Over the past four months, I have had to find ways to adapt the skills that I gained from my musical education to try and secure work during Lockdown to replace the operatic work that I lost due to the pandemic. I was very lucky to gain a role in a company for customer relationship management.
The work that I undertake for them is mainly carried on the phone building connections with customers. My key task is to understand the needs of their customers and predict future solutions that they may encounter under the current pandemic circumstances. I can directly use my planning and organisational skills acquired during my musical training. I quite enjoy talking to people on the phone, especially during the stricter times of Lockdown dealing with lots of different personalities and it has made me much more confident when handling issues over the phone.
This job has been particularly wonderful as I can complete the work from anywhere that gives me access to the internet. As well as the position being workplace flexible, the hours allow me to maintain my practise and stay focused on my singing goals and projects. This has enabled me to continue studying German and collaborate with my colleagues and opera companies to create virtual concerts and performances.
I am due to join Prince’s Garden preparatory School as an independent music tutor in September and I am really looking forward to be joining the teaching faculty there for one-to-one lessons with their pupils.
Fingers crossed that as the theatres and concert venues start to reopen, I can pick up new performance contracts whilst having the security provided by these flexible positions for which I am really grateful.