<p>Mezzo’sMama, thanks for the advice. I’ve tried to go back and edit my post, but the Help FAQ tells me no edits are possible, other than immediately after posting. I had no idea that music professionals took this site so seriously or that I shouldn’t assume anonymity for my daughter. I also didn’t think my post was especially negative–just our reactions to an unusual audition process. I admire Curtis for its transparency–they are completely upfront about their fees and their low acceptance rate. We did our research in advance and made a well-informed decision to attend the audition, despite the cost. I do not feel we were misled in any way. I still think the school is exceptional and everything I’ve read about the vocal director leads me to admire all he has achieved. Though I have talked to or read about voice experts who say it is possible to know everything they need about a singer with just a few notes, I don’t think I entirely believe this. At 17 or 18 years old, I think it is possible to identify talent but not necessarily professional potential or even musicality. So much more is involved–maturity, passion, commitment, intelligence, emotional intelligence, resilience–that are simply not in the make-up of students still in their teens. No offense or disrespect to Curtis, its philosophy, or its faculty was intended–just what I thought may be some helpful insights for those considering the school next year.</p>
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