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
I am a soprano in my mid-thirties and have so far always avoided singing above high C. Well, actually I've tried to avoid high C as well, but I've occasionally managed it in public. I can reach C in exercises and have recently flicked ghostly C#s and Ds. I'm finding it increasingly frustrating that I cannot seem to hit these notes consistently or with enough confidence to use them. Even my Cs can disappear in public; not just in performance, but company rehearsals, and in front of my singing teacher (not helpful!). I can hum (mouth open, lips closed) up to D happily, and in front of anyone, so it must be in there!
My voice is not heavy and I am working on keeping it light and in the mask; I am seeing an improvement, but I've noticed something odd. I seem to be able to sing high B-D (but not below) on an 'ee' in a different way - it's in the head, very forward, but with an almost breathy, whistly sound to it.I don't feel any tension whilst doing it; is this the 'flageolet' register I keep reading about but neither me nor my teacher can find? And why does it only work on 'ee'? And only when I'm in the privacy of my practice room?
I'm asking you because I'd like a soprano's opinion - every teacher of any calibre in my area is a mezzo or alto!
many thanks,
Jen (UK)
Answer Hi Jen,
I wish I could actually hear what you are doing... it's so hard to tell via words...
What does your teacher say about this? Are you really a soprano or are you a lyric mezzo? What kind of exercises do you do with your teacher up to the C & D?
Usually, if you really have those notes (and it does seem you have them) the reason we can't sing the top is that we have too much tension in the throat to allow them to phonate.
I wouldn't spend too much time with the "flageolet" sounds - but the reason the EE vowel works I'm guessing is that you are probably using just the thin edges of the cords (which is the very lightest sounds)...
Keep working with your teacher (or maybe check out another teacher who might be able to help you better?? not sure that's an option.)
But try this exercise... start with the C above middle C and jump up a 4th - use AH. So it's C-F-C; D-G-D; etc. Do it fast... just touch the top note and come down... this allows you to sing the high note without thinking that you will be holding it... and should help your throat "find" the space it needs for the high note. The other thing you can do is open your mouth and drop your jaw down (hold it gently if you have to) - that takes the tension out of the jaw, keep the larynx down and with less tension the breath shoudl work better.
When you sing the high C in your arias - also try holding the jaw down...that might help.
Maybe this will help - but the best thing would be to work it out with your teacher - or if he/she doesn't know how to help - try a couple of lessons with someone else??
