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Can you actually build a sustainable career in music without selling out or starving?
In this episode, host Safa sits down with classical vocalist, music educator, and Doctor of Musical Arts Dr. Anthony Zwerdling. Anthony breaks down his wild journey—from singing in the San Francisco Boys Chorus at the 1985 Super Bowl to navigating high-stakes classical auditions, earning advanced degrees, and transitioning into an independent singer-songwriter.
They dive deep into:
- The Business Reality: The hard truth about earning a living in modern music and handling constant rejection in auditions.
- Vocal Mechanics & Mind Tricks: Why high-level vocal technique relies on mental imagery, plus a live breakdown of low breathing, resonance, and nasal placement.
- Songwriting Craft: Transitioning from classical opera to acoustic songwriting, featuring live in-studio performances of his original tracks Wishing Well and Full Circle.
Episode Chapter Timestamps:
- 00:00 - Early Music Journey & The '85 Super Bowl
- 02:43 - Dealing with Brutal Audition Rejection
- 03:58 - Samuel Barber Research & DMA Journey
- 07:10 - Can You Actually Make a Living in Music?
- 09:45 - Opera vs. Classical Technique & Vocal Hacks
- 13:35 - Pivoting to Independent Singer-Songwriter
- 19:10 - Live Demo: Vocal Breathing & Resonance
- 21:42 - Live Performance: Wishing Well
- 25:46 - Live Performance: Full Circle
- 31:41 - Where to Find Dr. Anthony Zwerdling
Connect & Resources:
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