Building a Sustainable Music Career:

What do performers like Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Kelly Clarkson, Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Michael Bublé, and Ariana Grande have in common? Besides their exceptional talents, they can sustain prolonged concerts without vocal strain. Mastering vocal techniques and caring for their voices has enabled them to thrive in their careers.

However, achieving longevity as a singer extends beyond technical proficiency. Throughout my three-decade career as a performer and educator, I realized nothing beats being ‘Me.’ Having lived across two continents and three countries, each with its distinct cultural tapestry, I’ve imbibed values of diligence, discipline, humility, a thirst for knowledge, continuous self-improvement, nurturing relationships, and unwavering perseverance in pursuing my dreams.

My late mother, Celia Lobo, India’s only Opera Diva, exemplified this throughout her enduring music career. Balancing her roles as Head for South Asia for the Chemical Bank New York, later as Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Gabriel, India, she was also an exceptional mother and wife. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and humility, attending my masterclasses, is a guiding light for my students today.

Another influential mentor was the late Katherine Sternberg, my teacher during my undergraduate years in Manila. She instilled in me the importance of seizing opportunities, diligently working toward success, and standing out in the competitive music scene. Following her guidance, I achieved recognition as the sole non-Filipino soloist with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra for Handel’s Messiah, performing alongside a Filipino cast at the esteemed Cultural Centre of the Philippines in 1988. From her, I learned the essential elements of structured practice, discipline, striving for excellence, humility, the art of collaboration, and achieving success.

Creating a lasting career in music demands unwavering determination and a willingness to do what it takes to succeed. While the journey is challenging, I’ve broken down key lessons from my extensive experience as a performer and coach, principles that continue to guide me today.

Know Yourself: Self-awareness is crucial for singers. Understand your strengths and weaknesses, and constantly strive to improve. Hard work is non-negotiable, and every effort you invest pays. Embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth—they strengthen and enrich your journey.

Never Stop Learning: Lifelong learning was a cherished value instilled by my late mother. Encourage continuous growth by absorbing podcasts and literature, and attending seminars, masterclasses, and workshops. Stay informed about vocal health, pedagogy, and industry trends. Active participation in performance and teaching associations enhances your professional network.

Prioritize Vocal and Physical Health: Safeguard your instrument—your vocal folds—with meticulous care. Maintain optimal physical health through balanced nutrition and hydration. Singers must avoid foods that trigger acid reflux or post-nasal drip. Adequate rest and mental well-being are equally vital. Incorporate meditation and yoga to relax and strengthen both body and mind.

Continuous Training: Consistent coaching is essential for developing a healthy vocal technique and expressive interpretation. Regular sessions with a skilled voice teacher and interpretation coach refine your skills and elevate your artistry.

Diversify Revenue Streams: Expand beyond traditional methods. Explore opportunities in performance, teaching, directing, recording, and podcasting. Diversification not only enhances income but also broadens your artistic footprint.

Build Your Network: Cultivate relationships within the music community. Engage with local scenes and industry events. Listen actively and learn from peers—it fosters collaboration and opens doors to new opportunities.

Master the Business Side: Balancing creativity with business acumen is pivotal for sustainability. Maintain discipline in managing your career. Embrace setbacks as part of the journey—each rejection paves the way for eventual success. Innovate and explore unconventional avenues to augment your income.

By embracing these principles—knowing yourself, committing to continuous learning, prioritizing health, ongoing training, diversifying revenue, networking effectively, and understanding the business—you pave the path to a resilient and fulfilling music career.