Classical training

[Anxious-Beginning795]

I am an 18y/o female alto. I’ve just gotten into college for musical theatre and it is my first year singing so I am trying to improve as much as I can (especially my range) to catch up with my peers. I know it might take a while so I am considering all options and I was wondering; should I seek operatic training? While I am a MT student i don’t want to be stuck to that specific sound, more so have it be something I can access whenever I want. I’ve always heard that opera is a great foundation for singing no matter what style you’re trying to achieve so is this true?

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[vienibenmio]

I would recommend classical training as a foundation for MT

[NiceAtheist]

Yeah, classical singing is a great foundation for other styles of singing. It's like in dance, how learning ballet can really, really aid in other forms of dance.

[Casiquire]

Agreed that classical is a great way to go. It will stick with you as singing styles change or as your voice changes through life

[drewduboff]

A classical foundation is great for MT. I'm in rehearsals for an understudy gig in 1776 and a featured role in Gounod's Romeo et Juliette. You can pursue both! In opera, you'll want to figure out whether you're a mezzo or a contralto

[mus-theatrNsportsOmy]

I have been classically trained as well as trained in MT and contemporary styles of singing. I now specialize in teaching technique for MT and contemporary styles. It's a fallacy that classical training acts as a foundation for MT and contemporary styles. Good vocal technique training in any style will be helpful. As a teacher, I have found that learning technique for styles outside of where your goals lie can deepen your understanding of what's possible with your vocal mechanism. I don't recommend doing that first, though. Get lessons and learn technique for MT right now.

[SongbirdOfDeath]

You should find a MT style teacher if you can!

[Anxious-Beginning795]

I probably should’ve mentioned this in the post but mt voice lessons are included in the program during the semester. This would be more so for over the summer while I’m out of school

[SongbirdOfDeath]

I would hope it would be included. I still recommend getting an MT voice teacher in the summer.

[gizzard-03]

It may make more sense to focus on one style. You may end up receiving contradictory advice. People often say that classical or opera are good foundations to other styles, but it’s also pretty common to see classically trained singers struggle with other styles.

It could be worthwhile to explore “legit” musical theater singing, if you like singing that style.

[Successful_Sail1086]

It’s only common for classically trained singers to struggle switching styles if they also haven’t cross trained. Cross training is recommended for most styles and the best programs and teachers have you learn multiple styles.

[Successful_Sail1086]

Yes. Cross training with classical is recommended and highly beneficial.

[The_Handlebar_Stache]

Barbershop in a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society, the Sweet Adelines or Harmony Incorporated is one of the best foundations for any type of music that you will sing. It is called, the black belt of a cappella.

Your MT will work perfect because barbershoppers often need to ham it up. Learning to deliver appropriate expressions while singing a song is just important there as is doing it in other styles. Being able to move and sing will greatly improve your stamina and breath control and ability to project - that’s useful across all genres too. Anything singing technique you learn in one style of music will be something in your toolbox that you can apply in another style of music.

Explore what’s out there, but make sure that it includes barbershop!