Careers Quote by Ethan Mordden
“For most singers the first half of the career involves extending one's repertoire, the second half trimming it.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Broadway Musical" by Ethan Mordden, 2005
Early in a singer’s career they broaden their song list, later they focus on a smaller, refined set.
In simple terms: Singers start wide, later narrow.
Key Takeaway
Adapt repertoire to career stage.
Themes
career development
artistic focus
growth
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
advice
career
When to use this quote
- audition preparation
- concert programming
- recording contracts
- legacy planning
Key Concepts
skill refinement
branding
audience expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide which songs to keep?
- When is it time to drop a piece?
A Different Perspective
Limiting repertoire may reduce versatility for unexpected opportunities.
![“I don't like being away from home. That's one reason why I don't work as much as I used to [when I started my career], because so many things are on the road. I just don't want to be away from my husband, my dogs and my home. I don't sing that much any more because that also takes you on the road.” quote by Jane Powell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/07c/jane-powell-36243_away_i-don-t-like-being-away-from-home-that-s_278.jpg)
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![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
