I just returned from a trip to Rome for voice lessons, but I've been living in Berlin now for just over a month and have learned a lot. My German is getting better by the day, which increases my confidence - until I get a piece of mail, that is! I'm starting to navigate the transit system with a bit more ease. I even helped a couple at the airport get to the bus. Google translate continues to aid me in grocery shopping, but I'm getting a handle on how most things read in German.
The main thing I've learned, though, is that the "big" auditions happen in the spring - not the fall. Now, you may be thinking, "Isn't that something you should have known for sure before moving??" The answer is yes. Yes, it is! LOL My original plan was to spend six months learning German and preparing my package - both the vocal and physical one. That is still the plan, but now the big auditions will be a few months later. So instead of gearing up for house auditions, I'll be gearing up for competitions and agent auditions.
In the meantime, I will record some new material to update my website and take gigs as they come. I mentioned that I'll be in Spain for a string of concerts in July (yay!) and I just accepted a small series of concerts singing background vocals for one of Stevie Wonder's artists in Berlin in May. Singing harmonies is so fun, and as a soprano, I rarely get to do it. A big reason for moving to Europe was to be as versatile as possible, so I'm THRILLED about this.
Basically, I'll continue to use the skills I obtained throughout my fundraising career to build relationships, which is how I've gotten all of the work I've gotten so far. And, of course, I'll keep honing my technique, learning and coaching repertoire, and living my best life! Now I'm gearing up for the recital at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in Dunwoody, GA on Sunday, March 24 at 4:00PM. Mark your calendars; I hope to see you there!