Cannot agree more, especially with the sentiment that we are all richer for having taken the journey. I have always enjoyed music, and even now that I'm a practicing lawyer, I sometimes still wonder what might have been had I decided to pursue more serious study of music in college and gone down that road instead. It probably wouldn't have led much of anywhere; but in any event, it doesn't matter. Studying music (even informally), practicing music really is its own reward. And it's still a pretty big part of my life: I sing every week as a bass in church choir, and that alone is a privilege!
'WHY DO I WANT TO DO THIS?" Wow. I really ponder that question quite a lot. I kept gravitate back to singing. I feel like an addict. I feel like that only thing that connects my whole person as one and all and with the spirit is singing. I want to share that feeling... ... with everyone. That euphoric feeling of your spirit & body connecting to the universe, and it opens up, you see that light.......
THANK YOU! I'm a soprano who just turned 30, and I can tell you that my head is buzzing with a million questions about what I should be doing with my life! :)
I'm at a point now in my career where I'm seriously doubting that this is what I want to be doing with my life and listening to you speak keeps me mentally strong and helps me not to give you. You are an absolutely fabulous singer and I can only dream of having a career like yours and remain as human and wonderful as you.
Wow. I had never thought about it that way. By giving yourself permission to walk away you are able to keep at it. I am going to try it, first i just need to get my head around this concept. Sometimes we put so much of ourselves into something that its kind of like, who am I without this? You start to feel burdened by your dream. And that is terrible. Thanks Joyce.
I really appreciate your advice! "You must be your biggest inspiration; nobody will be as passionate about your career as you are; if you're constaintly looking to outside sources to reassure you and lift you up, you'll be disappointed; we all have to find that in ourselves, somehow". Thank you!
it's incredible how these videos of yours come along on my suggestion feed at the exact time, and are about the exact things, that I needed insight for. you've got a great view on this, as you say, unpredictable career. I, along with many others, appreciate you taking the time out to answer questions and give your thoughts... it makes a big difference!
I'm at my first summer program and have been completely overwhelmed by talent. I've never been the big fish in the small pond, always scraping at 4th place, but being here has struck me with stage fright I've never had before. I just swallowed it today, and even though this is the upteenth time I've watched this video, it's still helpful. Thank you for your honesty and musicianship.
Hi Miss DiDonato. I am going to college as a piano performance major and as I have always had a great respect for the work of all musicians, I for some reason have always been drawn to you for inspiration. I just found this video (haha I guess I got here a little late..) and I can now say you are alongside my biggest role models and idols. Your words hold truth as well as accreditation for the livelihoods and professions of all musicians. As I have been having some doubts about what my journey in music will ultimately lead to, this video gave me the reassurance that as long as I keep my drive and passion for the art I try to produce, my journey will be ultimately fulfilling. Thank you so much for this video Miss DiDonato!
Thank you for this vlog - I don't think that young singers are given permission verbally from people such as yourself and other educators enough to be Ok with the journey they are on. In Canada, it seems that only one route is encouraged and celebrated and that's to graduate with a Masters and get into a YAP and then immediately have a career. I think that kind of mentality can be incredibly damaging because as you said - everyone is on a different journey and may lead to different avenues of a musical life and that is more than OK! I feel blessed everyday that my career consists of music in its very many forms. I love to teach, to direct my church choir, while also taking time to fly places for auditions and maybe if I'm lucky sing in one of the Canadian opera houses (which are far and few)..but it means I get to have a home base and make a difference in my local community & to me - that's happiness. Everyone's definition of success is different and we must remember to be kind colleges and educators and encourage ALL avenues of music making. End rant! Thanks for helping spread this important message!
I love this video. This is fantastic, and so true. "I'm sitting in the middle of a dream career and that never, ever escapes me." We can never let our dreams go or we'll lose them forever. Music is NOT easy. It's just as hard as any other career path. We always have to be flexible and learn something new. Musicians: never give up, never give in, never stop learning, and never stop dreaming. It's how we survive.
