Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Shafer.
Hi Lauren, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m from a small town in Central Illinois of about 3,000. I’ve always been interested in music. I was in band and choir throughout elementary, JH, and high school. I participated in ILMEA District and All-State Honors Choirs and even got invited to sing for NAfME’s All-National Honor Choir in Nashville, Tennessee.
In undergrad, I studied music education. About halfway through, I was in a motorcycle accident that paralyzed me. I had to relearn how to walk again. Once I got back to school, I got into the top choirs and was finally succeeding in my academic endeavors. I put on a senior recital and graduated with a BA in Music.
When looking for a graduate school, I was looking for a place to study opera that would also allow me to sing in a few vocal ensembles. So I chose CSUN because of how close in proximity it is to LA Master Chorale, Pacific Chorale, etc.
As soon as I accepted my offer to CSUN, I was given a role in my first opera, Kurt Weill’s Street Scene. From there, I’ve been in shows such as Massenet’s Cendrillon with Chicago Summer Opera, Michael Ching’s Speed Dating Tonight, and most recently performed Third Lady in CSUN Opera’s production of Mozart’s Magic Flute.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Never. I’ve run into health problems in both undergrad and grad school. Working full-time as a residential aide/music specialist while going to school full-time in itself is hard. I perform with Pacific Chorale around 6-8 times a year.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My day job involves me doing voice coaching and singing musical theatre with individuals with special needs. But at night, I go to school and/or perform. I also teach voice at Music Lab Woodland Hills.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Singing is one of the worst ways Covid can spread. When I was in undergrad, the chorale met in an outdoor parking garage to rehearse. We stood 10-12 feet away from one another, and the director would come with a microphone and speaker.
Singing in opera through this, we are CONSTANTLY testing to ensure as little spread/exposure as possible.
Image Credits
CSUN Opera Pacific Chorale & Symphony Chicago Summer Opera
