Classical Voice Lessons: Building a Strong Foundation in Opera and Art Songs

No matter your musical background or which genres you typically sing, few things are as rewarding for singers as building a foundation when it comes to classical vocals. 

Classical voice training allows singers to access all the emotional heft found in opera singing and art songs - as well as appreciate and understand the rich, varied history of classical music in general. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key components of classical voice training. Beyond that, we’ll also take a look at the potential importance of opera singing lessons for your musical journey. We’ll also consider the role that learning art songs might have to play for singers who want to expand their musical palette. 

Let’s take an in-depth look:

Understanding Classical Voice Training

What Exactly is Classical Voice Training?

Let’s start with the basics. Classical voice training might be described as developing the vocal skills necessary for performing classical songs. When we say classical songs, these include opera standards and art songs, which will be discussed later in the article. 

Some of the key technical elements of this training include: an emphasis on breath control, the importance of pitch accuracy, and other components like resonance.

Let’s explore each of these in turn:

The Importance of Breath Control

If you have any experience with classical voice lessons, you’ll no doubt be aware that breath control is a cornerstone of classical voice training. 

Indeed, vocal techniques for opera performers often involve these singers beginning with exercises designed to strengthen their diaphragms and improve lung capacity. 

Picture a packed opera house, with a singer on stage having to fill the room with his/her voice - all of this without the aid of a microphone. Now picture them doing this night after night! Proper breath control is so important because it allows singers to sustain long phrases and project their voices without strain. It disciplines the voice - while simultaneously allowing it to excel.

Developing Pitch and Resonance

Pitch and resonance are something every singer has to consider, but classical voice training allows them to access and understand these singing components in a more formal - and often more useful - way. 

With classical voice training, singers learn to produce clear, focused tones. By understanding the very mechanics of the vocal cords, through training, singers then learn how to better manipulate them and thereby produce richer sounds. 

The Role of Opera Singing Lessons

Do I Need Opera Singing Lessons? / Why Should I Take Opera Singing Lessons?

Opera singing lessons are tailored to the unique demands of operatic performance - so it begs the question: Should I only take them if I plan on being an operatic singer?

The answer is, decidedly, no! Opera singing lessons will help develop and enrich your singing, no matter what type of songs you typically sing. 

Opera singing lessons focus on helping you develop a powerful, emotive voice; students learn to interpret complex musical scores and convey the emotional depth of the opera characters they’re invited to embody. 

As an added benefit, opera singing lessons also help singers when it comes to other musical elements like confidence on-stage, which is absolutely essential for performing live.

Elements of Opera Singing Lessons

If you’re interested in opera lessons, the best bet is to type in singing lessons near me and see what kind of results come up in your area. 

Let’s have a glance at some things a lesson might cover: 

• Vocal Technique(s): An instructor might help students refine their vocal technique through a variety of exercises, with areas such as range, dynamics, and articulation, all being covered.

• Repertoire Selection: Instructors will always guide students by selecting pieces that match their vocal abilities and artistic goals - or selecting pieces that will test a singer’s skills. (As an added bonus, by expanding your repertoire, you’ll almost certainly expand your musical and historical knowledge, which is never a bad thing!)

• Performance Practice: Regular performance practice helps students build confidence for live performing. This doesn’t have to mean serious opera performances every week! Often, it will take the form of mock performances or small recitals.

Exploring Art Songs for Singers

What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Art Songs’?

Rooted in the classical music tradition, art songs are considered a sub-genre of classical music that typically combines poetry and music.

Art songs tend to be written for voice and piano, and the lyrics tend to be powerful in the amount of emotional depth they convey. Art songs provide singers with a chance to explore deep emotions and interesting vocal techniques - and it goes without saying that they can also offer highly emotional experiences for listeners/audiences, which can be rewarding for all parties involved.

Benefits of Practicing Art Songs 

Again, it doesn’t matter what genre you typically sing in, art songs can be beneficial for numerous reasons. Here’s a few: 

• Learning and singing them can improve your Vocal Flexibility: Art songs are demanding - they require singers to navigate different vocal registers and dynamics; all of this can enhance vocal flexibility.

• They can help you better understand Emotional Expression in music: Music is arguably the most emotionally powerful art form. The poetic nature of art songs allows singers to connect with lyrical content in deep ways, helping them gain a true understanding of emotional expression and interpretation.

  
  

FAQs About Classical Voice Lessons

Let’s cover some frequently asked questions when it comes to classical voice training:

Q: How long does it take to see progress in classical voice training?

A: Progress will vary from person to person - and it should go without saying that progress will ultimately depend on an individual's dedication and practice routine. But generally, students may notice improvements in their vocal technique within a few months of consistent lessons.

Q: Can beginners take opera singing lessons?

A: Anyone can take opera singing lessons! Instructors will always meet you at the level you are at, and they’ll tailor lessons to the student’s current skill level, gradually introducing more complex techniques as the student progresses.

Q: Are there any recommended resources for practicing at home?

A: Yes, there are plenty of resources available for home practice. Sites like YouTube have numerous video resources when it comes to practicing, while we’d also recommend using vocal exercise apps. 

Beyond this, instructional books and CDs are still very much your friend. We recommend books like the encyclopedic "The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology.” 

If you’re serious about your music development, you’ll want to have instrumental tools to accompany your practicing-at-home singing resources. These might include necessities like digital pianos (click here to read our guide on the best ones for beginners)  or music stands/tablet holders. If you're really ready to take your singing to the next level, contact us today to connect with a top vocal coach and enroll in singing lessons in Toronto or online vocal classes.

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