Chapter Fifteen

I had now started studying social and forensic medicine. This finally gave me some time free to look into other matters, so I set about finding out where I could have singing lessons. I decided to visit all of the music academies in Dublin, which at that time consisted of two: the Royal Irish Academy, and the College of Music in Adelaide Road. My first port of call was the Royal Academy. I didn't get past the reception desk, for I was told, "To apply to this academy for the academic year, you must have made your application a year in advance, then be called for an interview. Subsequently, a place will be offered if you have satisfied the board." I explained that I needed to start straightaway. The receptionist looked at me with disdain. "I'm sorry, you're too late, and possibly too old!" Never one to be told I can't do something, I retorted, "Get used to seeing this fa ... read full excerpt from Halfway Home: My Life 'til Now ebook