<p>Preparation for a wide variety of opportunities is crucial. Core to the vocal performance route is thorough training in an arena of interdisciplinary areas, music, language, drama, movement, history, etc. At the end of the undergraduate experience, there are many possibilities from a real liberal arts education. With a music degree (B.M.), to do anything else requires considerable time retooling, meeting prerequisites, etc. For an instrumentalist, the necessary time in the practice room to master the technique will preclude an alternate route. For a singer, overuse is abuse, and there is only so much practicing time possible, and on an immature physical instrument, many things will only evolve with time. Be sure there is a good voice (technical) teacher available, and performance opportunities to be had. Beyond that, getting an education is crucial.</p>