by Audrey Howitt

Created on: November 03, 2009

That is a really good question. I believe that the answer is a little different for all of us depending upon what area we are focusing on within the industry. The music business encompasses all types of genres from pop to jazz to classical. It encompasses performing, teaching, composing, scoring, publishing and everything else in between.

I work within the music business as a performer and educator, specializing in classical voice. I sing and teach others how to sing. This was not my first career however. At forty, I was a practicing attorney who had completed a bachelor's degree in music. I didn't think I was good enough for the Met and was having a difficult time finding a niche for myself and so after completing the bachelor's degree I went to law school.

After practicing law for a while, I went back to music because, well, when push comes to shove, I love music. I couldn't say the same thing about the law at that point in my life. At fifty three I believe I have made a niche for myself in the music business. I will never sing at the Met, but I am a pretty darned good singer. And with time, and practice and the guidance of other good teachers I have become a pretty darned good voice teacher too. Most importantly, I love what I do, I do it well and I pass my love of music and my skill set on to others.

At forty I didn't dream of becoming a pop star. I looked toward a goal that was more in line with my skills, strengths, talents and age. In the long run, I think that it is not age so much that drives the question of how old is too old, but rather, finding a close fit between skills and goals. As you are looking at this question for yourself, take a good long look at what it is that you love. Ask yourself if there is a way to find a niche for yourself. If you find that there is an area that you can carve out for yourself, then ask yourself if you are willing to take on the work entailed in learning a new set of skills and making a go of it.

In the end, it is the process of becoming that is so important. It is the process of challenging ourselves and finding new depths of strength and fortitude that mark us as successful in any endeavor. The rest comes with time, work, dedication and a love for what we do in life. So, enjoy!

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