The brain-child of Ruth, The Network: VOCAL came about as I saw my friends, colleagues and students all making the same searches online for schools, summer schools, competitions and information, and becoming frustrated in the process. While there were many platforms that focus on graduates and professionals who are looking for work, there were no online platforms or forums for young singers to hel
p them make informed decisions about their study and career choices, or where they could meet other young singers, ask advice, and make connections. I thought: why do thousands of students have to spend hours each year doing the same searches, isn’t there a better way? I couldn’t do it alone though, so with the help of my long-time friend, Emma, we started the mammoth task of building a platform with all the information young singers need in one place. From my years working and speaking with vocal students, teachers and schools all over the world, I have seen and heard from many disillusioned singers who, after graduation, were not fully aware of what the industry asks of them and how they should have prepared for it. Many schools do not offer career skills courses, even fewer think it necessary for you to start preparing for it from your first year, but if you don’t know what options you have, or which steps to take, how will you focus your education to get there? As passionate advocate for peer-learning, and the development of autonomy, I wanted to create a safe space to help you help yourself which is all designed on a student-friendly budget. Learn to shape your own future by making informed decisions.
