Vocal Music Advice

I’d like to hear answers from those who either sing and or teach professionally.  I’m looking for detailed answers. I was branded an alto for numerous years, while a part of school choruses (way back when).  I’ve taken private lessons in the past, with different teachers, and right way was branded a soprano.  Many years later, I’m picking up lessons again! But I’m confused.  Now I understand the voice changes over time and that it matures gradually.  One teacher even stated, that the voice doesn’t fully mature until you’re like 40/50.  During one period you could be one thing and the next period progress to another, but that’s if you’re constantly developing your voice (well that was my thought).  I can’t say that I was developing my voice (formally at least) during the time gap, so why the difference of opinion on my voice?  Could this mean I’m a mezzo-soprano?  Or could my voice progress to be one?  I just wanted to hear some thoughts on the matter.

Answer: Well there’s a lot written on this subject and this space undoubtedly won’t cover it exhaustively. But hopefully a combination of teachers you poll will help you. I’ll try and be as succinct as possible.

Determining voice classification presents an interesting paradox; it is one of the most important decisions teachers and students have to make, yet many teachers and students are too concerned about it. Here are several criteria: 1) range, 2) tessitura, 3) timbre, and 4) transition points.
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I am incredibly into musical theatre and intent to pursue it as a profession.  I also cox for my school rowing club – this involves a large amount of shouting (about 4 hours spread over 3 alternate days).  Will this damage my singing in the long term?

Thank you,

Answer: Hello Sam,

I think you hit upon the key when you used the term “excessive.”

Shouting can take on one of two aspects: 1) very loud speech, in which your jaw and throat are loose and open and your sound is clear, resonant and unforced, and, 2) production of distorted sound, yelling, screaming, in which there is abandonment to feelings of excitement, fury or whatever (e.g., at a basketball game or swimming race) which quickly results in pain in the throat and temporary hoarseness or even loss of voice.

The second is damaging, and the pain and hoarseness are your body’s red flags that this is not good for you.  Any continued or repeated use of the voice in this way will indeed produce lasting damage to the voice – at a fairly rapid rate.
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