Dear Editor: I just wanted to thank you for the issue [February 2006] devoted to singers with families. I gave birth to the most precious baby boy in November, but I was starting to feel pretty hopeless about pursuing a singing career. I just didn’t know how it could be done; I felt sad and isolated. Your magazine couldn’t have arrived at a better time. It gave me so much hope and inspiration for the future. Now I am confident that I can achieve a balance between home and career that is good for my whole family. Thank you so much.
— Lynelle Rowley, Houston, Texas
Dear Editor: I adore CS! Carla is looking down from heaven and smiling at you guys. How about an article on being a music librarian?
— Kristina B. Valcarce, Tujunga, Calif.
Dear Editor: I love all the articles on vocal health. However, it would be informative to have photos or illustrations (i.e., healthy vocal cords vs. not so healthy) to go with some of the articles.
— Name Withheld, Muncie, Ind.
Dear Editor: Recently I sang for a vocal competition where we were offered feedback. I wrote to request it and received a number of sheets back, hoping to glean information helping me to improve my singing. I knew I hadn’t done nearly my best, as I’d been the sole caretaker for a close family member for months prior to the competition and was near emotional and physical exhaustion. Putting that aside, as it was my decision to go ahead with the audition, I am not writing this because I received mostly negative feedback, but because of the un-diplomatic manner in which they expressed themselves. I didn’t want to be complimented; I wanted their honest opinions; but there are many kinder ways to give an honest opinion, that would be constructive, not destructive.
— Name Withheld, Rushland, Penn.
Dear Editor: I became a caregiver for my parents a few years ago. My mother died a month before Carla Wood, so I know the tremendous feeling of loss. My life was on hold, but I’d do it all over again if I had the chance. Now I am trying to begin my career again with good but dated credits. I’m over all of the age limits, and when I audition they don’t seem to know what to make of me. I definitely feel somewhat like a stranger, but the much younger singers standing with me outside the doors of the auditions are full of energy, dreams, and courage. I thrive on that.
I’m hopeful that the “age thing” in the business will not hold me back, but I have a feeling it’s an issue that remains a roadblock for returning singers, such as myself. All I can do now is get in there and make a go of it.
— Name Withheld, Woodbridge, N.J.
