I want to sing opera. Have you found yourself saying this after watching opera performances? Well, that’s totally understandable.  The music, the pitch, the tone, the aesthetics, and the control that the opera experience has will surely make you feel all whimsical and dreamy. This singing style seems like it can transcend through time and evoke different emotions that you never thought you have.

If we’re honest, opera singing is one of the most intimidating singing styles that you can master. We are pretty sure lots of professional singers will agree that it is also the most challenging singing style to learn. This is because, aside from mastering the fundamental singing techniques, you also need to learn how to sing at high vocal volume levels while maintaining proper pitch and control.

While learning opera is challenging, it is not impossible! With the right knowledge, patience, and lots of practice, there’s a high chance that you can master this singing technique.

In this article, we will share with you the best tips and expert strategies on how to sing operatically. If you’re ready, let’s begin!

 

Fundamentals of Singing Opera

When it comes to singing opera, you have to learn the basics. This means that you first need to learn the fundamentals of opera singing. To help you with that, we have provided you with an overview of these fundamentals below:

 

Understanding your voice type.

There are different voice types in opera. Before you proceed to mastering this art form, the first step you need to take is to understand what your voice type is. In this way, you can be able to identify the right kind of training for it.

 

Mastering the fundamentals.

If you’re not a professional singer, it would be best that you go back to the basics first before you take on opera singing. Keep in mind that opera is a sophisticated singing style, so you must master the fundamentals first before you have a go at it.

If you have limited time, you can review at least two singing fundamentals. These include how to sing high notes and how to sing with power.

Opera singers belt out high notes and deliver powerful music. If you’re not going to brush up on the basics, you will try to force your voice to achieve the same effect.

Unfortunately, you wouldn’t be able to do it with this technique. What’s worse is you may even end up straining and damaging your vocal cords.

By reviewing the singing basics, you will be reminded of how to sing correctly. You will be equipped with the knowledge on how to hit high notes and sing with power in a way that would not strain or damage your vocal cords.

If you don’t have any singing background yet, the best thing that you can do is sign up on an online singing program. This is the fastest and easiest way to learn how to sing properly.

 

Immerse yourself in Opera.

As you are mastering the basics, you can already learn more about opera singing without actually having to sing it.

Act as a bystander and observer first since you are still not yet qualified to be a participant. In this way, you will already have a clearer idea of how to sing operatically.

Through this, you will be able to know about the structure of these performances, the flow of the program, how the performers achieve the perfect harmony, but above all, how the performer’s voice sound.  You can do this by watching operatic performances, live, on TV or online.

You may also one to identify, early on, what parts of the opera performance you want to take place in. By having an overview of how it works, it will be easy for you to determine the things you would like to learn when you start singing opera.

 

Study classical techniques and language.

Opera is a complex singing style, and it has some facets that are entirely different to other singing techniques. For one, singing opera in an American accent is not widely accepted. This singing style is usually done in French, German, and Italian. Because of this, it would be a great idea that you try to learn these languages first.

Knowing the language can help you develop the right diction and pronunciation. Another great way to be familiar with it is to try singing classical music. Since these songs are a lot shorter than opera songs, you can use them to improve your range and stamina without the risk of straining your voice.

In addition to the language issue, you should also understand the fact that most opera singers are expected to learn how to play an instrument. This is because such activity will help you to gain a better perspective when it comes to reading sheet music.

If you want to try professional opera, it is recommended that you put this into practice. Since most opera singers are used to hitting difficult melodies without practicing, this skill can be of significant use to you.

 

Take influence from the greats.

As they say—walk with the wise, and you become wise. This is true even with training yourself for singing. If you want to be a great opera singer, you have to walk with the greats. This means that you should take your influence from them.

Once you have watched enough performances to understand all the details of operas, the next best thing that you can do is to identify opera singers who you think has a vocal style that is suitable for your voice. When you have pinpointed these opera singers, try to follow their performances, get to know more about how they practice, train, and the likes.

 

Look after your body and voice.

When it comes to the music industry, your instrument is your weapon. Since you aspire to be one of the best opera singers, your instrument is your voice. While other musicians can have their instruments repaired, replaced, or upgraded, you are stuck with only one voice.

