Learning operatic roles is ongoing, and I find that I can learn on the train or subway, during a manicure, getting my hair done, and even while driving if I only look at the score at red lights.

Fleming underscores the relentless, practical labor behind elite operatic performance: role preparation is not a discrete rehearsal-room activity but a continuous process woven into everyday life. By listing mundane settings—public transit, salon appointments, even moments stopped at traffic lights—she demystifies artistry, presenting it as disciplined repetition and opportunistic study rather than sudden inspiration. The humor of “only…at red lights” also hints at the intensity of professional expectations and the singer’s need to maximize small pockets of time. Overall, the quote frames mastery as sustained attention, adaptability, and a willingness to treat ordinary time as rehearsal time.