Expert: Pamela Thomas - 9/2/2008

Question
Hey Pamelal,
This question may have been asked already, but why is it that so many tenors and sopranos are large, heavy individuals? I realize there are exceptions, but do you need a big frame to produce a big sound?   Bill

Answer
Hi Bill,

That's a good question that's been debated a lot.  Who knows?  I think nowdays you have to be taller and thinner to get hired - that's because opera has become visual with all of the telecasts and dvds.

There might be a genetic component linking size to voice - but I don't know if anyone has done a real study.  My friends and I have always said that singing is a very oral thing to do - you sing - you talk - you eat!

You do need a few extra pounds I think because you will lose weight during an opera with the heavy and hot costumes and exertion, etc.  But the key thing is to be in excellent shape.  I have sung well thin and sung well heavy - but only when I was strong and healthy.

What you can't do is lose weight really quickly - that will hurt the voice.  If you lose weight on a healthy diet and continue singing while you are doing that - there won't be any effect - at least that has been my experience and what I have seen.

But you've gotten me curious now - maybe I'll see if there is a study on this question.

Best,

Pamela