Developing the Young Dramatic Soprano Voice Ages 15-22

This doctoral dissertation provides information on how to develop the young dramatic soprano, specifically through more concentrated focus on the breath. Proper breathing is considered the single most important skill a singer will learn, but its methodology continues to mystify multitudes of singers and voice teachers. Voice professionals often write treatises with a chapter or two devoted to breathing, whose explanations are extremely varied, complex or vague. Young dramatic sopranos, whose voices are unwieldy and take longer to develop are at a particular disadvantage for absorbing a solid vocal technique. First, a description, classification and brief history of the young dramatic soprano is discussed along with a retracing of breath methodologies relevant to the young dramatic soprano’s development. Second, specific breath methods will be presented by the author and third, three singing experts, Angela Meade, Luana DeVol and Dolora Zajick present their breathing/vocal methods, providing specific exercises, which are included in the appendix. The appendices also include graded repertoire for the young dramatic soprano and an IRB Exemption Letter