ages for learning opera?

Question

I'm 15 and I'm considering studying opera with my singing teacher who is opera trained. What age should someone start singing opera? am I too late?

Iv been studying classically for about 6 months, but haven't really done any more operatic pieces. The piece My teacher has started me on is called "La Violette" .... I'm singing it in the original language (mainly because I live singing in foreign languages). Its a nice anough piece to sing, but the words mean basically nothing >.<

Iv been studying classically for about 6 months, but haven't really done any more operatic pieces. The piece My teacher has started me on is called "La Violette" .... I'm singing it in the original language (mainly because I live singing in foreign languages). Its a nice enough piece to sing, but the words mean basically nothing >.<

Answer 1

You're actually at the perfect age to begin studying classical "operatic" literature. Any younger and you're no way near mature enough vocally - you could hurt your voice! Try starting with art songs in different languages to build yourself up vocally. Most opera arias are going to be too hard for your voice at your age, but classical literature would be a great start! Opera is amazing and alot of fun; take things one step at a time. When you're about 18 or 19 you can probably start really singing some of those arias. I know many teachers push it earlier, but you can't really do justice to it or get the most out of it at a younger age. I'm so glad you're eager to learn some of the finest art ever created!

Answer 2

Just to clarify...Are you referring to opera specifically or classical music in general? It's great to work on classical technique now. Yes, your voice may still be developing, but as Dan said, the solid training should stick with you for the long haul. Just stick with art songs and light arias. There is no need to be singing arias from dramatic roles. ( I know that some state contest lists contain arias from Verdi and Saint-Saens...don't get me started). Even with a fabulous, naturally mature sound and great technique, a young singer simply cannot sing the larger roles. These were written for grown women (35+), and singing them in your youth with not only sound silly, but also can wreck your voice. There is plenty of great art songs and light arias that are beautiful, challenging, and fun to sing. So... take the lessons, sing classical music, and save the big aria for post graduate work.


Notes on your additional comments: La Violette is perfect! It sounds as if you're on the right track!

Answer 3

At 15 you're probably too young to seriously study opera, because your voice hasn't finished settling in. Even for women, this process is not complete until at least college age. However, any studying you do now will help your later studying as you will become familiar with the terminologies and general techniques, so even if your range changes, you'll still have the basic tools.

Answer 4

Your singing teacher should be able to tell you this?? I began training at age 12 to be a coloratura; my voice instructor had two Metropolitan Opera stars as prior students. A friend was 14 when she went to London to be trained for opera. I think it depends upon vocal maturity and believe, at 15, you should decide soon (but get an opinion in addition to that of your present coach).

Answer 5

It's not too late. I just started trying at 21.