Every Opera Singer’s story is different, but in general, aspiring Opera Singers can expect to train for about ten years, often while concurrently auditioning and seeking work. This period of time includes vocal lessons while still a teenager, four years of undergraduate college training, and three to four years of post-grad conservatory training.
Ten years isn’t a hard and fast rule, though. Some Opera Singers are in the right place at the right time and land a gig before they’ve even graduated. Others come to opera a bit later, enroll in a rigorous training program, and are singing professionally within three to five years. If you’re concerned about the time commitment, talk to a Voice Teacher who knows your voice and your situation to get their honest opinion.