Harbour for the Arts

The glamorous dream of being an opera singer comes with a hidden second job - and most people never hear about it until they're already in the trenches. Today, I pull back the curtain on the surprisingly exhausting, expensive, and deeply personal realities of building a life in opera, from nonstop self-production to the impossible math of making art pay. If you love opera, work in the performing a...

(01:00) Knowing from childhood that she wanted to perform (01:50) Touring, performing, and living the dream early on (02:18) Success, loneliness, and the pressure to settle down (03:16) Wondering if she disappointed her parents (04:09) Her mother’s illness, divorce, and becoming a parent (05:07) Life’s “plot twist” and why plans do not stay fixed (05:37) Opera preparation as a metaphor for real li...

Episode notes: Building an opera career on my own terms I talk about balancing life as an opera singer, arts administrator, entrepreneur, and single parent—and what it takes to keep going when you’re building a career without a full team behind you. In this episode, I reflect on feeling invisible in the arts, finding opportunities without an agent, and learning to celebrate my own progress. I shar...

Can We Talk About ME for Once? In this episode, I open up about the strange emotional reality of being an accomplished opera singer who still feels unseen. I reflect on my career path, the pressure of always talking about other people’s success, and why this episode is about reclaiming my own story. A BTS documentary unexpectedly sparked a deeper reflection on fame, visibility, and longevity in th...

In this episode: Jin Young Lee’s early musical journey as a cellist and how it shaped her storytelling approach.  The emotional significance of Hawaiian and Korean music in her work How music acts as a universal language to tell stories of immigration, sacrifice, and love The process behind creating Songs of Love from Hawaii and its powerful impact Lessons learned about career transitions, identit...

In this special AAPI Heritage Month episode of Harbour for the Arts , Bri Cooper takes listeners on a vibrant journey into the world of Korean opera — an art form that blends Western operatic structure with Korea’s own deep-rooted vocal traditions. Bri opens the episode by reflecting on the beauty and complexity of AAPI artistry, reminding us that Asian and Pacific Islander creativity is global, i...

Reaching the 100th episode of Harbour for the Arts feels surreal in the best way. When I started this show, I was recording in closets, cars, and any quiet corner I could find, just hoping someone out there would connect with what I had to say. A hundred episodes later, I can look back and see how every chaotic moment, every heartfelt message from listeners, and every creative risk shaped this com...

New Partner  LESSON WITH YOU  We’re excited to announce our partnership with Lesson With You , a trusted global music education provider offering live, one-to-one online lessons in 24 instruments and voice for students of all ages. Their 60+ expert instructors hold advanced degrees from top music schools, are fully background-checked, and teach only their primary instrument. To celebrate, we’re of...

A nuanced discussion on Black History Month: celebrating identity year-round Marian Anderson’s historic concert and its ongoing legacy of racial segregation The love-hate relationship with Porgy and Bess among Black singers The disparities in how Black performers are treated and typecast in opera Personal stories of navigating privilege, entitlement, and representation The significance of Black co...

  Opera is not dying; it's just gated and exclusive. Setting personal goals is essential for growth and success. Opera should be accessible to everyone, not just the elite. Community engagement is vital for the survival of the arts. Fashion and storytelling play a significant role in the opera experience. Breaking down barriers can make opera more inviting. The arts provide a space for reflection...

Takeaways   It's important for artists to reflect on their wins. Rest is essential for vocal health and performance. Saying no is a crucial skill for artists. Every yes is a withdrawal from your energy bank. You don't have to justify your boundaries. Creating a sustainable singing life honors your humanity. Your energy is sacred and should be protected. Resting does not make you less committed. Su...

Takeaways   The new year is a time for reflection and reset. Having a theme helps in organizing thoughts and actions. Being unapologetic can boost self-confidence. Artists should not accept unpaid gigs that undermine their value. Gratitude should not come at the cost of personal well-being. Setting boundaries is essential for a sustainable career in the arts. Exposure does not pay the bills or sup...

takeaways Reflect on your achievements and setbacks regularly. Setbacks can be valuable lessons for growth. Prepare for the new year with a repertoire refresh. Engage with opera by understanding its history and context. Opera etiquette enhances the experience for everyone. Support local artists and productions in your community. Be open to new experiences in the arts. Social media can be a tool fo...

