Dear Listers:
Has anyone else had an experience like this? I got a call about 2 weeks ago from a man who said that he had gotten my name from my voice teacher. He said that a friend of his was casting an opera and needed singers who know the roles--and I happen to know large portions of not one but two roles in this particular opera. He gave me a phone number to call for an audition, and I called and left a message.
Last night a woman phoned me to discuss the "workshop." I told her that I was unaware that it was a workshop, but she proceeded to give me a very hard sell on her qualifications, etc. She claimed that many of the participants in prior workshops are now performing in Europe. She stated that most voice teachers don't know how teach, and wanted to know my teacher's name and how she teaches technique.
I declined to give her any more information than my teacher's name, and told her that I would think about it and get back to her.
But the more I think about it, the more I think that this woman is attempting to "poach" on other studios. I am very happy with my present teacher and don't think that any Svengali is going to create a great career for me--but I can see where other people might be more susceptible to this sort of come-on.
I'd be interested to know what the rest of you think--and what you would do in a situation like this. I have no desire to be rude, but I really question this woman's scruples and feel that I should respond in some way. Is this sort of practice acceptable under NATS, for example? I'd appreciate any information or insights you can offer!
Thanks! Judy
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