Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 1/5/2008

Question
Hello! I'm 14, and can still sing high, even though my voice is in the middle of changing. I just got the part of Oliver at my school in the musical Oliver! and I'm afraid that my voice might change before it's over. It is really important to keep my voice until it's over, so I was wondering if you knew anything I could to to lengthen the time I can keep it. If there are any exercises, or way of singing, or anything, I would appreciate them immensely, because the whole play sort of rests on this. Thank you very very much.

Answer
Hi Jerry.  Thanks for writing.  Sorry it has taken me a bit to get back to you.  I am starting a new show as well as I have been sick.  

Congrats on the role of Oliver!

The change in the male voice is one of the hardest things to deal with especially if the male is a singer.  It's actually been my experience that it is dangerous to fight the change.  It is difficult to sing with it happening as you almost have to "rediscover" your voice when it is over.  But fighting it or preventing it in my experience is just not wise.  

The change of the voice is natural.  It happens because of the changes in hormone levels as you grow and as you mature.  It's part of the package.  So the best advice I can give you is:
1.  Try to look forward to the change.  It's kind of exciting in a way to know you will have different voice.  What will it be like?  
2.  Do the best you can with your singing while the change happens.  Tell your directors about your concern.  
3.  Seek advice of a vocal teacher if you continue to have concerns.
4.  No matter what, do not fight this.  You can wreck your voice and your throat permanently if you try.
5.  Relax when you are singing.
6.  Breathe deeply - always giving lots of air support from the diaphragm.  

Does that help you?

Wanda