Thank you so much for this. I'm happy you mentioned that you can give yourself permission to walk away from the 'ride' if it's just not right for you. Sometimes passions change or fizzle out and stop adding value to your life, and it takes a huge amount of courage to walk away, just like it takes courage to keep going. And it does teach you a lot about yourself either way, allowing for a new direction in life.
You have no idea how greatful I am to hear about your stories & thoughts... I'm always thought that 'slow & steady wins the race"(I think I'm a little late on my career path than my singer friends/others(on my age)... Such an inspiration!! Thank you very much!
This is so relevant to everything that's going on in my life and in my colleagues' lives right now. We're all about to graduate from grad school in May and we're all trying to figure out what the next step is. I have shared this with them in hopes that they find as much comfort in this as I did. Thank you so much.
Thank you for this. Your wisdom and insight on life is such an inspiration. In 10 minutes you've shown me a new to see the light in music and life, or to, at least, look past anything obstructing the view.
Thanks so much for this video. I am going through a particularly rough patch right now. I came to singing only 2 years ago from studying classical saxophone for 13 years and suddenly realized opera is where I truly belonged as a musician. I am working on a senior recital in saxophone while trying to figure out what my next steps are as a young singer. Your message that everyone come to this career in their own time was very comforting and is making the final stretch of my undergrad bearable. =)
Joyce: That was my question, and I thank you so much for answering it. I needed to hear a lot of this, and the timing couldn't have been better. I have recently made the decision to walk away, and it's made me quite sad (which may or may not be a total understatement). It's nice to hear that that's okay, you know? That there's no shame or failure in it. Many, many thanks. Rachel
Oh, what beauty in the advice, generosity. There's love there. Thanks, Joyce. I wanted to sing in order to put words to music, and ended up LOVING the process, the feel of it. I will of course (at my age) be lucky to get into an opera chorus. But either way...what JOY!
Thank you for taking the time to do this, it is very generous of you. It is so good to know that ups and downs happen to us all, even to the most talented, such as yourself. It really gives one hope and strength to keep going. Thank you ever so much and god bless you.
Thank you for this. Ir came at the right time. I wish some composer did something similar, because I am lost as to what to do. But I keep at composing, because I love it. Even if I haven't found a way to make it a career yet.
Joyce DiDonato. I am sitting here in Oberlin one tired singer, and I can't TELL you how helpful, informative and inspiring this video was! Popped up on my suggestions at just the perfect time. Keep these up! You are fantastic and this world of opera needs you and LOVES you!! P.s.- I cannot WAIT to start listening to Drama Queens...
@bljoy126 I went through the same thing! I had been studying flute for 10 years when I realized that classical voice was where my heart was leading me. Then my voice teacher forced me into the opera. I'll never look back. I don't know what I would be doing with myself if I had never been in that opera class.
Thank you so much Joyce, It's good to hear this words from a mezzosoprano that I admire so much. When we start to sing, and we feel we're doing it good, we get excited but there is the other side of the issue, and it's not necessarily nice...But well, I'm young and I'll keep trying. My best wishes for you, hope you continue reaping more success, you deserve it. Laura Mezzosoprano- Colombia
Thank you so much for these amazing, introspective and motivational thoughts, Joyce. You are beautiful - your singing, your soul, your entire being! Much love to you and continued success, bella! Love, Holly Phares (in Philly!)
Dzień dobry! I am so happy I met You in the Internet. You every word, every smile and every look, however - You sing some aria on stage (Dejanira - great acting, and of course singing) or You give an interview - always You are true. I wish every music person should be open for a people like You. Your videos teache me very important things - faith. Pozdrawiam z Polski Best wishes form Poland
The answer to the question I had in my mind all day was among the youtube suggestions, how great is that! :) And what a wonderfully useful answer it is
At 4:24 and again at 9:25, you encourage the viewer to "listen to our gut". That reminds me of one of my favorite English* words: borborygmus. Definitely look it up if you want to listen to your gut! Also, someone needs to make a video about how to reignite passion and fascination after it has evaporated or burned out. I doubt that it can be done, I'm sorry to say :-( * It's actually a Greek word.
