Expert: Pamela Thomas - 10/20/2008

Question
Does the voice have a day when it says "I'm retiring"?  I mean I am 54 and in good health and have been singing for 10 years or more in my car back and forth to work (an hour every day).  I want to leave my stand-a-lone stage and pursue Operatic singing lessons.  General comments I have heard is that my voice is strong and beautiful (in church and at home) ... but I am battling wanting to see my voice improve, strengthen and expand in range with the awkwardness of explaining to a prospective teacher my desires to learn opera at mid-life and a sense of not wanting to waste their time.  I can assure you it is not a mid-life crisis, but rather a late bloomer syndrome ... is there hope that the voice can do these things I want to see happen or do I need a reality check?

Answer
Hi Mark,

As long as you have been singing - and it seems you have been - I don't see any reason why you couldn't take lessons and improve your voice.  Sure, you won't have a "career" - but you will continue to enjoy singing - and you can learn so much more - including the opera arias you love to sing.

I'm a real believer in doing what you love - and in continuing to learn - we are never too old to learn!  I still take lessons and coachings, still learn roles and songs.  The more we use our brains the longer they work!

You don't say where you live - but if you live in or near a fairly big city or near a college music school - you should be able to find a good teacher.  The only way you will find out if you can expand your range and improve your voice is to try.

Good luck with your quest!

Pamela