Questions and Answers with Lisette Oropesa

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for all of the amazing feedback and response from my coaching yesterday. I wasn't able to answer every question during the actual facebook-live video, so I have decided to post a follow-up video for you all!
Here's the link to the previous video:
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If you are looking for the answer to a specific question, here are some time-stamps to help guide you through the video.
Alyssa Holley · 0:54 I'm a young soprano who is having issues with my breath. I collapse too quickly and I blow too much air out. Any exercises that might be helpful for me? Thank you!
Martha Meacham Dugas · 5:25 What role in Traviata did you rescue?
OC Rossini · 5:32 Can you perhaps trill in the long AH before the reprise? Your trill is so great and it would help show the ecstasy. Sills does that on her recording.
Callie Cooper · 5:54 When are you doing Violetta again?!
Paul Kentor · 6:30 What are your impressions (either of you) working with a coach/ singer of the opposite gender?
Natalia Trigo · 7:50 Is there a technical tip for the coloratura and the high F in the first Queen of the Night aria?
Leah Schweighofer · 9:42 What advice do you have for young singers who are undergraduate students?
Natalia Trigo · 11:50 Any tips for the soprano passaggio between E and G5?
Giacomo Nanni · 13:01 Did you ever study with Angela Gheorghiu? I heard your mozzafiato Gilda in Rome and I found some similarity ancora complimenti anyway
Tracie Rhesean Davis · 13:23 Healthiest/best ways to MARK?
Tamara Ivaniš · 14:48 do you vocalise every day? how do you deal with days when you are "not in a good voice"? you are amazing, thank you!
Patricia Westley · 18:18 What is the favourite role you've ever performed? And which role has been your most challenging?
Jeanne Mann · 19:46 I'm confused...I thought your teacher was Bill Schuman in NYC? DO you have two teachers? Is that common ?
Jim Politowski · 24:14 why do you seek more input now?? is it the same routine in preparing for every new performance??
Wong Jun Wen · 24:53 When is your plan to release an album? I'm really looking forward to it!

[@stephencostan207]

LISETTE'S singing voice is an extension of her speaking voice ............wonderful voice production

[@gulindonmez1225]

I just discovered you you’r the best soprano i’ve ever seen, i am so happy to know you, i am also soprano and found the answers that i am looking for, and you are a wonderful person to share these with us, you are an angel thanks for all❤️

[@aacha548]

I love what you have to say about the upper passagio. I never have picked up on this before. I always thought all the discussion was about the lower passagio.

[@Maranedy]

You're just an actual sweetheart in this video. Thanks so much!

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

hehe aww thanks! :)

[@ShiriMagar]

I absolutely agree!!!❤

[@rositafotouhi5262]

Thank you for this! I wish I had your videos when I was in training at University.

[@goldie5788]

You are one of a kind ❤ such an inspiration! You have kindness, patience, and energy of love. Your are more than a singer and a teacher. You and Blue Angel are a leaders and you shape a new community of singers. Thanks ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@Graphicxtras1]

Superb. A really super selection of advice about singing / breath etc. Thanks for putting up on FB / YT

[@lr8845]

It's never too long when sharing your experience. Thank you!

[@munequitodeebano3920]

I don’t have a question I just have to say you are amazing. You remind me so much the Fabulosa Beverly Sills I wish you the best. Keep giving us your gift. Un regalo que Dios sin duda te ha dado.

[@rosianeqz]

Lisette, these are amazing singing advices. Record more videos about it. Amazing! Brava!

[@OperaLover84]

Love this video -- thank you for sharing all of this great information! :) Wish more singers would do this!

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Thank you for watching; I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Glad you enjoyed it! I should do more of these!

[@ciociosan]

Dear Opera Gods, Lisette Oropesa's Violetta and Arthur Espiritu as Alfredo would be a dream come true. Please make it happen.

[@corneliusbates460]

This was great! So informative and helpful. I am a jazz singer but i studied bel canto technique. Excellent!

[@JuPiNi1]

Hola, por favor, podría dar explicaciones en español, realmente nos sería muy interesante e indispensable Apreciamos su disposición al pedido. Muchas gracias y cordiales saludos.

[@bravostar2]

Simply amazing woman! Thank you for your generosity!

[@DavidBrowningBYD]

Taminophile here. You speak so clearly and eloquently about technique and best practices for a singer. I'd love to follow up on a comment you made about humming--I think it was in connection with the question about vocalizing every day: Do you find gentle humming to be soothing when your voice is weary, and fortifying when your voice is energized? My experience, back in the days when I sang, is that it can be. In fact, at one point I was working in a music store slinging sheet music, and I was always humming whatever was in my hands at the time. My teacher at the time (an amazing women who is no longer with us, alas) was amazed at the effect.

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Great observation! I think singers just sing all the time, and may not even realize it. I certainly do hum but not for any specific purpose, except to test if my voice is phonating that day! haha

[@KathrynARyder]

Excellent advice!!!! Good job Lisette!!!

[@TMT-4869]

She so reminds me of Marissa Tomei. So beautiful.

