Mariah OB 6

Mariah OB 6
Chapter Summary: There are a lot of factors to consider when trying to figure out the classification of your voice, such as your tessitura. Your tessitura is "the range between the top and bottom notes of your voice where you can perform most comfortably for the longest period of time without fatigue." We also need to be careful not to classify our voices to soon or too strictly. Voices can change and be explored more fully and we don't want a classification to restrict us. Voice teachers and some of Oren Brown's exercises can be helpful in finding a classification for a singer's voice. We also need to keep in mind that "the average human has not completed his physical development until age 21." Voice teachers need to be careful when teaching children so that they do not strain the children's voices because this can be very damaging. There is no such thing as a monotone person. Some people are just more sensitive to pitch than others and need more practice.
Key Concept: Singers need to be careful about defining their voice with a specific classification and explore all possibilities for their voice. Children should be allowed to sing lightly and freely.
Key Terms: tessitura, classification, "fach" system, monotones
Making Connections: I'm pretty sure I am a mezzo soprano at the moment but I don't think I have explored my voice enough to make that a definite choice. I'd like to develop my voice more before I chose a particular classification. I also need to be careful when I teach children in the future that I allow them to be very gentle with their voices.