And some of us are late starters. The age limit is presumably to prevent
those with tons of experience (as in the paid performing kind) who probably
don't need to win a competition from beating out the less experienced.
However, this doesn't take into account that some of us don't start taking
lessons until we're adults (and lets face it, opera requires *years* of
training for all except for the extremely rare naturally gifted who already
speak four languages and have perfect technique from the day they're born),
that some of us aren't in a financial position to concentrate full-time on
singing so it takes longer to get to a point where we're professionally
ready, and yes, that some of us have bigger voices that don't mature enough
until we're in our thirties.
I'm 31 and my voice has finally developed enough that I've decided a career
in singing is feasible. However, I'm not going to be ready to enter advanced
competitions like the Met for at least another year or two... and I'm
already too old for many competitions, since 30 is the typical cut-off (the
Met competition is unusual). And not only competitions - I've discovered
that many opera company apprentice programs are also limited to those 30 and
under! (I'm wondering where exactly I'm supposed to get the experience and
training now that I'm "over the hill" *grrrr*) Meanwhile, I see 23 year olds
who have had lessons for more years than me and who have a mommy and daddy
who pay for everything take advantage of all the opportunities that are now
denied me by mere virtue of the fact that it took me longer due to financial
and physical (I have a bigger voice) reasons. Not that I blame them, because
I'd do the same thing if I was in their position. I just resent the ageism,
and the assumptions that go with it.
What makes me laugh, however, is the jurors who heard my college entrance
audition when I was *23* and told me that since my voice was so undeveloped
at such a ripe old age, that no matter how hard I practiced I would never be
able to get into a university music program (which I did a few years later).
Well, that's my rant for the day. But I'm not bitter :o), just determined...
I'm no less worthy of opportunities than I was before my birthday several
weeks ago, and if the (fill in the blank) people who set these stupid age
limits won't give me a chance, I'll just have to make my own opportunities.
Jennifer, B.Mus., determined soprano
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