Everybody dreams of becoming an American Idol as young as possible, but please be aware of the growth process and how this can affect your voice. While you can start playing an instrument or study music as early as age 4, it’s not the same when it comes to singing. There are important physical factors to be taken in consideration.

I personally started voice training at 14 and by 16 I nearly lost my voice. I had a personal trainer at the time, only it was a bad one. You might not know how to sing properly and what to expect of it so you go to a voice trainer. I’m sorry to say but teachers aren’t always eager to share their “secret weapons” (technique) with the students or they simply aren’t aware of what they are doing and how good or bad that is for you. Also great singers don’t automatically make good trainers. There are great singers that lack the ability to teach!

If you are a teenager, then I hope you are aware of the dramatic changes that occur during puberty. (For more info see http://www.medicinenet.com/puberty/page2.htm#physical).
Regarding singing, the changes that occur involve the larynx and it affects both girls and boys. While these changes are not so radical for the girls, boys experience a more dramatic larynx enlargement and muscle development and the result is an obvious change from their child-like (high) voice to a male (deep) voice.

Mature voices can be divided into major categories as following: soprano, mezzo-soprano, alto, tenor, baritone and bass. Most commonly you will find them grouped on music sheets like this:

I believe it is best for girls to start voice training around the age of 18 (as their growth process starts earlier) and for boys after this age (because their process starts later and is even more dramatic). As you can read on www.drpaul.com “the voice may “crack”. This is a normal part of the growth process” and while there is no need to worry about that, it is wiser to allow your body to complete its process of transformation.
Working on a mature voice is not only wise but it is also very rewarding and you will gain long term results.

If you are over 18 and thought you’ve missed your chance to singing, I have great news for you: this is the best time to start! If you are younger, you don’t need to worry, just be aware of the changes in your body and don’t push it too hard – it will crack! If you are much older…well, as long as your voice isn’t trembling out of control, go ahead and sing your lungs out!

Good luck!

Images have been used from:
www.pitt.edu
www.australiancomposers.com.au

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 17th, 2008 at 7:32 am.