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 Hi Pamela!
I'm sure this is a rather basic quesiton but I have been trying to figure this out myself, and have currently been unable to. I am a 17 year old lyric soprano (according to my voice teacher), and I have a range that is from a G#3 to a Eb/F#6, depending on how tired my voice is. I have been taking lessons since I was in sixth grade, and during my years of singing, I have been constantly told how "loud" my voice is for my age. My problem though, is being able to use my technique to acquire a softer volume while I am up in the high range, when required. I have tried doing scales and warm ups at a softer volume, but even when I focus, my voice always grows louder by the time I reach my higher range. Any advice?
Thanks!
Sarah
Answer Hi Sarag,
Well - it's certainly important to be able to sing the top softly but it's more important to have a big voice! I think it's great your voice opens up on the top.
Have you talked to your voice teacher about this? I would think he/she could show you how to sing softer (but don't "shut down your voice" to do it).
It might be that you don't use your falsetto or headvoice. Try the scales using the "ee" or "ah" vowel. This is not something I can really write about - much better to show you in person. But why hasn't your teacher worked on this with you. Or if he/she can't - maybe you check out another teacher?
But you should talk to him/her. Just keep singing very lightly and you might find it.