That’s why you must take good care of your voice. You can do this by giving it a break. You should also avoid coffee, dairy, or other things that may trigger acid reflux as that condition may compromise your voice.

You should take good care of your body, too, as it is the vessel of your instrument. You can do this by working out regularly and eating a nutritionally-balanced diet. One great exercise that you can try is yoga and meditation, as these can teach you how to breathe properly and more effectively.

 

Can Anybody Learn to Sing Opera

Singing opera is not the same as other types of singing (jazz, pop music, etc.) Mastering this craft will require you to take your already beautiful voice and amplify it. This means that you need to have a good voice and proper singing background, to begin with. Only then can you be able to proceed with singing opera.

To master this singing technique, you have to push the same amount of air through your vocal cords in a different manner. You should also learn to place this air differently. While no person is born with this kind of mastery, you can be able to learn and develop it with the proper training.

So the answer is yes, anybody can learn the opera. However, they need to have these three things first—great voice, proper vocal training, and extensive opera training.

 

How is Opera Singing Different to Normal Singing

As mentioned, opera is not the same as other singing styles like pop, jazz, ballad, and many more. But how different are they?

The main difference between opera singing styles and traditional singing techniques is amplification.

Normal singers (pop, jazz, or rock singers) sing with microphones so the audience will be able to hear them. On the other hand, opera singers must sing unamplified.

To do this, you must develop your voice to be loud enough and have that reverberating trumpet-like sound so your voice can be heard during the performance. This also means that you need to find a way to hit the right notes and minimize voice interference while controlling your voice and taking care of your vocal cords.

When trying to produce that opera-like voice, your vocal cords will be at risk of muscle tension. When there is tension in the muscles in the different parts of your body (not just like in your vocal cords), your body will use up more oxygen, which may interfere with your singing ability.

Because of this, one aspect that you need to master is to produce a powerful voice without creating any tension in your body.

Another thing that makes opera singing different from normal singing is the language. An opera singer has to speak foreign languages clearly without affecting the tone or quality of the song. Because of this, an opera singer needs to learn not only different foreign languages but also a released jaw and an agile and loose tongue so they can sing the songs properly.

 

Why Take Opera Singing Lessons

Because of the difference between opera singing and normal singing, you need more than just proper singing background. In addition to mastering the proper opera singing technique, you also need to perfect the more advanced aspects of opera.

The best way to learn opera singing and master opera singing technique is to take opera vocal training. Here are some of the reasons why:

 

It’s a shortcut.

As mentioned, the operatic singing technique is advanced. Because of this, it can be a bit difficult to learn the opera singing technique by yourself. If you want an easy way to master these techniques, opera singing lessons for beginners are the best options for you.

These lessons are equipped with modules that are packed with all the information you need. Because of this, you do not have to spend time researching on your own. With these lessons, you are already presented with facts, so you do not have to bother yourself weeding out the right opera singing information from the wrong ones.

Instead of spending your time learning on your own, you can spend it practicing and studying the modules that will be provided to you. In short, these lessons can give you a head start on opera singing.

 

It is taught by experts.

Most opera singing lessons are taught and developed by expert teachers. Because of this, you can discover all the knowledge that they have about the craft in the modules, including how to sing opera tenor or how to sing opera high notes.

The information that you will find in these lessons will not just be opera singing facts.  By availing these lessons, you can also have access to the practical opera singing techniques and practice that your voice teacher has discovered during his singing journey.

This means that you will be able to capitalize on nuggets of wisdom that are worth decades of learning and practicing.

 

It is a personalized journey.

Most people may get intimidated by operatic singing lessons because they may not be able to keep up. The good news is there are online opera voice lessons that offer customized lessons. Not only that, but all of the audio or video lesson will also be provided to you in bulk, so you have the freedom to learn things at your own pace.

 

Benefits of Classical Vocal Training

One of the prerequisites of getting into professional opera is classical training. The classical singing technique is commonly used by experts in building a healthy foundation before they branch out to different types of singing, especially operatic singing.

