Vocal Music Advice

I have a question?  My voice is very low.  I can’t talk loud.  It is the big problem for me.  I don’t know what to do.  It is getting 5 years that I am like this.  Please answer for me what to do.

Answer: Dear Haseeb,

I’m going to ask that you respond to my posting in the comment box below to clarify any points that need clarification.  The reason that I ask this of you is that I’m not sure that I have enough information from you to be of appropriate help.

I will interpret what I think you mean by your first statement: “my voice is very low.”  Rather than assuming that you have a low voice in pitch (like a bass singer), I think you mean that it is difficult for you to make yourself heard easily.  Your voice is too soft.  I assume this because of what you say next, “I can’t talk loud.”  Not only that, you have had this “condition” since you were about 16 years of age.

From my perspective two things are needful:

1.    You need to see an expert voice teacher, and SPEAK with him/her, so the s/he can discern the cause of your “softness of speech” and thereby see if there seems to be a medical problem with your voice, or, whether it is simply a matter of training your voice to operate efficiently.  I would guess that unless you have had some kind of “accident” or sustained an injury to your neck and throat, that you simply need to learn how to use your voice, strengthening it in the process.

2.    Once you are assured that there is no medical problem with your voice, you would do well to begin a regimen of vocal exercises, perhaps guided by a reputable voice teacher, by which you can learn to strengthen your voice, and begin to produce a clear resonant sound.

Haseeb, I know that I have not answered your question as you probably had hoped.  However, to do what you want I would have to be able to hear you myself.  Then I could tell you precisely what exercises might be appropriate for you, to learn how to produce a consistently clear sound when you speak.  You are right to think that by age 21 you should be able to do that.  If you live in Northwest Georgia, look me up and give me a call.  I’d be glad to help you.  I understand your frustration.

Best wishes.

I have been studying voice for about 3 years with private teachers. I’ve been told that I have incredible potential but started too late, so that casting managers wouldn’t want to see a 30 year old auditioning. The problem is I still believe I could make singing my profession am I wasting my time?

ANSWER: Dominika, you ask a tough question!

Understand that my reply can only be based on what you’ve told me.  Some things I’m going to assume.  Since you’re in your later twenties, your vocal apparatus is nearing its full (early) maturity.  In other words, other than development of technique and more facility by it, your voice is going to continue to sound and feel much as it does now.  One thing I’ll assume is that after 3 years of study, your habits (all that goes into the act of singing) and technique are becoming secure and reliable.  You must be encouraged by the fact that you’ve been told you have “incredible potential.”

That said, the path of “breaking into the profession” as a singer – especially making a living at it – is not an easy road.  I’d recommend that you learn as many roles that are appropriate for your voice type and classification in the genre in which you sing, as possible.  Audition, audition, audition.  Take every opportunity and invitation to sing that comes your way.  Be willing to start small … local companies, civic groups, churches, synagogues, and every time prove to yourself (and your coaches) and your audiences that you have something special.  Audition for competitions as a “young artist.”  One other thing: managers who look for singers for opera, operetta and music theater are concerned about the health and physical appearance of the singers they hire.  If you’re fit and trim on top of being a wonderful singer and actress your chances are better for procuring roles for which you audition.

It shouldn’t take long for you to find out whether you “have it” to pursue the stage.  However, be aware, that few singers make singing their sole means of income.   Most of us who sing professionally, also teach or do something else also.

I hope this is encouraging to you.  All the best as you pursue what you love.