To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: RE: Am I TOO OLD?
Date sent: Sun, 16 Jan 2000 12:00:40 -0800
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Dearest Spinto,

NO NO NO-it is never too late! Especially if music is your passion. I
didn't start singing seriously until I was 32-and now, 2 years later, I have
made such progress that I was invited to be a permanent cantor in my
church. I still have a very long way to go, and much catching up to do in
terms of basics, but this has been the greatest adventure [and best
blessing] of my life so far. What I lack in experience I make up for with
enthusiasm. You have a good start already; sounds like you just need the
encouragement. So consider yourself encouraged: You go, girl!


Holly

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-vocalist [mailto:owner-vocalist]On
Behalf Of Anne Cohen
Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2000 7:55 AM
To: VOCALIST
Subject: Am I TOO OLD?

This is so embarassing to me that I cannot print my real name, but I hope
that, after lurking through weeks of reading others' posts, and seeing how
kind many of you are, that some of you will respond in kindness and truth to
me. I am 41 years old; and when I was in my 20s, I did a great deal of good
singing, at least for my age at that time. I was a member of a national
opera company apprentice program for two years; sang some Despinas and other
roles nationally and in tours, and then got "busy" (see "sidetracked" in
your Funk&Wagnalls) raising a family. Now that my children are 8, 10 and 12,
I want to sing again. Well, I'm wondering, since I didn't "make it" in my
20s and 30s, if it's too late? I did a Rosalinde at the Bardavon
(Poughkeepsie, NY) a few weeks ago, and although I wasn't great, I was
pretty good after not singing for 5 years. I took the wrong direction in
life, and now wish I could redirect, but am wondering if it's just plain too
late. I have an excellent instrument, but it's been a good 10 years since I
did anything of any consequence. I'm not sure what to do next, who to study
with, etc. I live 90 miles from NYC, so studying there is quite easy for
me. Any views?

Many thanks,
Spinto in Upstate