They say if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans. I auditioned for the University of Michigan School of Music Theatre & Dance on a trivial weekend in February 2015. This was the fourth of five grad school auditions. I’d flown to Ann Arbor in a cute peacoat and soon found out that this was a horrible, horrible outfit decision. Upon arrival, I was greeted by 15 inches of snow. The school had canceled classes for the first time in years and there was a slight possibility that the audition could be delayed or even rescheduled.

Anyone who knows me knows I don’t mess with the cold. At the end of every day I’m usually snuggled in some soft warm pajamas’s, a robe and fuzzy blankets. The snow was beyond ridiculous and the sweaters and coats I’d packed were more for southern cold, not northern lake-effect cold. Beyond the weather, I was struck that weekend with tough news that my great uncle Chuck had suddenly passed away. He himself was a music lover, radio host in Gary, Indiana, and such a warm person in my family. Hearing this somber news didn’t help me embrace all things Maize and Blue. I decided to dedicate the audition to my uncle and just sing my heart out with no expectations………because at that point University of Michigan was out of the running.

Even though I was really happy with my audition, I just knew I was NOT coming to Michigan. I was tired, cold and just not feeling it. The weekend before, I’d auditioned at the University of Southern California and already decided it was where my mind and body were most happy.

Now, after experiencing two pivotal years at Michigan, I know that not every season of life is designed to make us comfortable.

Despite being accepted into USC, they offered me no funding. Similarly, I was accepted into the New England Conservatory, but the factors weren’t adding up and I didn’t have peace about either school. To make matters more complicated, I was originally waitlisted at University of Michigan. I prayed for wisdom and after weeks of patience was taken off of the waitlist and offered a generous scholarship to attend. I was headed to Ann Arbor, the last place I thought I’d be lol. I stocked up on warm sweaters, socks and thermal blankets and prepared myself for the two year journey.

For me, grad school was very much a season of refinement. I encountered several challenges along the way, but also moments of great satisfaction and growth. I’ve gleaned several things from the rewarding journey.

Lessons Learned 

1. God’s plans are always better than what we could imagine for ourselves. My first year was tough. I wasn’t cast in any of the opera’s and sometimes felt like I was just in the practice room every day with no stage. Looking back, I needed that time to get to know my voice and artistic identity in a more intimate way. Then, that summer I was accepted into the Aspen Music Festival. At Aspen I studied with the teacher I would’ve studied with had I gone to USC…..for free! It’s crazy how things come full circle right?!
2. Vocal beauty is important, but communicative beauty is also incredibly valuable. I learned so much about not just singing, but the power of using language and my own body to say something powerful.
3. Asking for regular honest feedback is key. Receiving clarity and direction from trusted ears really helped me understand my technique and the business in a better way. As as a singer I’m first and foremost a student. The voice is dynamic so there’s always something more to learn.
4. Someday I do want to teach. My vocal pedagogy course was really fun. Understanding the voice on an anatomical level is really coolllllllllll!
5. At some point, you must be your own biggest fan. Not everyone will cheer your on and that’s okay. What matters most is believing in your own abilities and appreciating the uniqueness of what you have to offer.
6. Buying a parka and Sorrell boots makes the the winter easier to endure.
7. Ann Arbor is an incredible foodie town! Good food = a better existence.
8. Having genuine support from close friends and family is crucial for success. I can’t count how many calls I’ve made to my best friends, boyfriend and parents throughout my time at Michigan. They offered practical, funny and gracious advice over the two years.
9. In this industry, and in life in general, you don’t always get what you “deserve.” Rejection is inevitable, bias is a reality and sulking can’t become a habit. I’ve definitely experienced more no’s than yes’s. Still, I’ve grown to understand the beauty of persistence and the relentless courage that comes with pursuing what I love as an opera singer.
10. All things work together for our good. In my last semester I performed the lead role in the spring opera and even got to sing the national anthem at commencement in Hill Auditorium. I couldn’t image a more rewarding way to end my experience at Michigan.

With all the joys and fleeting moments of frustration, I can honestly say that I now feel stronger and more developed as an artist and person. The lessons I’ve learned in grad school have prepared me for life beyond academia. One day, I hope to apply all that I’ve learned on the stages that I dream about. Until then, I’ll keep practicing and welcome the next phase of life with open arms.

Much Love,

Kayla

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