Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance
Class of 2020
Interview with Joel:
Give us a brief update on what you've been up to since graduating from JMU. Where else have you studied, and where are you working now?
After graduation, I went right into a Master's in Opera Performance at Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Since graduating, I've been performing locally in Boston with companies such as Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Opera Collaborative, White Snake Projects, and Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra. I spent two amazing summers up in the Adirondacks as an emerging artist with Seagle Festival, and have also ventured to Western New York to sing with Chautauqua Opera's Outreach program (where I was directed by JMU's very own Joshua Borths! Small world!). When I'm not singing, I'm giving tours at the Sam Adams Boston Brewery, spending time with my amazing partner and friends, or making a delicious home cooked meal.
What are some of your career highlights and accomplishments from the last few years? What are you most proud of?
I think my greatest accomplishment so far has honestly been keeping my head up in an industry that's pretty difficult to break into. I'm grateful for all the fulfilling opportunities I've had, especially singing the baritone solo in Vaughn Williams' Fantasia on Christmas Carols with The Boston Pops at Symphony Hall. Besides singing in such a grand space with world-class musicians, what made it the most special was that at JMU I sang the same piece in the choir with my voice teacher, Kevin McMillan, as the soloist.
What aspects of your education and career post-JMU were surprising to you? What struggles and/or questions did you not anticipate?
I feel like I'm constantly being surprised by pursuing a performance career, but a few things definitely stand out. During my graduate studies at Boston Conservatory, we took a class all about the logistical aspects of being a musician, including resume and CV workshops, grant writing, giving a pre-concert lecture, writing program notes, and creating a website. I didn't realize how business oriented I'd have to be as a performer, and I'm so glad I have these skills to market and advocate for myself. Another realization that I constantly have is that there are so many different paths you can take with the skills you learn in music school. I've used my organization and time-management skills to serve as an academic coach in higher education, and my performance experience to give entertaining tours at a brewery. I wouldn't have been able to take on these jobs without my artistic training!
How did JMU prepare you for both your continued music education and your ongoing performance career?
JMU laid a super solid foundation that I've built my continued education and career on. I owe so much of my vocal development and role preparation skills to the amazing faculty in the music school. Securing the fundamentals of voice and diction at JMU allowed me to really focus on my technique and characterization in my master's. I know theory and ear training can be tough, but it does actually come in handy, especially when I'm quickly learning new music and analyzing a score!
What advice would you give to current JMU students who are studying for a career in music?
Keep an open mind, always be prepared, and HAVE FUN! The path to securing my goals so far has been pretty unpredictable at times, but it has led me to some of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. We're always growing and changing as vocalists and artists, so it's important to put your best foot forward so you can traverse these changes as gracefully as possible. Putting in the work ahead of time, especially for a role, will allow you to let go and have fun when you're getting a production on its feet. Don't forget to explore and use all the amazing resources JMU has to offer! Peruse the library for some exciting new repertoire, find a faculty member to look over your resume, or just enjoy some relaxation in the oasis. Lastly, GO DUKES!
