I served as a full-time arts administrator working inside one of the country's top orchestras. I saw firsthand what it meant to work in a structured, salaried role within the classical music world — the consistent paycheck, the health insurance, the structure, the prestige.
The role was fulfilling in many ways, but I felt boxed in. The creativity, flexibility, and autonomy I craved were nowhere to be found. Despite trying to "stick with it" — because society tells us stable, full-time work is the goal — it became clear I was compromising too much of myself to maintain the image of a "successful" music career.
So I walked away — and chose to build something different. Years on the road, one gig at a time, living out of my car, performing, teaching, coaching. Then stepping into arts administration for stability. I've lived both sides: the freelance hustle and the rigid 9-to-5. I've faced burnout, financial uncertainty, and tough career pivots.
Musicians today deserve better than outdated advice and cookie-cutter paths. Opus Freelance is that better map — honest, strategic, and built for how musicians actually work now: teaching, gigging, recording, creating content, and coaching — often all at once.
