A singer’s journey isn’t always as smooth as a legato phrase. The struggle is real — and for many beginner singers, the lows can feel so discouraging that they eventually give up on their dream of singing in front of an audience.

Deirdre Lobo, however, is proof that persistence pays off. With an exceptional 40-year career as a professional concert singer and vocal coach, she has navigated the highs and lows of the industry to build a fulfilling, well-rounded professional portfolio that has truly seen it all.

Facing the Fear:
The First Performance at Fifteen

It all starts with a single step. Like many who feel intimidated by an audience, Deirdre had to face her fear head-on. At 15, the young singer participated in a Christmas singing competition that changed everything.

“As a shy child, my late mother asked if I wanted to participate, and I said yes,” Deirdre recalls. “I was all nerves, but I faced my fear — and walked away with the Rolling Trophy. That experience gave me the courage to perform publicly. After that, I began competing frequently, winning most competitions in Bombay.”

Vocal Training and Music Education

With her new-found confidence, Deirdre pursued formal education in music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the Philippines.

“I always thought I would be a performing artist for the rest of my life,” she says, “but things changed when I returned home after my degree.”
Determined to go further, she moved to the United States to earn a Master of Music degree (Vocal Performance) from the University of Colorado. Leaving the comfort of Mumbai was a leap into the unknown — and life in America came with challenges, including financial struggles.

“I had to make ends meet during my Master’s degree. My parents could only cover the first year. I survived on my own — waiting tables, working in the cafeteria, and in the library — but I didn’t give up,” she shares.

Carving An International Singing Career

That determination paid off. Deirdre has since performed in over 100 concerts worldwide, showcasing a repertoire that spans Western Classical, Pop, Broadway, World Music, and Fusion.

One of her early career highlights came in 1988, when she was featured as a soloist for Handel’s Messiah with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under Dr. Francisco Feliciano — the only non-Filipino performing alongside a full Filipino cast.

Over the years, she has been a soloist with numerous orchestras and choirs, including the Manila Chamber Orchestra, Bombay Chamber Orchestra, Symphony of India Chamber Orchestra, Paranjoti Chorus, Stop-Gaps Chorus, Cantata Choir, Viva la Musica, and San Antonio Chorus, among many others.

Her never-give-up attitude has carried her through professional and personal challenges — including job losses and the eventual closure of her music studio and flagship program, DCVT.

“In 2005, I started teaching and performing full-time,” she says. “Before that, I juggled rehearsals in the evenings and shows on weekends. When I launched my in-person studio, I was also working as a drama director at my son’s school.”

Today, Deirdre continues to inspire singers around the world through her online coaching business. She uses social media not just to market her work, but to offer vocal tips, fresh perspectives, and interactive workshops that connect with students across continents.

Lessons for Aspiring Singers

A singer’s life is not without hurdles — but Deirdre’s story is a testament to resilience, lifelong learning, and staying true to one’s passion.
For singers entering the industry, she offers this advice:

• Prepare for the struggle. The early years are often the hardest, but they build resilience.
  
• Develop the right mindset. Persistence and a willingness to grow are essential.
  
• Master your craft and business skills. Technique and industry know-how create a sustainable career.
  
• Sing widely. Performing a broad repertoire helps you find and unleash your true voice.
  Above all, she reminds young artists that a singer’s journey is about more than the spotlight — it’s about sharing the gift of music with the world.