It is no secret that the opera industry is contracting and that there are fewer professional opportunities. But what causes one singer to be in demand over another is not exclusively a special instrument or exceptional vocal technique--rather, it is the ability to interpret the music and portray character convincingly. Beyond the Aria provides singers with the tools to develop an inquisitive and analytical mindset about the artistic details found in the scores. Singers will feel musically empowered to make and discuss their own valid artistic choices, deriving greater satisfaction from their performances while making themselves more employable and ultimately achieve a successful career. Neal Goren takes singers through a careful reading of the clues provided by the librettist and composer with the appropriate performance practice of vocal repertoire through the ages. Sample analyses of six standard arias and songs are provided as a guide of characterization. Chapters also address artistic collaboration and audition strategies. Also included are exclusive interviews with eight great singing actors of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Jonas Kaufman, Christa Ludwig, Audra McDonald, and Barbara Hannigan, who share their individual methods for constructing a character.