Hi, I'm a new subscriber. Thank you for what you are saying. I have gotten to a point where I am questioning things and where I am at. The 2 video's I have seen have helped me. -Trevor
You know my honest question/ observation is that it seems to be far more difficult for the up coming generation of singers. There is just a lot more of us. So my question is ... Do you think its possible for someone with drive and talent to NOT make it simply because of numbers?
So we should just stay in bed? lol You are right though, getting out of bed is a risk! Especially when you live in Ireland and it rains CONSTANTLY!!!! It could be summer and you may still catch a cold here!
"...you have to be your biggest inspiration..." -TheYankeediva I really liked this part of her quote. I must understand that I am my greatest source (courage, confident, imagination) that will help me strive for my goals and dreams..... Imma keep it for a looooooonggg timmee. Thank you for sharing this with us! Please check out my vid that title "Be a part of my empowering women's self esteem VIDEOO!" I am looking forward for having many female voices in my video collaboration. Thanks!
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
She is amazing and wise, her beliefs and dreams are connected to life and not the other way around. Respect. Admiration.
Cannot agree more, especially with the sentiment that we are all richer for having taken the journey. I have always enjoyed music, and even now that I'm a practicing lawyer, I sometimes still wonder what might have been had I decided to pursue more serious study of music in college and gone down that road instead. It probably wouldn't have led much of anywhere; but in any event, it doesn't matter. Studying music (even informally), practicing music really is its own reward. And it's still a pretty big part of my life: I sing every week as a bass in church choir, and that alone is a privilege!
'WHY DO I WANT TO DO THIS?" Wow. I really ponder that question quite a lot. I kept gravitate back to singing. I feel like an addict. I feel like that only thing that connects my whole person as one and all and with the spirit is singing. I want to share that feeling... ... with everyone. That euphoric feeling of your spirit & body connecting to the universe, and it opens up, you see that light.......
God Bless this woman! She just made my day!
THANK YOU! I'm a soprano who just turned 30, and I can tell you that my head is buzzing with a million questions about what I should be doing with my life! :)
I love this woman more and more, every interview, every performance, every smile. She just AMAZES me!
I'm at a point now in my career where I'm seriously doubting that this is what I want to be doing with my life and listening to you speak keeps me mentally strong and helps me not to give you. You are an absolutely fabulous singer and I can only dream of having a career like yours and remain as human and wonderful as you.
Wow. I had never thought about it that way. By giving yourself permission to walk away you are able to keep at it. I am going to try it, first i just need to get my head around this concept. Sometimes we put so much of ourselves into something that its kind of like, who am I without this? You start to feel burdened by your dream. And that is terrible. Thanks Joyce.
I really appreciate your advice! "You must be your biggest inspiration; nobody will be as passionate about your career as you are; if you're constaintly looking to outside sources to reassure you and lift you up, you'll be disappointed; we all have to find that in ourselves, somehow". Thank you!
WHOO love the opening with EDITH PIAF!!!!!!!! La Vie En Rose... awesome song...
it's incredible how these videos of yours come along on my suggestion feed at the exact time, and are about the exact things, that I needed insight for. you've got a great view on this, as you say, unpredictable career. I, along with many others, appreciate you taking the time out to answer questions and give your thoughts... it makes a big difference!
C. G. Jung would've called this: synchronicity :)
Thanks for all your thoughts, they were just what I needed to lift me up and trust myself that my musical journey is worthwhile :)
I'm at my first summer program and have been completely overwhelmed by talent. I've never been the big fish in the small pond, always scraping at 4th place, but being here has struck me with stage fright I've never had before. I just swallowed it today, and even though this is the upteenth time I've watched this video, it's still helpful. Thank you for your honesty and musicianship.
Hi Miss DiDonato. I am going to college as a piano performance major and as I have always had a great respect for the work of all musicians, I for some reason have always been drawn to you for inspiration. I just found this video (haha I guess I got here a little late..) and I can now say you are alongside my biggest role models and idols. Your words hold truth as well as accreditation for the livelihoods and professions of all musicians. As I have been having some doubts about what my journey in music will ultimately lead to, this video gave me the reassurance that as long as I keep my drive and passion for the art I try to produce, my journey will be ultimately fulfilling. Thank you so much for this video Miss DiDonato!
