Training the Young Bass Voice: Methodology and Practical Solutions

The instruction of any young singer requires adaptations and modifications on the part of a voice teacher. Potential challenges can be magnified for young singers who are bass or bass-baritones. Unfortunately, basses are rare enough that many teachers may not have had one as a student. There are universal pedagogical truths that apply across voice types, but the low-voiced male offers several unique considerations. In particular, young basses or bass-baritones may not yet have access to their head voice. Whereas young classical sopranos will spend most of her time singing in her head voice, the young bass or bass-baritone is likely to have difficulty entering his head voice naturally.In reviews of common introductory vocal compilations, there was little to no distinction in the tessitura for basses and baritones. In the same vein, much of the pedagogical work regarding the male voice tends to lump the bass, bass-baritone, and baritone into the same category. Since the problems of the young low male voice are often unique, this does them a disservice. Materials are needed to ensure that singers entering their careers as basses and bass-baritones receive the appropriate guidance from the outset. It is the intent of this guide to create a methodology and solution guide to the young bass voice, including exercises and pieces that highlight solutions. Read more