My D didn’t run into this question until grad school. It was actually really helpful for her. I remember it bc she said quite clearly…I just want to perform vocally on stage with other musicians. I don’t care if it’s opera, operetta or classical MT on big stages, middle or small. I just want to be on stage with others making art. She then laid into the “creative process” or “story telling” through musical performance and the impact on community. She knows many other students who leaned more heavily into opera and its importance…or the academics of music and its impact…so there are differences. Some people do want to do choir or concert work and may have spoken about that, I’m guessing. So it depends on your D.
What you don’t need to worry about in this essay, in my opinion, is the nuts and bolts of making a living.
When you see career…you may think “job with benefits”. Sometimes I wish my D’s brain worked that way. But no…she thinks of creative endeavors and community impact (why this show at this time, why do I want to do it, what type of artists am I….besides sometimes needing the money and doing a job for that reason - it’s not uncommon for performers to discuss work that is done to fill the bank and others to fill the heart).
So, I would have your D think about what her future goals are as a vocalist. What excites her? What type of singing does she like best. And remember teaching in a private studio is not a bad thing to mention. Everyone reading it is a teacher! But if that is not her driving force…but could be used to make the rent payment…I’m not sure that it is necessary to discuss that she will do that to make 50% of her income to pay her rent. I think that they are looking for “what type of vocalist will she be in the community”.
Hopefully a few others will chime in. I’m only one opinion. Others may have done nuts and bolts so may have other ways to approach this question.
Good luck!
And feel free to read this thread: How do musicians make money? - #64 by bridgenail