Thank you for this vlog - I don't think that young singers are given permission verbally from people such as yourself and other educators enough to be Ok with the journey they are on. In Canada, it seems that only one route is encouraged and celebrated and that's to graduate with a Masters and get into a YAP and then immediately have a career. I think that kind of mentality can be incredibly damaging because as you said - everyone is on a different journey and may lead to different avenues of a musical life and that is more than OK! I feel blessed everyday that my career consists of music in its very many forms. I love to teach, to direct my church choir, while also taking time to fly places for auditions and maybe if I'm lucky sing in one of the Canadian opera houses (which are far and few)..but it means I get to have a home base and make a difference in my local community & to me - that's happiness. Everyone's definition of success is different and we must remember to be kind colleges and educators and encourage ALL avenues of music making. End rant! Thanks for helping spread this important message!
I love this video. This is fantastic, and so true. "I'm sitting in the middle of a dream career and that never, ever escapes me." We can never let our dreams go or we'll lose them forever. Music is NOT easy. It's just as hard as any other career path. We always have to be flexible and learn something new. Musicians: never give up, never give in, never stop learning, and never stop dreaming. It's how we survive.
Yeesh. Even if she weren't one of the finest mezzos of the century she'd be an inspiration. Love from Prairie Village, Joyce!
I teared up watching this. Thank you so much for all of your advice. You are an inspiration, Joyce!
Thank you so much for this. I'm happy you mentioned that you can give yourself permission to walk away from the 'ride' if it's just not right for you. Sometimes passions change or fizzle out and stop adding value to your life, and it takes a huge amount of courage to walk away, just like it takes courage to keep going. And it does teach you a lot about yourself either way, allowing for a new direction in life.
You have no idea how greatful I am to hear about your stories & thoughts... I'm always thought that 'slow & steady wins the race"(I think I'm a little late on my career path than my singer friends/others(on my age)... Such an inspiration!! Thank you very much!
I love her! She is so down to earth and so kind to her fans. Keep up the good work!
This is so relevant to everything that's going on in my life and in my colleagues' lives right now. We're all about to graduate from grad school in May and we're all trying to figure out what the next step is. I have shared this with them in hopes that they find as much comfort in this as I did. Thank you so much.
Thanks Joyce! It is what so many people need to hear!
You're a beautiful person, Joyce. Never stop singing - and talking.
Thank you for this. Your wisdom and insight on life is such an inspiration. In 10 minutes you've shown me a new to see the light in music and life, or to, at least, look past anything obstructing the view.
I love that
Thanks so much for this video. I am going through a particularly rough patch right now. I came to singing only 2 years ago from studying classical saxophone for 13 years and suddenly realized opera is where I truly belonged as a musician. I am working on a senior recital in saxophone while trying to figure out what my next steps are as a young singer. Your message that everyone come to this career in their own time was very comforting and is making the final stretch of my undergrad bearable. =)
Joyce:
That was my question, and I thank you so much for answering it. I needed to hear a lot of this, and the timing couldn't have been better. I have recently made the decision to walk away, and it's made me quite sad (which may or may not be a total understatement). It's nice to hear that that's okay, you know? That there's no shame or failure in it.
Many, many thanks.
Rachel
Oh, what beauty in the advice, generosity. There's love there. Thanks, Joyce. I wanted to sing in order to put words to music, and ended up LOVING the process, the feel of it. I will of course (at my age) be lucky to get into an opera chorus. But either way...what JOY!
Thank you for taking the time to do this, it is very generous of you. It is so good to know that ups and downs happen to us all, even to the most talented, such as yourself. It really gives one hope and strength to keep going. Thank you ever so much and god bless you.
Thank you for this. Ir came at the right time. I wish some composer did something similar, because I am lost as to what to do. But I keep at composing, because I love it. Even if I haven't found a way to make it a career yet.
Thank you for everything you do Joyce. Much love.
Joyce DiDonato. I am sitting here in Oberlin one tired singer, and I can't TELL you how helpful, informative and inspiring this video was! Popped up on my suggestions at just the perfect time. Keep these up! You are fantastic and this world of opera needs you and LOVES you!!
