We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cody Arthur. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cody below.

Alright, Cody thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with what makes profitability in your industry a challenge – what would you say is the biggest challenge?

The cost of studying for a career in Opera often outweigh the income you aren’t guaranteed to make.

Cody, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve enjoyed singing for as long as I can remember but I didn’t discover opera as an art form until high school. I started as a pianist at 7 and then joined band at 11 playing French horn. These experiences have been so memorable and useful in my current profession. After attending the TN Governor’s School for the Arts before my junior year, I thought a career in vocal music would be for me. I loved the art form of opera. It has so many things I enjoy: drama, plot, languages, vocal and instrumental music, architecture, history, clothing, elements of acoustics, study of anatomy. I’m thrilled by the music over and over. I enjoy every opportunity I get to share music and tell a story. Currently I’m a private voice instructor, freelance singer, executive assistant, and choir director. I love the variety my life has currently because it draws upon a lot of skills and experiences I have acquired in the past. I love teaching as much as I love performing and finding the balance in my life has been a challenge. Some days I do a lot more of one than the other. I’m super proud of my accomplishments thus far and I’m still going. I’ve had the opportunity to sing in incredible venues around the world and across the US in a variety of repertoire and I have the joy of inspiring singers young and old in music making.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being flexible and sensitive to your surroundings is a necessary skill as a musician. I wasn’t even a full year out of my Masters degree program when Covid shattered the performing arts world. I was already teaching and decided it needed to stay a part of my life for stability. The conducting and administration job came later.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I spent a lot of time in 2020 very underemployed and by myself. I was watching and reading daily news about “essential workers” and had a realization that what I had committed my life to wasn’t “essential” and that was somewhat devastating. I decided I wanted to continue making music and teaching as a means of giving to others, not just performing for myself. Working with young singers and adults in a variety of ways has shown me that people want music as an expression of ideas and words. It may not be “essential” in the same way a doctor is, but it is needed for quality of life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.codyarthur.com
• Instagram: @codyryanarthur
• Facebook: Cody Arthur, tenor
• Twitter: @codyryanarthur