Expert: Pamela Thomas - 9/11/2008

Question
Ok this must sound weird but I started classical singing three years ago. Last week I changed voice teacher.
My new teacher says that as a singer I am weird because I have a low voice and my old teacher misclassified my voice.
My range is C#2 - D6 and I am a dramatic mezzo-soprano. Is this a "weird" range or is my teacher wrong?

Answer
Hi Teresa,

I don't think you mean c#2 - that would be 2 octaves below middle C.  Do you mean your range is C below middle C to the D above high C?

It's very hard for me to say what you are since I would really need to hear you.  But it sounds like you have an excellent range... if you can see from C below middle C to the D above high C.  Usually mezzos don't have high D's!  And sopranos don't have low Cs (I have a good low F/G - and can kinda vocalize down the the low D, for example - and I'm a soprano)

So I'm assuming your first teacher had you singing as a soprano?  You might be a dramatic mezzo or a dramatic soprano.  You don't say how old you are either - that' would make a difference (dramatic voices take longer to develop).  Are your teachers professional?  Have you heard their other students?  This is really about trust, I think.  Depending on how developed your voice is and how good your teacher is, I think you have to go with your "gut".  Is there anyway you can go sing for someone "in the business"?  An opera coach for example?  Perhaps they can help you.

I'm sorry I can't be more help - if you are in the NY area let me know... I could be a lot more helpful if I could hear you sing (or do you have a youtube?

I wish you the best,

Pamela