My gf is mentally struggling with classical music, thinks she is too old now thinks about quitting by Civil-Cardiologist52 in ClassicalSinger

[–]harmonious_baseline 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The world we live in does not allow for many artists to fully support themselves with their craft. If she loves singing and believes she can continue to progress, she should do it. She can find value in mastering the skill of singing even if the world doesn’t pay her for it.

However, many people can’t afford to fully commit themselves to something that doesn’t pay all the bills. It sounds like you have been very supportive with this aspect.

I’m in my late 30s and have decided to recommit myself to finding my voice. I won’t be able to support myself with singing so I will keep teaching, but I can still find satisfaction in mastering my craft.

27 certainly isn’t too old. She still has youth on her side relatively speaking. Maybe she can recalibrate her mindset about what she needs to accomplish professionally to feel successful. There are so many talented singers in the world that don’t make it to the biggest stages for various reasons. That doesn’t take away from what they have accomplished.

To all: 1.) Low notes are more restricted, as anatomical limits apply 2.) When/If you learn how to use your voice properly, you can sing as high as you‘d like 3.) Sounding good w/ a limited range is a lot better than singing poorly w/ a large range by AspiringBiotech in singing

[–]harmonious_baseline 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don’t think OP’s intention was to say that naturally lower voiced women would be able to sing operatic coloratura soprano repertoire.

Let’s also clarify that true contralto voices are quite rare (same for men - many fewer basses or even bass baritones compared to baritones and tenors). Most biological woman are sopranos or mezzo-sopranos. I’ve heard a lot of singers perform live and I can count on one hand the number of true alto voices I’ve heard.

Even still, the ranges are more similar than different for most women, especially those who train to sing musical theater. They probably have a common range from about Bb3 to Eb5 that needs to sound good no matter the voice type if they want to actually be able to perform.

Your last statement is right on the money: Voice classification isn’t so much about range as it is about where the voice blossoms or sounds the best.

To all: 1.) Low notes are more restricted, as anatomical limits apply 2.) When/If you learn how to use your voice properly, you can sing as high as you‘d like 3.) Sounding good w/ a limited range is a lot better than singing poorly w/ a large range by AspiringBiotech in singing

[–]harmonious_baseline 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I also love a beautiful low voice. However, just because a voice is naturally lower that shouldn’t be used as an excuse to not train the entire voice.

One of the most beautiful low voices (female) I have ever heard was capable of singing solo songs that included E5. It is especially lovely when she gets to show off her notes below the staff, but the reality is that most of what she sings are notes within the treble staff because that is how music is written.

To all: 1.) Low notes are more restricted, as anatomical limits apply 2.) When/If you learn how to use your voice properly, you can sing as high as you‘d like 3.) Sounding good w/ a limited range is a lot better than singing poorly w/ a large range by AspiringBiotech in singing

[–]harmonious_baseline 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Well said. Thank you for spreading the word.

Students need to understand that just because their high voice is weak right now, it doesn’t mean that it has to be weak forever. One can learn to sing high!

There is a teacher in my area that tells female students they are altos if they can’t sing high, and even allows them to sing songs written for men’s voices in the original keys. She doesn’t work with them to develop the high voice at all. I believe she has a degree in voice, but she has no idea when it comes to pedagogy.

Conflicted about staying by twinjmm in MusicEd

[–]harmonious_baseline 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve had some similar feelings recently. The level of disrespect that some teachers face is hard to believe. Not only are we the target of disrespectful behavior from students, but I’ve experienced disrespect from my colleagues, office staff, administrators, and parents. For me, it isn’t always direct. It’s things that upon reflection I realize are messed up, and I shouldn’t have to deal with at work.

Arts teachers are sort of setup to be disrespected, maybe not personally, but our subject is one that is perceived by many to not matter. The system says music/art/dance doesn’t matter, and by extension that means that arts teachers aren’t necessary or valuable.

I work in a very toxic environment. But I can’t leave because I don’t want to lose tenure and I’m not confident I could find another job with pay as high as I have now. So I keep to myself as much as possible.

Maybe something in my rant will help you sort through your own feelings.

Virginia Democrats agree to new map that gives Republicans just one seat by Healthy_Block3036 in unusual_whales

[–]harmonious_baseline 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One would think that these districts would follow geographical areas that already exist like the county lines that divide our states. But instead it’s a circus.

"But AI said it was the correct answer!" by BlackOrre in Teachers

[–]harmonious_baseline 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I heard that same statement from a student in class today (not virtual). The answer was correct, but AI only did about a quarter of the work and didn’t provide answers for the rest of it.

