Introductions

Hey everybody! I’m David. This is a blog about my new journey from being a professional opera singer to a (hopefully!) professional voice actor. I appreciate you — whomever you may be — for taking the time to read this and come along this new path with me.

Although, my website isn’t really complete or maybe not even live yet, so thanks for looking back to see where this all started!!

Just a bit about me for now. I began taking voice lessons in 7th grade and fell in love with choral singing. As I continued to study and develop my voice through high school, I knew I wanted to pursue singing in college. I then went to Furman University (F U ALL THE TIME!) and graduated with a bachelors in vocal performance. During that time, my love moved to opera.

I got my masters in vocal performance at UNC Greensboro and began doing summer training programs. After graduating, I continued my studies at UNC School of the Arts. A family tragedy occurred that derailed my performing and I began teaching soon after.

I decided to pursue my doctorate at the University of Michigan (GO BLUE!). During my time there, my performing aspirations returned and, while completing my DMA, joined the Ryan Opera Center at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. In the years that followed, I worked as a free-lance opera singer around the country.

Due to many circumstances — career, family, and emotional — I decided to stop traveling and performing a few years ago. It was a difficult transition, leaving that part of my life behind. My relationship with singing and, in particular, my voice became complicated. I got my real estate license to help support my family.

But, the lack of a creative outlet ate away at me. I felt compelled to use my voice again. To my surprise, it wasn’t as a singer. I was pulled in the direction of voice acting.

So, here I am!

I’ve been practicing for the last month or so, studying as much as I can, and rebuilding, but also reinventing my voice. Voice over is quite a different animal than opera singing.

Again, thank you for reading. Welcome to From Stage to Studio!

Well, I guess it’s more From Stage to Walk-In Closet. At least for the time being :)