P.s.- I cannot WAIT to start listening to Drama Queens...
Amazing humanity and common sense, she is also a person true to herself and her art.
@bljoy126 I went through the same thing! I had been studying flute for 10 years when I realized that classical voice was where my heart was leading me. Then my voice teacher forced me into the opera. I'll never look back. I don't know what I would be doing with myself if I had never been in that opera class.
Truly needed to watch this video today. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you so much for your insight! Love this and the inspiration! Even as a student I ask these questions all the time and am glad I'm not alone!
Thank you so much Joyce, It's good to hear this words from a mezzosoprano that I admire so much. When we start to sing, and we feel we're doing it good, we get excited but there is the other side of the issue, and it's not necessarily nice...But well, I'm young and I'll keep trying.
My best wishes for you, hope you continue reaping more success, you deserve it.
Laura
Mezzosoprano- Colombia
Thank you so much for these amazing, introspective and motivational thoughts, Joyce. You are beautiful - your singing, your soul, your entire being! Much love to you and continued success, bella! Love, Holly Phares (in Philly!)
WOW - great video! Thank you very much!!
I'm so glad I found your video channel! I'm a big fan of yours, and hearing you talk about this has really raised my spirits. Thanks!
Dzień dobry! I am so happy I met You in the Internet. You every word, every smile and every look, however - You sing some aria on stage (Dejanira - great acting, and of course singing) or You give an interview - always You are true. I wish every music person should be open for a people like You. Your videos teache me very important things - faith.
Pozdrawiam z Polski
Best wishes form Poland
My teacher is my inspiration....
The answer to the question I had in my mind all day was among the youtube suggestions, how great is that! :) And what a wonderfully useful answer it is
Joyce, this is great. Thanks!
Inspiring and insightful thoughts, thumbs up!,
At 4:24 and again at 9:25, you encourage the viewer to "listen to our gut". That reminds me of one of my favorite English* words: borborygmus. Definitely look it up if you want to listen to your gut!
Also, someone needs to make a video about how to reignite passion and fascination after it has evaporated or burned out. I doubt that it can be done, I'm sorry to say :-(
* It's actually a Greek word.
Thanks Joyce! I really appreciate you taking the time to do these videos.
Inspiring! Thankyou for sharing!
Thank you a lot, girl!!
Thank you for sharing this !!!
What a great video, Joyce! I am sending it out to everyone.
Have some foie gras for me in Lyon, O divine one!
xxx,
Elizabeth
What is wrong with the four people that don't like this video?
thank you very much!
Hi, I'm a new subscriber. Thank you for what you are saying. I have gotten to a point where I am questioning things and where I am at. The 2 video's I have seen have helped me.
-Trevor
Your an inspiration to so may people but i cant seem too buy your any CD's of your wonderful voice here in Brisbane Queensland Australia .
I liked that, "things change, Jo!"
love 7:30!
not off base! haha very eloquent and intelligent!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ oh how I’d love you to be my mentor.. like Maya Angelou was for Oprah Winfrey ✨ thank you from the bottom of my HeArt
💛💛💛💛💛
You know my honest question/ observation is that it seems to be far more difficult for the up coming generation of singers. There is just a lot more of us. So my question is ... Do you think its possible for someone with drive and talent to NOT make it simply because of numbers?
So we should just stay in bed? lol You are right though, getting out of bed is a risk! Especially when you live in Ireland and it rains CONSTANTLY!!!! It could be summer and you may still catch a cold here!
... wow, thank you Joyce! ñ_ñ ...
"...you have to be your biggest inspiration..." -TheYankeediva
I really liked this part of her quote. I must understand that I am my greatest source (courage, confident, imagination) that will help me strive for my goals and dreams..... Imma keep it for a looooooonggg timmee. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Please check out my vid that title "Be a part of my empowering women's self esteem VIDEOO!" I am looking forward for having many female voices in my video collaboration.
Thanks!
Do you think as an artist that it is a responsibility to give to the world and not just yourself?
WOW!
💚❤️💜💙💛
@pinkbeachloverable Send her an email on her website "contact" page!
7:30
how do you ask her questions?