Expert: Gisele Afeche - 7/28/2008

Question
Hi, I'm 18 and I really badly want to be a classical singer. I started taking lessons for the first time about 3 months ago but now that I'm starting to sing songs rather than scales I have realised that my actual voice is not very nice to listen to. It kind of sounds like I'm trying to sing with a cold or a blocked nose or something! It's really upsetting me though because I'm starting to think it will stop me from ever being a successful singer. Do you think this problem can be fixed with training? Also, my singing voice is exactly the same as my talking voice, so I don't think it's because I'm putting on a weird sound. Sorry for the length of this and thanks very much for your advice.

Answer
Hello

Yes, this problem can be sorted with technique. When you do your exercises, pinch your nose as to close the nostrils and observe: Normally only M, N (nasal sounds) should be blocked. If other sounds are blocked too (in your nose, nasal) that means you are putting the voice in the nasal cavity which is bad. Notice if your head is not slightly raised. Raised head position will make your voice go in your nose. Put your head back (chin levelled with the ground) and try to get the sound away from the nose.

It happens that the timbre of your voice might be naturally slightly nasal, even so you can improve that with good technique.

Your singing voice doesn't necessarily need to be like your spoken voice, and the more the technique develops the less those will resemble.

Observe and let me know if those things I told you helped you. Otherwise don't hesitate to contact me for further help or any questions.

All the best

Gisele