing roles. It requires flexibility at the teaching position & the company you sing with.
Good luck!
The main juggling point is outside of classroom responsibilities & time constraints of the teaching position + size & schedule of singing roles. It requires flexibility at the teaching position & the company you sing with.
Good luck!
George Kaye
Singer
10
Answers
Boynton Beach, Florida
Updated
George’s Answer
Teach piano privately at night and weekends
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
It is possible to balance a career as a piano professor and a part-time opera singer. As a piano professor, your primary duties will include teaching students, preparing lessons, holding office hours, and potentially performing. These responsibilities can be demanding, but they usually follow a regular schedule, often based around the academic calendar. If you're teaching at a college, there are specific terms or semesters when you'll have breaks between teaching periods, and this could give you some flexibility to pursue opera roles.
Opera rehearsals can indeed take up a lot of time. However, many opera companies understand the challenges of balancing a professional career and may offer some flexibility with rehearsal schedules or part-time roles that allow you to fit them around other commitments.
To make this work, you may need to be strategic with your teaching load and consider part-time or adjunct positions. This would allow you to reduce your teaching hours while still maintaining a steady income. Another option could be to work as a freelance piano professor, which would give you more control over your schedule. Good luck!
Opera rehearsals can indeed take up a lot of time. However, many opera companies understand the challenges of balancing a professional career and may offer some flexibility with rehearsal schedules or part-time roles that allow you to fit them around other commitments.
To make this work, you may need to be strategic with your teaching load and consider part-time or adjunct positions. This would allow you to reduce your teaching hours while still maintaining a steady income. Another option could be to work as a freelance piano professor, which would give you more control over your schedule. Good luck!
George F Spicka
Compose Music \ Play Jazz Piano \ Curator of Paleontology
27
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
George F’s Answer
Hi Josiah,
I think it may come down to how much time and energy you can put into it.
I know of three people who have two Ph. Ds each, so theoretically it can be done.
I would check with academic and career advisors, and talk with anyone who is already doing something like that
George
I think it may come down to how much time and energy you can put into it.
I know of three people who have two Ph. Ds each, so theoretically it can be done.
I would check with academic and career advisors, and talk with anyone who is already doing something like that
George