What I Gained From Opera Roanoke

I started my administrative apprenticeship in mid-June with Opera Roanoke in hopes of gaining new experiences, relationships, and ultimately a bachelor degree in music business. Now that it's completed, I thought I would wrap up my blog and give you an overall perspective of my time there.

If you have been reading and keeping up with my posts, I think you already have an idea of what my experiences were like. If you haven't been reading, well, the posts are still there... Anyway, I truly value the skills I obtained at Opera Roanoke. I've talked about them previously, but let's recap, shall we?

From day one, and throughout the two months there, I was organizing. I went through filing cabinets, storage closets, desks, and more closets. Just like anything else, the more you do it, the easier it gets. I organized so much that it inspired me to get myself more organized. Now I make sure everything is in my planner (even during the summer) and in folders (thanks Liz, it really does work).

I learned not too put too many documents in an electric hole punch or a shredder. We've all been there. I think this one is self-explanatory.

I only did a few, but deposits are apart of everyday transactions for a business (we hope) whether it be nonprofit or for-profit. I learned quickly that money isn't deposited without the proper paper trail and records. They have to go through accounting and be filed correctly. Artists and musicians particularly may not realize this, but might need to at some point. This is an example of how an office job isn't as common sense as it may seem.

Spinning wheels. Don't get them wet or feed them after midnight.

At Opera Roanoke, I was able to further my communication skills. Being in meetings and having to carry myself in conversation with patrons and board members challenged me in my abilities. I had good communication skills before I started, but now I have better ones.

Not only did I gain skills for my future, I learned somethings about myself with the help of Liz and Opera Roanoke. I realized what I'm good at, and where my strengths are. I was aware that I'm a generally enthusiastic person, but didn't realize how that can go a long way in the business world. I also became aware of my areas that need improvement, like my need to people please. I avoid being assertive or sassy and let people walk over me to make them happy. I knew this, but I needed to here it from a business perspective.

The best part of everything I gained from Opera Roanoke is that I can take it with me, my experiences, relationships, and skills, as I leave for graduate school at Colorado State. I can not only apply it to graduate school, but to my many endeavors to come in wherever my career as a musician may take me. That's the beauty and the point of an internship. I may not be going into arts administration, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that I come out on the other side with experiences that will prepare me for the future. Opera Roanoke helped me do this, and I couldn't be happier that I found what I needed through them.

Advice for the young adults starting their careers in the arts. Work for a nonprofit, at least for a short period if anything. Their employees work the hardest and are most passionate about what they do. If they were doing it for the money, they would find somewhere else to work. You'll get the best experience from that type of organization and the persons who work for them. ...I have to add also that great teachers coincide with the above. Add it's usually the great teachers that do this type of work.

It has been a pleasure, readers! I hope to start another blog soon on the journey of a young percussionist. Say tuned!

-Matt