With that in mind, why should you bother enrolling in this type of training? The best benefit that you get from this type of training is good singing foundation. Classical vocal training provides the singer everything that he needs to build a strong singing foundation. This foundation focuses on three essential things which are as follows:

 

Breath support

Breath control and support are essential for all types of singing, but this rings the truest in opera. Managing your breathing helps you to achieve your best singing performance. Moreover, it promotes vocal longevity as it helps you to take good care of your vocal cords.

With a lack of breath support, your voice will tire out quickly, which puts your vocal cords at risk of being injured. With proper vocal training, the singer will be able to practice proper breath support and use it to sing vocal phrases, regardless of its length, dynamic, or intensity. You will learn lots of breathing exercises from this type of training.

 

Vocal flexibility

Classical training is the most thorough vocal training you will ever have. In this training, you will learn everything you need to know about singing—singing long and slow phrases, developing the agility to perform swift runs, breath and voice control, and many more.

Because of this, you will be able to understand the ins and outs of your voice. After this type of training, you are already well-versed with your singing capability. As a result, you already have the confidence you need to try out non-classical singing types.

 

Vocal range

Classical vocal training will teach you different types of warm-ups and vocal practices. But more than that, it will help you to not just determine and familiarize yourself with your vocal range but to find ways on how to extend it as well.

One of the reasons why this type of training is the most effective when it comes to extending your vocal range is because it focuses on strengthening and using the head voice, the kind of voice that most opera singers do not pay attention to.

 

How are the Lessons Taught

If you are wondering how opera master classes are taught, there are three different types of courses that you need to be familiar with. These are as follows:

 

In-person

This type of class is held either in the studio of the teacher or your home. With this class type, you will be working up close and personal with your instructor. Because of this, you will be able to enjoy a training program that is customized to your needs. Since you are the only student, you can go through the training at your own pace.

 

Group

For this class setting, you will be training along with other people. Often, the group you will be training with is comprised of people with the same singing goals and skill level as you have.

The only downside of this type of class is that you will not be able to learn at your own pace, and you will not have the full attention of your coach.

 

Online

With online singing lessons, you will be given access to jam-packed singing modules, which may contain audio or video lessons. These modules are pre-recorded and include everything you need to know on how to sing opera—from the basic techniques to the advanced ones.

Online singing classes have become quite popular lately. This is because it provides the students access to the top tier opera singers in the industry. Since it is conducted remotely, your coach choices will not be limited to the talents you have in your area.

These are also considered to be more economical since you will only shell out a one-time payment to access all the modules.

However, the only possible downside to this type is there is no coach and student interaction since the modules are pre-recorded. Some programs address this by offering chat support and an online community to their students.

 

Top Considerations When Choosing an Opera Singing Course

If you are interested in signing up for opera singing programs, you will be faced with lots of options. Because of this, you must consider the following factors when choosing which course to take:

 

Reputation

When it comes to choosing voice lessons, you have to consider two things—the reputation of the voice teacher and the developers of the program.

The developers of online classes often branch out to develop online programs for various music genres. If you want to have a better idea of the quality of the program that they are offering (and their online singing course has little to no reviews), you can read the reviews of the other online programs that they offer.

Additionally, you may want to check the reputation of the teacher. Is he an authority in his industry? Is he considered to be a good teacher? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself.

 

Skill level

Aside from reputation, you should identify the teacher’s skill level. What is his singing experience? Is he considered to be good enough to share the musical knowledge that he has?

Also, you should consider if the teacher belongs to the same genre or has the same voice level that you are targeting.

 

Price

You should establish your budget before you go shopping for online singing courses. In this way, you will know if the course will fit your budget or not.

 

Guarantee

If you want to make the most out of your hard-earned money, you have to make sure the classes are worth investing in.

Lucky for you, some programs come with a guarantee. With this offer, you can be able to give their programs a try, and if you’re not satisfied with it, they will give your money back.

 

Conclusion

There’s no denying the fact that taking opera singing training is the best and easiest way to learn how to become an opera singer.

If you want to jumpstart your opera career, the best type of lessons that you can take are online opera lessons. One of the highest quality providers of opera lessons is the Sing Opera Now. This program features modules that are packed with all the tricks, opera singing techniques, and know-how needed to singing opera well.

The best thing about this course is that it comes with a 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. Since there is no risk involved, you are assured that your investment is protected.