It's real easy for a person who sings a lot (not just the casual and occasional 'round the campfire songfest) to fall into some vocal habits—poor breath support, tight throat, etc.—that can cause problems later on.

It's a pity that so many people who sing or want to sing folk songs seem to be afraid of voice teachers; afraid that if they find themselves in the same room with a voice teacher, they'll catch something and wind up sounding like an opera singer. Believe me, there are many aspiring opera singers who wish it was that easy! The best advice I could give anyone who wants to sing more than just now and then is to spend some time with a voice teacher. Instructional tapes or CDs might be helpful after one takes some voice lessons, but I wouldn't rely in them for initial instruction. A good voice teacher can hear what's going on with your individual voice, help you correct any problems, and set you on the right track—without making you sound like Placido Domingo or Renée Fleming. Unless you were born with that kind of vocal apparatus, in which case you might want to re-evaluate your musical direction (!).

I don't know if Pete Seeger ever had any vocal instruction. He was one helluva singer, but to my ear his voice always sounded a bit tight. Perhaps if he had spent some time with a voice teacher or vocal coach, he'd still be singing now. A few nights ago on TV, I heard an eighty-some-year-old operatic bass-baritone—didn't recognize his name—and he sounded great! It was all there! I'll be 71 my next birthday, my voice still feels strong, and people tell me I sound as good as I ever did. Thank you, Mrs. Bianchi!! Here's to vocal longevity!

Don Firth