What Does it Mean if a Singer is Classically Trained

What Does it Mean if a Singer is Classically Trained Suzy S. What do you think of when you see the words classical singing? Perhaps opera comes to mind? Here, vocal instructor  Molly R.  explains  what being classically trained really means and how it can be applied to any genre of singing Suppose you’re a rock or pop singer looking for a voice teacher   while some teachers may stress that theyre all about rocking or teaching a certain vocal method in their bios, many of them mention being classically trained.  With that said, what does it mean to be a classically-trained singer? Will it help you achieve the sound you want? Im a classically-trained singer. I received my degree in vocal performance after studying a healthy diet of art songs, oratorios, and opera arias. Now that Im a voice teacher, I find myself counting the number of my classical singing students on just one hand! The rest of my students sing commercial music styles metal, pop, RB, and others. The bottom line is that in order to sing healthfully, you should  use the classical technique. Although, this is a different ballgame from  classical STYLE. Classical Technique vs. Classical Style Classical technique is a lot less complicated than it sounds. To learn this technique, a few things must happen. First, we must breathe and support very low on our bodies this is coupled with proper balance and posture. Next, we must sing clear, round vowels with an open throat. These are the principles I was most focused on as a young classical singer,  tackling songs from the greats like Puccini, Schubert, Barber, and more.  Any singing style or genre could surely benefit from these practices, right? Thats exactly  right! Classical style comes from artistic choices you make when you sing. For example, you may choose to be a little breathy in a  lower register for a sultry jazz tune, or you may make the sound sassier, brighter, and more “in your face” (literally!) if you’re belting a Broadway song. In rock, we don’t sing the words out nearly as full as we do in an aria it’s much more conversational. (Editors Note: For more on different styles, check out our Ultimate Guide to Singing Styles and Genres!) Use a  Healthy Mix Putting together the classical technique with your preferred style is where it’s at, as far as I am concerned! A healthy singing technique and a rockin style are  the best of both worlds. Don’t assume that all classically-trained teachers won’t welcome other genres, because many of us do! In fact, rock was my first love. Sharing what I know from the classical world has helped my rocker students feel a lot more confident in their abilities. Theyve mentioned an increase in stamina after long rehearsals and gigs because they breathe and support just like the opera singers do (and those singers have a lot of singing to do talk about vocal athletes!). They realize they need not scream or push to  produce a lot of good sound. Classical vocal training also stresses the importance of a good warm-up and being mindful of proper vocal hygiene. Although, I wouldn’t suggest sticking to a regimen of solely vocal exercises in lessons. Do spend time doing exercises that cover a variety of vocal skills, including flexibility, diction, breath control, and dynamics. All of these things can and should be applied to your songs, whether theyre classical Mozart arias or metal Judas Priest covers! Apply it to Any Genre I hope  these facts will ease your fears about your classically-trained teacher “turning you into an opera singer. Good teachers are respectful of  your preferred styles of music and should  never consider turning you into someone youre not. Quality voice teachers want the best for all of their students and want to ensure many years of healthy singing. The classical technique can do that for you, regardless of the styles you choose to sing. As an  example of a legendary rock star who was classically trained, check out  Pat Benatar. She’s still rockin’ and sounding great in her sixties because she was taught solid classical technique on Brahms art songs long before she was a Heartbreaker! Classically-Trained Pop and Rock Singers A few pop and rock singers have studied the classical technique, believe it or not! In addition to Pat Benatar, Madonna (after she made it big) worked with a teacher on the “24 Italian Songs” to prepare for her role in “Evita. Lady Gaga worked on classical technique every day for six  months to prepare for her big “Sound of Music” medley at the Oscars. Contrary to popular belief, metal singer extraordinaire Ronnie James Dio did NOT take vocal lessons, but he did say he was greatly influenced by the singing style of tenor and  great singer Mario Lanza! I can safely say that my classical training has improved my singing across every genre Ive attempted. Its the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to learn a healthy and correct singing technique. Apply what youve learned from classical training to any genre you want and youll be unstoppable! Happy singing! Post Author:  Molly R. Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013.  Learn more about Molly  here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher