Empowering musicians

to forge new paths

TRAINING

The Empowered Musician Studio

CAREER COACHINGS

The tools you need to discover and curate your unique career path

BOOK A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

Career and Entrepreneurship lectures, workshops, residencies, panels and/or master classes

There are so many ways to do this.

Many musicians carry around shame and feelings of failure because they aren't on a specifically prescribed "path to success". I invite you to create your own definition of success here.

As a classical singer, I felt powerless for a long time. When I founded MassOpera in 2007, my entire mindset changed. I realized that I was in control of what I do, how I do it, and how I get to feel about it. Now I advocate for musicians and for industry change.

As a teacher and career coach, I work with clients to get them on a more fulfilling and lucrative career path that is unique and authentic. I am devoted to helping empower others to change their lives for the better.

Talking about hard things is hard.

Topics near and dear to the Empowered Musician Mission

EXCLUDED, PENALIZED, INDEBTED, AND HARASSED

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EMBRACING AND TAKING PRIDE IN YOUR CORRELATING CAREER

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HEALTHY STUDENT-TEACHER RELATIONSHIPS

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AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE: Music majors, COVID-19 and an uncertain future

Read More

Photo Credit Kathy Wittman

Dana's Deal

I believe everyone is worthy.

I don’t believe in shoulds.

I am a passionate and ambitious arts entrepreneur.

I expose difficult truths and figure out what to do about them.

Through lecturing, coaching and writing, I challenge others to imagine a different future for the industry.

I perform opera, oratorio, art song and whatever feels right.

I am a voice teacher and vocal pedagogy nerd.

I am the founder and co-Artistic Director of MassOpera.

As mom of two young boys, I am also a human trampoline, flying purple people-eater and expert negotiator.

I can’t wait to meet you!

Want updates about the Empowered Musician?

Buzz

"Dana has all the talents, skills, perspective, experience, entrepreneurship, intelligence and boldness to be a real game changer. She can not only help empower you to change your game – the way you sing and plan your own path – but she can empower the entire singing community to view the art and business of singing in a positive, productive way moving forward.  I think in the right position, she could change the entire system."

W. Stephen Smith

Author of The Naked Voice

Voice Faculty, Northwestern University

Buzz

"I had the pleasure of studying with Dana for six weeks at the BU Tanglewood Institute, and I learned more than I ever thought was possible in such a short period. She was pivotal in my development as a singer and truly helped me to be more than prepared for voice study at the college level."

Emily D’Angelo

Mezzo-soprano and winner of the Metropolitan Opera and Operalia competitions

Buzz

"Dana Varga is an invaluable contributor to the continuing education of the voice community. In her recent NATS engagements as a panelist for our chapter’s Student Auditions, guest lecturer on correlating careers for singing, speaker at the 2019 NATS Intern Program, and judge for the NATS Artists Awards Competition, she imparted a poignant and polished perspective. Her appeals to realistic career planning for teachers and singers alike are refreshing and indispensable."

Kayla Gautereaux

NATS Boston President

Buzz

"I first heard Dana speak in a lecture at the Classical Singer convention. In my career coaching, she had me speak my career dreams into a reality. I have never felt so empowered as an educator or so encouraged as an entrepreneur. In a time of uncertainty, she guided me toward concrete steps and professional advice to better my future. Dana carries the torch for all of us and is truly the exemplary empowered musician. I can’t thank her enough."

Daniela Monzon Villegas

Buzz

"I have been a professional singer for 40 years, living in both Europe and the US. Each of my teachers has taught me something, some more than others. Dana Varga is the best teacher of them all. She is not only a superb singer herself but she is fascinated by vocal technique and has made a comprehensive study of it her life’s work."

Peter Halpern

Tenor

Buzz

"I have been through two degrees and a good handful of highly regarded young artist programs, and I gained more practical career advice from one session with Dana than I did in any of those programs. It's the stuff they don't teach you in school."

Omar Najmi

Coaching Client

Buzz

"As a young singer just getting my feet wet, I found Dana’s advice and input invaluable. She has an impressive amount of knowledge and insight, and is professional and efficient with the hour-long session. Absolutely worth the time and money to coach with Dana!"

Jessica Toupin

Coaching Client

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