Question from a female teen: I’m a teenager with a large classical voice, but when I sing “correctly”…? I sound like I’m 40.
I’m not doing this intentionally, but when I relax my tongue and round out my vowels I seemingly age my voice 25 years. So, when I perform I take steps to lighten my voice, and that I have to do intentionally. Is it possible for a young female singer to have a naturally matronly voice? What should I be doing differently?
Answer: The fact that you’ve captured the feeling of a relaxed tongue and jaw while a teenager is a MAJOR PLUS! Most college voice majors are having to learn this from scratch and make it a habit for life. You’ve gotten a head start. Brava!
What you’ve described is the concept of the “open throat”. It naturally warms, enriches and amplifies the sound. This is good. Don’t try to undo it. Just be careful to not fall into anything that is tension-filled. A large “mature-sounding” voice is to be cherished. Make the most of it.
Is your sound also accompanied by a “medium” range (as against a very high range)? If so, you may indeed be a presenting mezzo-soprano or alto with wonderful potential.
The answer is, yes, it is possible for a young female singer to have a naturally “matronly” voice, if perhaps somewhat unusual at your age. You’ll likely be sought after by music conservatory programs if music-singing is a passion.
Best wishes.
Tags: free tone, open throat, sound voice