Question: Is it possible to sing too low?
I’m a 41 year-old soprano. I have been a soprano all my life. Recently, I joined the alto section of the church choir because the Alto section is very weak. After a few weeks, I have started to feel throat pain when I sing. I also get hoarse after singing low for a while. Is there such as thing as singing too low? Can you strain your voice singing below your range?
Answer: Very simply the answer is YES – there is such a thing as singing too low and Yes, you can strain your voice by singing in a range that is uncomfortable to sustain for long periods. Don’t do it. Strain from singing too high is the more common occurence. But all the same the answer is yes – you can – and are straining your voice if you have throat pain after singing “alto” in choir. Requiring your voice to continue to sing too low will ultimately damage the voice.
Every voice (singer) not only has the range within which notes can be reached – but there is also an area where stamina, beauty, comfort occurs with ease. As a soprano you need to sing in the soprano tessitura to preserve your voice. Regardless of the needs of the choir – you should be singing soprano – and only join the altos–if absolutely necessary–in passages that are “high” for them. You’d still be helping the alto section – but in a manageable part of your range.
Thank you for asking this question – I’m sure many others will benefit from this information too.
A word to the wise. Best wishes.
Tags: singing too low, Tessitura, vocal pain, vocal strain