Singers Over 40
Changes, Tips, & Resources
Here’s why my students over 40 are the best…
Singers over 40 have life experience. They teach me about music from the 1950s-80s and how music production has changed. Almost always, my older singers are less about competition and insecurities and more about learning. I often find that students over 40 are more motivated and can learn faster because they tend to immerse themselves in music in more than one way.
EVERY decade brings different challenges for vocalists. Here are some things to know about our body, brain, and voice as we get a little bit older…
Ways our bodies might change as we age:
Our larynx (the box that houses our vocal folds) hardens
Vocal folds get more lax
Less oxygenation and the need to breathe more often while signing
Hearing loss, need for more concentration while singing
Change in our range (voice can get higher, lower, or narrow in range)
Memory loss can affect memorization
Harder to stand for longer periods
Water content lowers and you may need to drink more water
Physical sensations related to singing and breathing
Resource: “The Evolving Singing Voice: Changes Across the Life Span” by Karen Brunssen
Tips for singers over 40:
Find the right exercises for your voice and genre of choice!
Save your voice. Don’t sing or talk when you don’t need to.
Stay hydrated
Use the “creak” or other SOVT exercises to help coordinate breath and target vocal fold muscles in a therapeutic way
Set realistic expectations for your voice and body. Find your strengths!
Don’t let your memory, vocal range, or any limitations stop you. Don’t give up if singing is something you are passionate about. We can find songs and exercises that fit your voice right now!