Practical Advice from Renée

Last week, Renée Fleming participated in an online answer/question series via Reddit. Besides it being downright fun and Renée got to show off some of her sense of humor, she shared some really practical advice that I'm taking - you don't have to be a singer to put this to practical use:

Hi Renee! I am a young mezzo currently applying for grad school and I’m thrilled that you are doing this AMA! How did you keep yourself motivated at the transitional points of your career? What are the most important things to remember when competitions, auditions, and applications seem endless?

ReneeFleming:  5 days ago take a piece of paper, and dream.... imagine your career if it was what you wanted, in ten years, twenty.... and then imagine the steps you will have to take to get there - are you making yourself special in terms of repertoire, in terms even more importantly, of personality when you enter an audition... and your image - is it together? it's a very competitive world right now

Read all of the questions with Renée's answers online by clicking here.

Meanwhile, just because I have to watch it over and over again, here's Renée's contribution to David Letterman's Top Ten List. It's not her first time on that stage but it's probably her most unexpected appearance.