|
How and when did *we* (the parents) figure out that our child had some ability?
Slowly, step by step along the way.
In middle school they had her doing chorus solos so we got her a voice teacher. Then that teacher was going on sabbatical so we had to find another. We/she had selected DD's voice teacher in HS based on his track record with others we knew. His students learned good techniques and sounded great. You could always pick his students out at reviews. They also got into top programs. However, we did it just to let her stretch some. She started scoring very high in competitions but we never put a lot of stock in that, kind of "nice dear". She was headed for marine biology at the time. Then one day he told her she had a voice that could make money. We were shocked and it changed the course of her life. It was in her Junior year. We still were not so sure until she cleared all pre-screens and then was accepted with scholarships.
He and she did not want her in top conservatories so I guess we still have to wait on that test for grad school. As Lorelei has said, voices take time to mature and life can change. We're just along for the ride at this point.
Having the outside feedback from those not invested in your student is really important.
|