I started singing late. Can I pursue it professionally?
I have been studying voice for about 3 years with private teachers. I’ve been told that I have incredible potential but started too late, so that casting managers wouldn’t want to see a 30 year old auditioning. The problem is I still believe I could make singing my profession am I wasting my time?
ANSWER: Dominika, you ask a tough question!
Understand that my reply can only be based on what you’ve told me. Some things I’m going to assume. Since you’re in your later twenties, your vocal apparatus is nearing its full (early) maturity. In other words, other than development of technique and more facility by it, your voice is going to continue to sound and feel much as it does now. One thing I’ll assume is that after 3 years of study, your habits (all that goes into the act of singing) and technique are becoming secure and reliable. You must be encouraged by the fact that you’ve been told you have “incredible potential.”
That said, the path of “breaking into the profession” as a singer – especially making a living at it – is not an easy road. I’d recommend that you learn as many roles that are appropriate for your voice type and classification in the genre in which you sing, as possible. Audition, audition, audition. Take every opportunity and invitation to sing that comes your way. Be willing to start small … local companies, civic groups, churches, synagogues, and every time prove to yourself (and your coaches) and your audiences that you have something special. Audition for competitions as a “young artist.” One other thing: managers who look for singers for opera, operetta and music theater are concerned about the health and physical appearance of the singers they hire. If you’re fit and trim on top of being a wonderful singer and actress your chances are better for procuring roles for which you audition.
It shouldn’t take long for you to find out whether you “have it” to pursue the stage. However, be aware, that few singers make singing their sole means of income. Most of us who sing professionally, also teach or do something else also.
I hope this is encouraging to you. All the best as you pursue what you love.
Tags: making a living, making singing a profession
This entry was posted
on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 7:36 pm and is filed under Advice about Singing, Fame and Reality.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.