I would like to get other members' thoughts and opinions on this, and I'll try not to rant excessively. As an aspiring (often struggling) professional I'm always on the lookout for competition opportunities. There are many, but I have yet to find any serious competition without strict age limits. People older than 30 (maybe 32) are not allowed to enter.
Why is this? I understand the excitement of finding young promising talent, but what's wrong with older and more experienced talent? The message I get from this is if you have not achieved some success and recognition by your early 30's you are just out of luck. Too bad, nice try, but your career is beyond hope so no one is interested. Good luck teaching and playing weddings.
If competitions are really about finding the best talent, give everyone a chance regardless of age. Let the young hotshots and the older veterans go head to head. Other instrumental competitions are not so strict, and no one seems to mind.
Ok, rant over.
Why is this? I understand the excitement of finding young promising talent, but what's wrong with older and more experienced talent? The message I get from this is if you have not achieved some success and recognition by your early 30's you are just out of luck. Too bad, nice try, but your career is beyond hope so no one is interested. Good luck teaching and playing weddings.
If competitions are really about finding the best talent, give everyone a chance regardless of age. Let the young hotshots and the older veterans go head to head. Other instrumental competitions are not so strict, and no one seems to mind.
Ok, rant over.