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 QUESTION: I am a dramatic soprano (as determined by my voice teacher who holds a Doctorate from Eastman). I have a very rich, dramatic soprano voice and could also sing Mezzo-Soprano roles. I have a great deal of singing experience, both in choirs and as a soloist. I would love to become an opera singer but my problem is that I am 42. I don't have unrealistic expectations of becoming a first-rate diva, however, would be very happy to sing in regional operas. Is it too late for me? How should I go about this? I am also a semi-professional pianist and organist and teach piano as well. I learn music and language very quickly, have excellent diction and can sight read extremely well. I also studied voice and piano at the university level for two years.
ANSWER: Hi Lisa,
Although dramatic sopranos peak later than other voices it's true that at 42 you would probably have a bit of a struggle. But if you look younger and don't let people know how old you are - if you can pass for mid 30's that would be great. In other words - don't volunteer your age!
If you and your teacher think you are ready then why not audition for some of the regional companies. Or audition for the Met Opera's young artist program. They have auditions all of the time, I'm pretty sure. They will understand it's takes longer to discover the dramatic voice.
What repertoire do you know? Have you studied the complete roles as well as the arias? I would certainly think about working on one or two... they key to getting hired is knowing the role. Even if you could sing it with a smaller, local opera group - that would help.
You certainly have the musicianship to make it work. And there just aren't many real dramatic sopranos (or dramatic mezzos) around - so you might have a shot.
You don't say where you live - but if you are in or near a large city and they have an opera company - you might sing for one of the coaches and get their feedback.
But check out the regional companies... the only thing there is that they do want people who have done the role somewhere. They usually don't take a chance on "unknowns" because they have to "get the curtain up" and it seems they will sacrifice a lot for the comfort that comes from hiring someone who has performed the role they are doing - it's safer. But if there are smaller companies in your city (in NY - Regina Opera, Bronx Opera, DiCapo Opera) - these small groups might give you a chance to build up your repertoire and learn roles. And it's usually a safe place to perform.
Anyway - I would say try - why not? What have you got to lose? Especially if you love singing and love opera - you'll enjoy singing no matter where you are doing it, right?
All the best,
Pamela
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QUESTION: Pamela,
I live in Tampa, FL. Sherrill Milnes is Artistic Director of Opera Tampa. They have an apprentice program that I might try for. I could probably pass for mid 30's. My question is this: Since I don't have stage experience of the calliber of an opera, should I aim for a lead role or would I have a better shot at a smaller role? Also, should I spend the time getting a music degree (my voice teacher says I don't need it) or try to get a part at a local university opera production for the experience? I just want to be qualified. I don't currently know any full roles, (mostly arias),but would spend the next year learning as much as I can and then audition through the V.O.I.C.E program in August for Opera Tampa. I just didn't know if most opera companies want singers with a traditional education in music or would accept me based on my talent and abilities. I wish I could have started this career path earlier in life but family obligations got in the way. Also, I didn't realize I had an operatic voice until I met my current voice teacher. She said if I were younger, I could sing at the Met! Imagine that! With such a big, powerful voice, I now know why my voice stood out in choirs and why I can't sing pop or rock!
Thanks for your help and encouragement.
Cordially,
Lisa
Answer Hi Lisa,
I think singing for Milnes and his group would be a good test. When you do the apprentice programs they often have you perform smaller roles in the big operas - but if your teacher thinks you are ready why not sing for them. I would ask them for feedback as well.
You could see if your local university program would take you if you are not a student.. maybe you could take a few courses if they have an adult program...
As I said before - if you have a great voice and you have performed some of the roles (even in small companies) they might take a chance.. but it's very, very hard to get hired without experience - and part of that experience is a musical education (they want to know how quickly you can learn, if you have studied acting, how your languages are, etc)
But even so - why not keep working and see where you can go? The worst case? You'll enjoy yourself and feel fulfilled!
