77: Balancing Your Performance and Teaching Careers

It's been a while, Modern Singers! I am so excited to be back and sharing more with you all. We're starting out 2026 strong with a warm-up series that I use in ALL of my classes. Whether you're getting ready for an audition, class, or just working on strengthening your voice, this one's for you!Let’s get social:⁠Follow us on social media⁠⁠Search our website⁠⁠Check out our Shop⁠⁠Follow Alyssa

The start of a new school year is so exciting. New teachers, new colleagues, new goals, and a NEW planner! Keep track of all in-person and virtual happenings in our Modern Academic Planner. Specifically designed for vocal majors and teachers, this planner targets your singer-specific needs to keep you organized all year! All of the pages in this 53-page planner are undated so you can re-use them every year. Use it digitally or print it out and stick it in your music bag. Resources: Modern Academic Planner Let’s get social: Support the podcast Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Alyssa Follow Brennan Follow Ellen

As performers who teach, there is so much going on. From balancing your schedule to maintaining your energy levels, a lot goes into every single day! Today, Alyssa and Brennan talk about the top 3 things they’ve learned as teachers so far! Resources: Download the Voice Studio Contract Template 70: The Voice Studio Template 64: 15 things I learned in my first semester as a college professor Let’s get social: Support the podcast Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Alyssa Follow Brennan Follow Ellen

Social media is a whirlwind to tackle on your own. From algorithms to follower counts all the way down to the content itself…what do you do to keep it working for you? This week, Alyssa and Brennan talk about how they use their personal social media accounts to spread the joy of what they do and how they spend their lives! Resources: Social Media Workbook Branding Workbook Let’s get social: Support the podcast  Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Alyssa Follow Brennan Follow Ellen

So many companies nowadays are doing both opera and musical theater. How do you make yourself more marketable and desirable? By doing BOTH! This week, Alyssa and Brennan talk about their shared history as cross-over artists from the beginning. What are you waiting for? Find your next favorite piece today!Resources:Check out last summer’s Rep Series!38 - Standard Opera Rep39 - Musical Theater40 - Obscure Operas41 - Contemporary American Operas42 - Putting it all togetherLet’s get social:Support the podcastFollow us on social mediaSearch our websiteCheck out our ShopFollow AlyssaFollow BrennanFollow Ellen

Networking is something business majors learn but it isn’t really talked about in your standard music education program. We have to meet so many people that it can be overwhelming to figure out how to start growing your professional network. Make networking a breeze by using our Networking Tracker! This week, Ellen and Alyssa break down how to utilize this digital tool. Resources: Download your own Networking Tracker Let’s get social: Support the podcast Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Alyssa Follow Brennan Follow Ellen

Living out of a suitcase can be incredibly difficult. As contracts can take us all over the world, knowing what to pack for performances, comfort, personal items, and health care is incredibly important! This week, Alyssa and Brennan talk all about their packing essentials. Resources: Alyssa’s Epsom Salt recommendation Hatch Sunrise Alarm  Let’s get social: Support the podcast Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Alyssa Follow Brennan Follow Ellen

A singer’s job application looks different than most. We have to fill out forms and then submit tapes and dance and all of the things just to see if we get chosen for the second round of callbacks. This week, Alyssa and Brennan break down how they find jobs and connect with agents to do so. Resources: Networking Tracker Let’s get social: Support the podcast  Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Alyssa Follow Brennan Follow Ellen

When it comes to self-tapes and cold emailing, Alyssa and Brennan are VERY experienced. A lot of the job that we do is applying and auditioning…but how do you start? This week, Alyssa and Brennan talk all about what they put into a self-tape and cold email to book the dang job! Resources: Networking Tracker “Influence is Your Superpower” by Zoe Chance Let’s get social: Support the podcast Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Alyssa Follow Brennan Follow Ellen

Whether you’re just starting out or want to revamp your voice studio, use our easy contract template to create your own. Just download the template, plug in your information, and it’s ready to use! Resources: Voice Studio Template Let’s get social: Support the podcast  Follow us on social media Search our website Check out our Shop Follow Ellen Follow Alyssa