I am about to embark on my first audition tour and have found this to be a remarkable, easy-to-use source! From agent lists to form letters to health insurance..it's all in one place, and with the online version, accessible with the click of a button!!

I'm based in Austria, so one would assume I know how the system works, but this book has insights even for me. I grew up vocally outside the standard conservatory system, so this book is a Godsend to me as it contains all the information I need to know about how the audition process works, and (and this is the biggie) all the contacts.

The really useful stuff to me is not the phrasebook section or the information about contracts and work visas, or the "how to get around" section, useful as they are. The real value in this book is the quietly-labelled "resources" section right at the back: info on the ZBF, contact addresses and websites for agents, audtion information. This is the real gold.

Thanks, Philip, for putting it all in one place.

There is simply nowhere else to get all of this information - and in such an easy to follow, conversational style.

A European audition tour can be an overwhelming, not to mention expensive undertaking. "What the Fach" affords the reader a chance to see what it would really be like, from all angles prior to buying that plane ticket. On a personal level, it gave me the confidence to change my life with the knowledge that it was the right decision for me. I carried a manuscript of this book for the duration of my trip and referred to it often.

"What the Fach" is compulsory reading for anyone interested in learning more about a German audition tour. It is simply an indispensable resource for the English speaking singer.

Michael Reder, Bass-Baritone

This book is full of essential information for any singer wishing to explore the German speaking operatic world. It has excellent advice regarding the audition process, as well as many valuable resources, ranging from train information to practice spaces to sample letters.

Highly recommended!

I have recently begun a fest engagement in Bavaria, and I was doing my audition tour during the time that Mister Shepard was writing this book. I was lucky enough to have a connection to him, and to have the opportunity to read this manual prior to its publication. Not only did the information I learned help me to get my current job, but it the book continues to help me adjust to life as a fest singer in Germany. When friends who have interest in working in Europe write me and ask me, "how did you get your job?", I always tell them to pick up a copy of WTF!

Jam-packed with the facts, as well as clear and entertaining. I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of planning an audition tour in Europe.

Jean Broekhuizen, mezzo soprano

This is by far the most comprehensive, informative, as well as amusing guidebook for singers I have ever come across. As a native German who studied in the States, I am often approached by colleagues with many questions about the process of auditioning in Germany, and now I have the perfect answer to virtually all of them. Philip Shepard has carefully included essential information that you won't find in other books on this subject, especially the many anecdotal tidbits that may make a huge difference in the experience and success of singers doing their first European audition trip. I look forward to his next project and recommend this book highly!



Nadine Weissmann

German mezzo-soprano

"...without a doubt the best reference of its kind. ...What the FACH?! answers the obvious and not-so obvious questions - in a concise and very funny way - that one comes across while working in Central Europe's 'Fest' opera system..."
KATE ALDRICH, American mezzo-soprano

"...a comprehensive resource for decoding the mysteries of professional singing in Europe..."
HUGH RUSSELL, Canadian baritone

"What the FACH?! is a witty, common sense approach to one of the most challenging endeavors for a developing artist in today's operatic world. A nearly encyclopedic amount of information presented in a format that will keep you informed, inquisitive and amused."
PATRICK CARFIZZI, American bass-baritone

"Any singer planning an audition trip to Germany should READ THIS BOOK FIRST! It will answer multiple questions, help in travel planning, seve them money AND prevent many headaches!"
KIRSTEN GUNLOGSON, American mezzo soprano

"Not only is this book a 'must have' for any singer who has considered going to Europe, it is also a wildly entertaining read!"
COREY MCKERN, American baritone

"Philip Shepard's reporting is as comfortable and honest a description of the current operatic geography as you will find, with enough candor and humility to allow us to laugh and learn from the lessons described... What a valuable service for novice and well-traveled artists alike!"
GARNETT BRUCE, American stage director

"This book is bursting with everything the North American singer needs to break into the bewildering world of the German theatre system."
DAMON NESTOR PLOUMIS, American/British/Greek basso-buffo and stage director

"...delightful!"
BEVERLY BLAIR COOK, political scientist (and the Author's Grandmother!)