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 ok I can definitely sing C#2 (I know that this is really low and usually I dont sing that low but it is the lowest note of my range.) I realise this is like 2 octaves below middle C but.........
My old teacher was a soprano and she worked for the state opera a lot. She had a bachelors degree in music so yeah she was proffesional.
My new teacher thinks I should have been classified as a contralto because of the low notes...
I mean he got me to sing schuberts Erlkonig in the baritone range - it was a bit of a strain but the notes were achievable.
I'm really confused about my classification now. I mean personally I dont think I have the vocal weight to be a contralto but I really am not sure.
I am 17 turning 18 in two months.
Answer Hi Teresa,
Wow - that is unusual - but good for you! Since you are only now almost 18 you are very young! I wouldn't try to make a classification at this point...
One thing you might do - get the 24 Italian Songs and Arias book (published by Schirmers) - get the high key and low key.. and look at Amarilli, mia bella.
Sing it in both keys and see how it feels. Are you planning to go to college in music? If so, you will get more input and views of where you should be.
For now - just work on making a beautiful sound, using your breath correctly, being musical, etc. I would not sing in the baritone range - why bother? especially since it was not easy for you. I can't definitively say since I haven't heard you, but I think I would sing in the middle and work on the lower and higher notes in exercises.
Who was your first teacher? Are you in NY? your old teacher seems to have the background. What about your current teacher?
Just keep learning how to make a beautiful sound and you'll be fine!
