Vocal Advice

Mary says:
Hello!
I honestly think your blog is interesting.

Ok, before I lose my focus I must ask: When I was a child (10 to 17) I had been told I was a mezzo-soprano. However, the very few times I sang in the chorus I sang as soprano (alto parts were uncomfortable sometimes).

Now, at 21, I am finally starting bel-canto lessons with a dramatic soprano, and she told me that my timbre and tessitura is actually that of a soprano. Since her teacher was there as well, he corroborated by saying that my sound is that of a light lyric soprano … can that be possible??
I mean, from mezzo-soprano to soprano to me looks as a short step but then to add a ‘light’ voice type, to me sounds too much (difference).

I must add that both teachers told me: “Don’t think about it as if it’s definitive because you’re just starting your training.” Actually I didn’t ask to know my voice type because I had thought it was extremely soon for asking such. (I started 2 months and half ago! for me, it’s so early!)

Ah, they told me my register and tessitura in my first month:
Register B3 to #C6 (they said it was pretty good keeping in mind I was untrained; wondering if it’s true (haha). Tessitura: Fa3 to G5

Thanks in advance and sorry for all the troubles because of my poor command at English.
ANSWER:
Mary, my answer can only be based on what you have told me—as you know—since I have not heard you. It is probably safe to say that your voice teacher is correct on both counts.
1. Even when you were in school singing in choir, you found singing alto uncomfortable, and singing soprano comfortable. You are not surprised by that, and that’s good.
2. Regarding the timbre of your voice, again, my inclination is to side with your voice teacher, who is likely right. This is especially true since you are just 21 years old. At this age even if you were a mezzo-soprano or an alto, your sound would in all likelihood be “lyric” and somewhat light. But this is probably true also because, since you are just beginning to take voice lessons, you have much to learn about the strength and power of the voice as it develops, and since you are just beginning the process of study, your sound is going to be at it’s smallest and least efficient. One of the biggest parts in vocal development is re-learning how to hear and identify what we produce. Most singers starting out, have little idea of the sound of clear vibrant ringing tone. When you begin to produce that, your “hearing” will have to undergo some adjustment, because what you’ve been used to all this time is going to change … for the better … even if, initially, your ears don’t think it’s an improvement.
3. Your voice teacher wisely let you know that this “designation” is not necessarily permanent … but describes you currently. That’s a mark of a wise teacher. As your voice develops, you and your teacher may make discoveries about your voice and its capabilities that are not apparent at present. So, as your teacher said, don’t think of “light soprano” as something that is necessarily permanent … but seems to be what is currently true … and a good starting place for your study.

I hope this gives you some guidance in your thinking, and some comfort.

Best wishes.

PS. My only word of caution would be … if you discover that singing in the range where you are asked to sing causes strain … tell your teacher immediately.

James, 14, says: My range is roughly D two octaves below middle C to the E above middle C (if I try I can hit an F).  Is this strange for my age?  I’ve had no lessons, and all I know about singing I’ve taught myself.  My voice also sounds operatic without training - is that strange?

Answer: I am so glad you asked these questions James.

One thing I can say about the change that takes place in boys is that there is no uniformity as far as rate of change.  Some of us seem to take years to drop from alto to tenor (by age 18), and others of us seem to change from treble (soprano) to bass almost over night (at 13 or 14), with variations taking place in between these.

At the moment you sound like you’d fit the “bass” category.  Is that strange?  Not at all.  If you desire to sing in a school choir, your choral director will have a place waiting for you … because low voices at your age are relatively rare … and greatly desirable.

The fact that you have a somewhat “big” voice — you say it sounds operatic — is also not a bad thing … in fact, this is a gift!  If you love to sing - go for it.  Use it, often.  If you’re gifted, develop your gifts … you’ll find yourself with opportunities that many of your chums won’t have, and undoubtedly you will find that you were “created” for just this purpose.

I’d like to encourage you to accept your range (as a bass) and the sound of your voice, and use it there — without attempting to be or become a high baritone or tenor.  You’ll shine right where you are, and over the next 6+ years, your voice will grow in versatility and power and range.  Blessings on you!