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.
I've been getting singing lessons for the past 4 years but have only been really practicing seriously for the last 2 years. I'm still finding difficulty finding my top voice like top A up for Opera songs.
Should this improve with time?
Is there any technique I could use to improve this situation?
I love Opera and my Vocal Teacher says my voice is definitely Operatic in that it's resonant and rings at high notes.
What is the normal time frame for Tenors and opera songs?
Do I just need more patience?
Answer Hi Brian,
Finding the high notes for a tenor can be a slow process - or not. Depends on you, your teacher and how they teach. I would think that, if you are a tenor, you should be opening up your top after 4 years. How old are you? That would make a difference.
But I've heard tenors in my teacher's studio and they have gotten their top at different times.
Can you sing an F or G in falsetto and go directly into your full voice (It will "break"). Sometimes coming from the falsetto helps. But it would be much easier if I could show you in person. Most times, the inability to sing the top is because of throat tension - so work with your teacher - you'll find it.
What does your teacher say? Does he/she work on it with you? Are you sure you are a tenor - maybe you are a baritone (although you need a high A as a baritone as well).
but don't get discouraged... I'm assuming you are pretty young - so I'm sure you'll continue to progress and get this sooner than later.
