Singer Spotlight: Makayla McDonald

https://www.makaylamcdonaldsoprano.com/

Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? What is your educational and musical background?

I am from Waterloo, Iowa. I went to the University of Northern Iowa for my BM & MM in voice performance. I currently live in NYC and sing with various companies throughout the boroughs, work as a collegiate music tutor and supplementary instructor, and cantor with an Episcopal church.

What is one thing you wish you had known as a young singer and why?

Although I feel like my time in school was fairly comprehensive, there are a few things I wish we could have explored further. Moving to a new, larger location meant that my network was almost non-existent; understanding how to network, develop professional connections, find auditions, create opportunities, and generally live as a working musician were items that felt untouched. Now, I understand that part of the challenge post graduate school is figuring these things out on your own. I would have liked to perhaps have had some insight on how to thrive when the traditional 'pay-to-sing, low level YAP, high level YAP, manager' timeline is (for whatever reason) unrealistic.

Tell us about an obstacle you have faced during your career and how you overcame it.

Moving to NYC was such a huge obstacle. I am currently paving my way here. It was quite the challenge to finish school and immediately move halfway across the country, knowing only a handful of people and with one suitcase. Trying to emerge into the very well-established & tightly-knit music community was an even more exciting challenge. I have learned that while my accolades are known back home, they are nothing more than words here. It has been a task of continual first impressions. I am finding, though, that because of my educational and personal background, things are more doable than I thought.

What is one role or piece you could perform over and over and never get tired of?

I haven't sung the entire role yet, but I adore Liu. I could sing ALLLL of her arias forever.

If you could only give one piece of advice to a young singer, what would it be?

If I were to give any advice or words of encouragement to a young singer, especially to a LGBTQ+/POC/WOC singer, it'd be that you belong here. WE belong here. There were various points in my early exploration that I felt ostracized, explicitly or otherwise for one of the above labels. It felt like the scope of classical music was somewhat beyond my scope of abilities. It wasn't until I moved away from home that I really felt like I had a seat at the table. Thankfully, while we have so far to go, the opera world at large is doing so much better with representation on the stage.

Is there anything you spent too much time stressing over that didn't end up being a big deal?

Not necessarily!

Where can we catch you performing next?

I am opening a very contemporary & politically-charged 'Mikado' with Bronx Opera this month. This summer, I will be singing the roles of Cendrillon (Viardot's Cendrillon) and Ursula for the world premiere of Princess Maleine both with Dell'arte Opera Ensemble.