AboutPamela Thomas Expertise Questions on Opera performance, repertoire, vocal technique, acting for opera. I have some 20 years experience in opera in both leading roles and chorus. I have sung with New York City Opera since 1981. I have studied voice in NYC for over 20 years and have also taught technique and coached singers in acting.
Question Hey Pamela!
I'm a 15 year old, aspiring opera singer and actually think that I may have a shot at it, but what sets me apart is my soprano voice. I'm very comfortable singing up very high and have been singing songs like The Queen of the Night and Sempre Libera for a while without any trouble. Although I've noticed lately that I'm starting to have a little trouble on the very highest notes of some songs. My voice teacher told me that a lot of women loose their high notes as they get older. Is there any way to prevent or at least help prevent this from happening? She also told me I should work on making my whistle voice stronger, any suggestions for that?
THANKS!
~A.Bs
Answer Hi A.Bs,
I think you are very young - so I wouldn't worry so much about range. I don't think you lose your high notes when you get older if you sing correctly! If you are older and don't sing - then you can lose them.
I'm not sure singing those arias so young is a great idea - they are very difficult arias. Why not look at the 24 Italian Songs and Arias (published by Schirmer). Those will help you learn to sing in the bel canto style - and they are beautiful and fun to sing.
I'm not sure what your teacher means about the whistle voice - why don't you ask her what she means and how to do it?
I would say - just slow down a bit. You have so much to look forward to!
