Thank you, one and all, for your thoughtful and considered replies to
my post. Yes, I was aware that my name was on the post - and I am a
very honest and moral person. I have been really struggling with
this - that's why I asked!
I think a full explanation is merited here: the competition of which
I spoke is the Met Auditions. The last time I did them was when I
was 23, and age was not an issue. I was a winner on the District
Level, but was told I was young, and to keep studying, at the
Regional Level. For many reasons, I did not feel that I wanted to do
them again during my grad school years. I took six years off to have
a family - and supported my husband (soon to be ex, by the way) who
is a tenor, through two successive auditions - thinking that I had a
few of more years to do them. After not even taking lessons for
several years, I began study privately with a wonderful teacher, and
I, like another poster, am just finally feeling that my voice is
coming into its own after 30.
So, I didn't know about the rule (is it new, does anyone know?) about
being 33 through July 31st. I will be 33 during the NY finals - and
I knew that, so I wasn't concerned. But, of course, when I received
the application in the mail..... After working hard to get my arias
ready, I was obviously extremely frustrated to find this out!! I had
a friend who put her age back two years, and did the Met Auditions,
and no one found out - so, I considered it. I considered it to the
point where I was having trouble sleeping at night. I was torn
between feeling that I'm awfully close (my birthday is in April) in
terms of the cutoff, and that I would indeed be 33 during the finals,
should I go that far - and the ramifications, both moral and ethical
of lying. I put the question out to this list in order to see what
others have done or thought. I spoke with my therapist about it, and
she and I concluded that I should not do it. There are too many
ramifications. I concluded this before I read any of your posts, by
the way.
I think age limitations are a serious issue for singers to consider
regarding auditions/competitions/artist programs. I completely
understand the need to keep older, more experienced singers from
competing. I also understand that competitions/auditions have to
make rules, and are not able to make exceptions (it would definitely
get out of hand).
I can wish all I want that I had made different choices in my life -
but it's very frustrating to know that vocally and personally I am
finally ready to do move forward, and that I am hindered by my age.
I'm certainly not old! I know that I have to accept it, and continue
to do what I can to progress from this point (I'm going back for a
doctorate next year). I really wanted to do the Met Auditions for
several reasons: one, they're inexpensive; two, they're easy to get
to - no major travel costs; three, they can potentially take you
quite far - even for someone who's just starting out; and four, they
are a good way for me to compete and sing on a level I haven't in
several years.
Thank you again for your considered replies. Let's continue to
discuss the issue of age!
Sarah
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