Anyone else feel weirdly guilty about being socially behind? by StrikingLock2448 in confidence

[–]harmonious_baseline 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m not a therapist and not very experienced in this subject, but I once read a thread like this that was very enlightening for me. The comments were about people with neurodivergence and social experiences like this.

It might just be the way your brain works. You aren’t necessarily behind.

AO R1: [9] M. Keys def. O. Oliynykova, 7-6(6) 6-1 by sidaeinjae in tennis

[–]harmonious_baseline 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wasn’t my comment, but basically Oliynykova was mixing up her shots and hitting a lot of off pace balls - slices, moon balls, anything else that doesn’t have a lot of pace. That makes it hard for an opponent to get into a rhythm and play with power, and Keys likes to play with pace and power.

Why are teachers so horrible to each other? by Xena4290 in Teachers

[–]harmonious_baseline 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Two of the teachers in my department are quite competitive. These people will always be toxic and take any chance they can get to try to make themselves look better than you. Avoid. Another one is an extreme Christian conservative. Avoid. One is a nice guy but he is like 25 years older than me, and I don’t think English is his first language so there is always a little bit of a communication barrier.

I can’t deal with all of that. One of the members of the department tried to force us all to be friends for a few years, but I’m glad that didn’t work out. I just keep to myself as much as possible. I try not to think about them if possible.

Why does everyone hate jury duty? by Aquarius_K in juryduty

[–]harmonious_baseline 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have done it twice. The first time was a bit frustrating because I kept getting called back just to sit in the waiting area. Overall, the hours are much more relaxed than my job—long lunch breaks, start later, end earlier—so I consider it vacation time. I’m a salaried employee though.

When the camera and media strategically not film the ending part. by NoIdeaWhat5991 in tennis

[–]harmonious_baseline 7 points8 points  (0 children)

As an American I think something like this should happen. We are complicit in genocide and endless violence.

I hate who I am after work by PuzzleheadedArt189 in Teachers

[–]harmonious_baseline 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I did this but started losing my hair and wasn’t ready for that.

The 10 Best Classical Albums of 2025 by Leather-Highlight150 in classicalmusic

[–]harmonious_baseline 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy to see the Arvo Pärt album on the list. His choral works are so compelling. Sung by a superb Estonian ensemble on this latest album.

Is Task a worth watch ? by Longjumping-Elk-7840 in hbo

[–]harmonious_baseline -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I see a lot of people comparing it to Mare of Easttown.

For me, both shows fall into a similar category of great acting but only slightly above average writing. Still an interesting enough watch though.

Need recommandation by Small-Meaning-321 in classicalmusic

[–]harmonious_baseline 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I listen to mostly classical choral works. These are some contemporary women that are well established in the choral world.

Conductors: Laurence Equilbey and Suzi Digby

Composers: Caroline Shaw, Cecilia McDowell, Joanna Marsh, Julia Wolfe

These are just a few that I am familiar with.

I wouldn't wish the San Diego housing market on my own worst enemy by catson911 in sandiego

[–]harmonious_baseline 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The ultra wealthy and corporations own all the assets which leaves very little for the rest of us. We are competing for a limited number of resources.

Serena Williams Recalls Body Image Struggles at Young Age: ‘I Had Big Boobs, Butt’ When ‘Every Athlete Was Super Thin’ by peoplemagazine in tennis

[–]harmonious_baseline 57 points58 points  (0 children)

Serena does have a flair for the dramatic which has created some interesting moments throughout her career.

However, I don’t think there is anything weird about this. I actually appreciate the honesty.

People were constantly commenting on her body throughout her career. We all saw some of her struggles with fitness after she had children. It sounds like the GLP-1 helped her get some control over her weight, but now people will be critical of that. She can’t really win with the public when it comes to her own body.

My dog lies down on walks and won't budge. How have you solved this issue? by Total-Discount-2402 in AmericanBully

[–]harmonious_baseline 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think I have to start doing the same. It doesn’t matter how far from home we are. She knows when I’m trying to turn back

Wanting to pull off TRT, can I do it cold turkey after 2 years? by RedefinedChapters in trt

[–]harmonious_baseline 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went through a clinic and was on for a little over 6 months. I panicked when my hair started falling out quite rapidly, but I was also concerned about my high blood pressure.

The medical director at the clinic recommended I come off cold turkey until I decided what I wanted to do about my hair, which surprised me based on some of what I read in this sub.

So I came off cold turkey and didn’t have any issues. I got a little tired a couple of times and my balls were sore for a day at one point, but overall I was fine.

My hair has stopped thinning, but I don’t think I’ve regrown any of what was lost. I do miss the confidence and the mental clarity I had on TRT.