Ageing voices : Considering the singers perspective

[Extract] As many readers would know, singers’ voices continue to change as they age. (Rojas et al, 2019) Narrowing (or shifting) vocal ranges, and losses of vibrato control, vocal agility or precision, are some of the changes I have observed. Other age-related factors – such as reduced stamina, mobility, vision or hearing – may impact repertoire selections and venue choices. In these “COVID times,” conductors must also make decisions to protect those most vulnerable.