To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
From: Peter Louis van Dijk
Subject: Re: Am I TOO OLD?
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>


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.



Dear Spinto,
Your story is probably the same as many here on Vocalist. Here's mine.
After school I did a Primary Teachers' Certificate, taught for two years,
then did a Drama and language Degree.I was singing in opera choruses to
supplement my studies. At 26 I thought it was "safe" to do what I had
always wanted to, and only then enrolled for an Opera Diploma, already
quite late for a light soprano. At 31,32 I was doing the professional
circuit with Carmina Burana, Flora(Turn of the Screw), Anna (Merry Wives)
and several Messiahs as well as the odd recital.Then came a break,
partially self-imposed (now 21 and 17!) and partially because of a change
of management at the opera House.
At 40 I took part in a workshop and suddenly a new direction opened up. I
did many weeks of school tours with my husband at the piano (+/- 250
performances), a concert-tour to various music clubs in smaller towns,and
many performances of a Classical Cabaret, also throughout the country, this
time major cities!Also many recitals with obligato instruments (recorder,
trumpet, clarinet, viola).I also am used as Narrator when our orchestra
does school tours.
All this while running a singing studio at home. Last year, at 52, I
started an M.Mus. and have also started teaching part-time at the College
of Music.

Now, what was your question again?

Your maturity will stand you in good stead and your children can only
benefit from a Mom who is "stretching" herself.
Go for it and good luck!
Regards,
Susi
Cape Town RSA