A young man, a teen has a deep voice - is this strange?
Friday, January 8th, 2010
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!