Takeaways Artists deserve support both on and off the stage. Reflecting on achievements fosters growth and new opportunities. Navigating family conversations can be challenging for artists. It's okay to choose solitude during the holidays for peace. Working during the holidays can be isolating but fulfilling. Setting boundaries is essential for personal energy management. Humorous misconceptions a...

SHOW NOTES It's essential to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. December can be a time of fatigue for performing artists. Setbacks are learning opportunities, not failures. Protect your mental space during emotionally charged times. Momentum in December is about direction, not speed. Let go of the pressure to complete everything before January. Self-care is crucial for maintaining...

The Businesswoman Hustle  Lessons from Working Full-Time  Performances of the Year  Cozy Reflections & Takeaways      Host Bri Cooper   Shop Harbour for the Arts™   NEW SPONSOR ALERT! Bonheur Jewelry   Thanks to our partners at THRIVE MARKET ! Join today and get 30% off your first order as well as a gift up to $60. Visit www.thrivemarket.com/bricoopermezzo   What's up! https://...

•  Why journaling matters for performers beyond the stage •  Solo Spark Sessions: bite-sized prompts to reignite your artistry •  Highlights from Bri’s ebook on creative rituals •  Cozy journaling tips: candles, playlists, and intentional reflection •  Mention of Stay Creative, Stay Cozy Journaling Kits + curated Spotify playlist •  For ad placements or collaborations: harbourforthearts@gmail.com...

Episode Title: Cozy Solo Season: Rest, Rituals & Reclamation •  Theme: Embracing solitude as a creative reset and source of empowerment •  Topics Covered: •  The myth of constant productivity in creative careers •  Cozy rituals that support emotional and artistic restoration •  How solo seasons help artists reconnect with their values and voice •  Journaling, playlist-making, and seasonal product...

In this episode of Harbor for the Arts, host Brie Cooper explores the theme of creative hibernation and the importance of rest for artists. She discusses how slowing down can enhance creativity and personal well-being, sharing personal anecdotes and practical habits for embracing rest. The episode also highlights the significance of self-care and mental health, encouraging listeners to find balanc...

Here's a summary of the episode from the "Harbor for the Arts" podcast: In this special Halloween-themed episode, host Bridgette Cooper delves into the eerie and dramatic world of opera, focusing on Benjamin Britten's "The Turn of the Screw." The episode explores the chilling themes and psychological depth of the opera, based on Henry James' novella, which tells the story of a governess, two child...

In this powerful kickoff to Mental Health Awareness Month, mezzo-soprano Bri Cooper pulls back the curtain on the emotional realities of life as a performing artist. From audition anxiety to post-show burnout, Bri shares personal stories, industry statistics, and practical strategies for navigating mental health in the arts. With humor, honesty, and heart, this episode reminds creatives that vulne...

Takeaways   Over 70% of professional musicians experience anxiety. Performing artists often face higher rates of burnout and emotional fatigue. Loneliness is a common experience for many artists on the road. Understanding mental health is crucial for performing artists. Artists must prioritize self-care and rest. The stigma around mental health in the arts needs to be addressed. Mindfulness practi...

Key Takeaways!  The ghost light symbolizes the lingering emotions after a performance. Performers often carry emotional residue from their roles. Self-care is crucial for performers to transition from stage to self. Creating rituals can help release emotional residue. The adrenaline from performances can lead to a post-show crash. Empathy overload can blur the line between fiction and self. It's i...

  Curtain Call & Coffee Breaks: When the Stage Isn’t Your Whole Story In this lighthearted and empowering episode, I invite listeners to explore the emotional and creative shifts that come with stepping away from the stage. Through personal stories, playful insights, and practical advice, I share what it feels like to transition from a life of performance to a life of purpose beyond the spotlight....

Takeaways   The transition from performing can lead to an identity crisis. It's important to rediscover who you are outside of performance. Community support is crucial for artists during transitions. Reinvention is not betrayal; it's an expansion of self. Connecting with nature can help ground and inspire creativity. Surround yourself with people who reflect your true essence. Journaling can be a...