THE SINGER’S ADDICTION
When the performing career changes, where does
the artist go?
The acclaimed six-part series by Adria Firestone, originally published in Classical Singer
PART 1
The Singer's Addiction
Why does singing become inseparable
from identity, and why can the thought
of leaving it feel like losing yourself?
September 2008
Classical Singer
PART 2
Rhett, Rhett. . .Where Will I Go? What Will I Do?
When the familiar world of rehearsals, colleagues and performance disappears, the singer confronts the frightening question of what life could
possibly become next.
October2008
Classical Singer
PART 3
I Will Never Be Hungry Again
The hunger for applause, recognition
and artistic intensity can never be
permanently satisfied, but understanding
that hunger begins to loosen its hold.
November 2008
Classical Singer
PART 4
Finding a New Elixir of Love
Moving beyond performance requires
finding new sources of vitality, belonging,
and purpose without denying the artist
you have always been.
December 2008
Classical Singer
PART 5
Learn to Forgive Yourself
Career transitions carry regret,
disappointment and difficult choices;
Self-forgiveness makes it possible
to honor the past and move forward.
January 2009
Classical Singer
PART6
It’s All About You
In the final installment, singers share
candid experiences of retirement,
reinvention, heartbreak and the
hard-won discovery of life
beyond the stage.
February 2009
Classical Singer
PART 1
THE SINGER'S ADDICTION
Why does singing become inseparable
from identity, and why can the thought
of leaving it feel like
losing yourself?
September 2008
Classical Singer
PART 2
WHERE WILL I GO? WHAT WILL I DO?
When the familiar world of rehearsals,
colleagues and performance disappear,
the singer confronts the frightening
question of what life could
possibly come next.
October 2008
Classical Singer
PART 3
I WILL NEVER BE HUNGRY AGAIN
The hunger for applause, recognition
and artistic intensity can never be
permanently satisfied, but understanding
that hunger begins to loosen its hold.
November 2008
Classical Singer
PART4
FINDING A NEW ELIXIR OF LOVE
Moving beyond performance requires
finding new sources of vitality, belonging,
and purpose without denying the artist
you have always been.
December 2008
Classical Singer
PART 5
LEARN TO FORGIVE YOURSELF
Career transitions carry regret,
disappointment and difficult choices;
self-forgiveness makes it possible
to honor the past and move forward.
January 2009
Classical Singer
PART 6
IT"S ALL ABOUT YOU
In the final installment, singers share
candid experiences of retirement, reinvention, heartbreak and the
hard-won discovery of life beyond
the stage.
February 2009
Classical Singer
PART 6
IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU
In the final installment, singers share
candid experiences of retirement,
reinvention, heartbreak and the
hard-won discovery of life beyond the stage.
February 2009
Classical Singer
Where does the artist go next?
These articles began a conversation about identity, loss, and reinvention that Adria now continues
through private coaching for performing artists navigating change.
These articles originally published in Classical Singer, September 2008–February 2009. Written by Adria Firestone.
Explore
Social media
Youtube
©2026 Adria Firestone International LLC, All Rights Reserved.