The Aging Voice

by Brandy Neilson
(Jacksonville, FL)

My burning problem is overcoming an aging voice. I am a Sweet Adeline and trained therefore in the Italian bel canto style.

However, I am 66 years old and beginning to suffer the effects of aging. My singing voice is my whole life, and I am devastated at hearing how the ravages of Time are affecting my sound quality.

What can I do to help myself?

Answer from editor:

To answer this question, the effects you are feeling are not about "aging". They are more to do with singing for an extended period with technique that is not perfect.

This is quite common, even in some star singers (I won't mention any names here!).

To begin to work out you can check out some of the videos in the menu bar. Some of them include some tips such as "singing down" into the note, which will really help eliminate strain when you are going for your high notes.

Another thing you can do is put your thumb under your jaw, and begin to notice when your swallowing muscles come down and interfere with your singing.

If you can get to the point where you don't feel these muscles interfering you'll find you'll be able to sing with much less strain, and the "aging" effects you mentioned will begin to reverse.