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 Hello, my name is Candice.
I am a 52 year old lyric soprano.
I have been teaching classical singing for about 7 years. Recently, I had a young girl come asking for lessons. I am having trouble in placing her voice into a category.
She is only 13 so I am reluctant to put a set voice type on her at the moment as it may change, however, I do think I should train her as whatever voice type is most fitting to her, regardless.
I have so far gotten her to sing some simple songs in three different ranges, and to do scales. She has never had voice lessons before, so her range really amazed me.
It is :
C3- G6
With this range I would place her as a soprano, however other than two things her voice has all the characteristics of a true contralto. For example her middle register is less than an octave and she goes into head voice at F4. Basically her tessitura is very indicative of a contralto. Also her timbre is quite rich and warm particularly in her lower register.
But my problem is that I do not think she has the vocal WEIGHT to be a contralto (she sounds like a mezzo in this respect) and I have never heard of a contralto reaching G6!
Although she told me that it was really only comfortable to sing up to C6.
So my problem is whether to train her as a contralto or as a mezzo-soprano.
I do know this but, what would you say defines the contralto voice?
What is your opinion??
Thankyou..
Candice
Answer Hi Candice,
Because she is only 13 I'm with you in not deciding now what fach she will end up in. I would continue to work scales with her voice but I think I would have her sing in the medium high range. (For example, the medium high 24 Italian Songs and Arias Book is wonderful. These are terrific to teach the bel canto sound - not too high, not too low. Especially for young singers.) If you continue to teach her to sing beautifully no matter high or low then I think when she's older the fach will be clearer.
I do agree with you that anyone who can scale up to G6 (or sing comfortably to C6) is probably a soprano. The warmth in her voice could mean that she might end up a Spinto when she's much older. Although - sounds like she has the very high notes (or could have).
The one thing I would look for is: where does her voice blossom? What high note is her best - where the voice rings. Even though she has the large range, it's really where the voice shines that determines soprano vs. mezzo. For example, while I have the big, warm middle voice I do have good high notes. Because my Bflat is more exciting than my A, that makes me a soprano, even though my voice might sound mezzo-y. Also, where is she comfortable singing? (of course this will change as your open up her voice).
But, again - she's so young - I would just teach her to sing beautifully and musically now and not worry too much about placing her voice.
I hope this helps a bit - too bad I can't hear her - she sounds great.
