I want to be a singer

Dear Shayla,

I am 17 years old, on my last year of high school. A lot of things are going on. The thing is, I always have dreamt that I wanted to be a singer since I was 9, and I haven't stopped dreaming. The problem is that, I have parents who doesn't approve of me being involved with music. The last time I asked if I could audition for something, they tried to talk to me out of it. My parents wants to have a career and say that I should be a teacher. I always thought of having a back up career, but I feel like me chasing my dreams is more important. I honestly don't know what to do, I'm pretty stuck on this situation considering that I really love and respect my parents. But I don't know why it's hard for them to let me be happy and chase my dreams after something I've been chasing for so long. I just auditioned for my school talent show and I recently made it in, I haven't told my parents yet. I know what I would be sacrificing choosing to be a singer. But, I can't help with my passion for singing and music.

-Confused.

Dear Confuse,


          Everyone at one point in their lives or another had dreams of superstardom. The thought of making good money doing what you love is a dream job that many have fantasize all their life. You have to have a combination of talents, looks, star quality, and incredible amount of luck. If you don't have that, than you have to have close connections or family in the industry. Ex:  Kate Hudson, Willow & Jaden Smith, Miley Cyrus, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Norah Jones, Robin Thicke, Enrique Iglesias..I can go on and on.

The reality is reaching that level of success is extremely difficult. I believe the statistic is 1 in 200,000. Look at American Idol. Every year, thousands of people come out believing they have what it takes to be the next Superstar. The show narrows it down to the top ten. Out of the top ten, most of these singers have been forgotten. All of these singers had the same passion for singing like you. What it comes down to is the music profession is a business. No matter what images you see on tv, and how much they glamorize the profession. You have to make someone money or you will not be profitable.  I am not saying for you to NOT "go for your dreams".  I am the biggest dreamer you will ever meet. What I am saying is for you to understand what it takes and where your parents are coming from.
They want you to have stability in your life.  To choose a career path that will stand the test of time. There are many aspect of this profession that many do not see, and it's not very pretty.

 At the end of the day, this is your life and once you turn eighteen, it is your decison to make.
I feel it is best to sit down with your parents and find a compromise. If it was my daughter, I would advise her to finish college before pursuing her dream. During college, she can minor in theater arts/music and hone her craft to be the best she can be.  After graduation, she has her back up career just in case her dreams of being a singer doesn't pan out.


Whatever the case, you need a backup plan. How about being a teacher and singing on weekends to fullfill your passion? If your dreams are of making it big, then look forward to a long road of hard work, dedication, and many rejections before you find success. Having the support of your parents will get you through the tough times.  Also make sure that you are doing all this for the right reasons. Not for the fame, fortune  and happiness you think it will bring you, but because you genuinely have a gift,talent, and passion to be share to the world.  Best of luck.