A Wollongong singing teacher's life could drastically change next month if she wins the $43,000 grand prize for the Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship.
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It's been a long road since Kirsten Jones, 32, first stepped on stage to sing the Good Ship Lolly Pop at Wollongong Eisteddfod in the '90s but her "long-term slog" is starting to pay off.
For the first time the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music teacher has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Sydney Eisteddfod Opera Scholarship.
"It is like another family and you know everyone that's competing against you, and there's really great camaraderie that comes out of it," Ms Jones said.
"But [the industry] is really small so the opportunities aren't as great as what they would be if we were overseas."
Winning the competition would give Ms Jones the financial backing to spend six to nine months trying to get her career established overseas.
The soprano will sing two aria's in the all-female final on August 4 in Chatswood.
The competition dates back to 1933 and has been a launching pad for many international careers such as the late Dame Joan Sutherland, Amelia Farrugia, Heather Begg and Stacey Alleaume. The winner is also given the opportunity to study overseas to hone their craft.
"To any young singer who is looking at this path, go for it - it's so rewarding, it's hard work but it's so rewarding," Ms Jones said.
