About Us

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of opera soloists began organizing to address issues unique to freelance performers and independent artists. When the pandemic brought the industry to a standstill, those conversations evolved into the Soloist Coalition (SC), a forum where soloists could gather, share experiences, and advocate for their professional needs.

As the coalition grew, differing perspectives emerged about how soloist issues should be addressed and whether the organization should align with existing labor institutions or remain independent. To better serve its members, the Soloist Coalition established several working groups focused on specific areas of concern.

One of those groups was the Soloist Coalition for Young Artists (SCYA). The creation of SCYA recognized that artists participating in Young Artist Programs faced challenges distinct from those of more established singers. While both communities shared common goals, the realities of artists in training and career-development programs often required dedicated advocacy and resources.

Over time, the broader Soloist Coalition dissolved due to differing organizational visions. SCYA, however, continued its work as an independent organization. We began a focus on issues such as application fees, artists housing issues, and pay disparities. Additionally, we hosted educational seminars, organized large-scale town hall meetings where artists could share their experiences, and developed resources to support artists navigating the early stages of their careers.

As our work expanded, we also recognized the limitations of the term "Young Artist." The label can imply age rather than career stage, despite the fact that participants in these programs are professionals balancing careers, families, financial responsibilities, and personal commitments. Many artists enter new phases of professional development later in life, whether through graduate study, a fach transition, a career change, or other forms of artistic growth.

For this reason, in 2022, we adopted a new identity centered on the term "Emerging Artist." This shift reflects a more accurate and inclusive understanding of career development in the performing arts. Emerging artists can be at any age or stage of life; what unites them is their progression into a new phase of professional growth.

While our membership and leadership have evolved over the years, our mission remains unchanged. We continue to advocate for emerging artists, foster community, provide educational opportunities, and work toward meaningful improvements across the industry. We are proud of the progress that has been made and remain committed to creating a more equitable and supportive future for the artists we serve.