I was adamant to sing actively since age 5. I didn't like opera and organ, but I was an organ major..
Teens today are spoiled, we should have had a life like theirs today. I realize this is against your convenience. I do agree with what you say. I think teens today are more into Hollywood than having cared @ being a classical performer, singing and dancing for the art and not just for firends.
Furthermore? That's my response to the discussion. I do agree that the peak of singing is the 1st time you do something big, like being a princess. Most good artists are found touring today, but that could all change. Touring in musicals or pop crossover concerts if you're lucky.
I think you're a wonderful person. I just have feelings about things differently because of my background. I had a talk with my dad yesterday as to why when I asked to sing I never got in private voice. Later, it was homework problems and money. I've been in choir whenever I could from age 7-20. I didn't hear of private voice until I felt it was too late. I asked my teacher about it, like if I was too old. She wants me to work on my own, a theater and therapist lady. I just am using money to go to Disney now but otherwise wanna study opera and ballet. I think you definitely just inspired me. I realized opera was real singing and musicals were like talking. I heard it's the same to learn to sing on your own. It wasn't stressed. What was stressed when I was young was practicing the piano which I did and martial arts which I didn't favor but did. Singing is $50, I know..
The only thing I have to say is I've wanted to sing since I could remember it and that it's true people went about with the belief your voice could be ruined by having a private voice teacher. I loved singing as a child, but I was more about strength and poise than femininity. More about the romanticizations of being a lost soul as I was a teen.
You're a very good singer. I think a lot of people regret not doing opera at a young age. I'm worried @ people telling me I'm not experienced or something. I'm finally getting an opera book, 1 I may have thrown out. I've sung before and am starting my belief in opera as the best training now.
It seems like the issue is also to do with where you hail home, like you see people touring Asia and going places like London and probably NYC.. I saw a recent interview where you said your 2 daughters felt more like citizens of the world. That's a good way of putting it. I want to chose something and be proud of it. Norway seems uptight. Sweden seems nice. Did you see Siw Inger's new video: http://youtu.be/w94yN7EOa2k So, yea, then you see things like this and it makes you go like wow. Jackie Evancho, from PA too, is proud when she says she's classical crossover, which is very interesting. I still have a voice for things other than non-pop..
Please let me know if there's something wrong with the length of my post or if you prefer we link it to a blog. Thanks. I don't mean to be disrespectful nor weird..
Thank you so much for posting your answer and discussing with others. We love you so much, keep up your good work!! =]