[@ichbins6837]

So lovely you share your knowledge with us🤗

[@Pat2789]

Lisette, you are just the absolute best! Xo

[@flaviamusica1509]

This videos are fabulous. Thank you so much.

[@boltoht]

Great advice. Thanks!

[@Shahrdad]

This is so excellent. Thank you for doing this.

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Shahrdad I am glad you found it helpful!

[@Shahrdad]

I must say that I really enjoy the sense of style in your singing. There is something about your phrasing, your smooth legato and your use of portamento and rubato in the bel canto repertoire that reminds me a lot of Callas. Your voice is totally different, but there is a patience and a fluidity and natural flow to your handling of this music that is very "old world." And like Callas, with you there is an wonderful ease to your handling of fioriture, where they become a means of expression rather than a tool for showing off, and again like Callas, you're able to enter a trill and exit it smoothly, thereby bind it to the melody. You don't make the trill an appliqué glued on top of the melody, but a part of it, an intensification of it. I am really glad that I discovered you on KZbin.

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

I am so flattered!! I don't even know what to say! Thank you...

[@vasilikos12]

When 6 years ago she said I will do Violetta when I'm asked again😅 little did she know..❤

[@operazioneitaliano9912]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@marylambcarter]

i used to practice with holding my breath !! especially for a man is important to train with another man .. especially a tenor ?? dont you think so??its amazing to listen to you give advice ! one day you will be an excelent teacher , i´m sure !! Great advice on food, can you say more about it ??? !!! i would also love to see a video with you talking about CALLAS and your thoughts on her ! YOU ARE THE BEST - WAITING FOR YOUR BELCANTO ALBUM ! GOD BLESS!!

[@silvijaradjen8675]

This is so amazing !! Thank You so much for sharing Your knowledge !

[@juliakatherinewalsh8612]

Thank you so much for your great advice! :) Loved all of it and it's super useful!! Looking forward to more such Q&A sessions to come!! :) ;)

[@figueroageist1375]

You’re awesome, very good tips. I would like to ask you something about the first exercise or ask you a favour. Can you upload the same first exercise but sung. I understand it, but I like to see how does it feel to making sung. i wait your answer please, thanks you’re great!

[@KathrynARyder]

As to genders of teachers: Estelle Liebling (teacher of coloraturas including Beverly Sills) and William Herrmann (teacher of Roberta Peters and Patrice Munsel)

[@joseluizengelke5128]

Singing, talking, anyway, a SPLENDEROUS DIVA OF VOICE AND BEAUTY! 👏🎹😘🙏🇧🇷🏊‍♂️

[@edraith]

Very good advices, thank you.

[@kaya5526]

Hi @LisetteOropesa thank you so much for these informative videos! Could you talk about traveling and being vegan?? i.e. Where/what you eat, best and hardest places to find vegan food, how willing restaurants are to make accommodations..? Thank you 😊

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Working on this one!! I already have a list of 40 tips!!!

[@livrowland171]

Really helpful tips, thank you 🙏

[@jimcoleman6055]

You are delightful!

[@hansdrp817]

Hi Miss Oropesa I am one of your many fans at the National Opera Amsterdam where you sing Gilda. I love yours singing lessons on youtube here where you make all the vocal sense of the word

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

I am glad you found it helpful! Thank you for the support!

Thank you very much for your honesty !!

[@talitasofijakomelj9730]

This is a very helpful video!

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

I am so glad you were able to get something out of it!

[@talitasofijakomelj9730]

Oh, yes, of course! :) I agree with everything You've said here. Thank You very much!

[@maricarmenbarrionuevo5927]

Por qué no aparecen los subtitulos en español. Está la opción , pero no aparecen😢

[@caterinadalmaso3298]

thank you! 😊

[@TracingFlares]

Awesome!

[@azarchalabiani592]

Thank you very much

[@SilviaVazquezSoprano]

Eres MARAVILLOSA. Ninguna palabra te describe como mereces!!!!! ❤️❤️

[@livrowland171]

I wonder, do you think it's fine to sing just for fun, including pop songs? Or if you take classical singing seriously is it best not to in case it interferes with your technique?

[@SingerGeneLeonard]

I found if I lay on my sides it helped me to find that lower breath support.

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

That's a great way to find it! Thanks for sharing!

[@BassoColoratura]

I love Mr. Grayson!!!

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

So do I! Isn't he amazing? I am lucky to have had him to study with!

[@BassoColoratura]

He is!!! Lol, he tried to recruit me to LSU!

[@deerizzo8107]

This is so helpful! Thank you ❤ I also wanted to ask if there are any exercises to strengthen top notes (C-D-Eb)?

[@1UShawn]

you said: I don't encourage you to learn new music by listening to a recording; Could you please give us the reason why?

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Shawn Uplaznik hey there! Because the version you will do in real life will likely be different, with cuts, tempos, etc. Recordings are helpful to get grounding in a role’s scope, but learn a role with a piano and a coach, so that you can build your own phrasing

[@sandraguan63]

very helpful!

[@TaekyungLee-mb1sb]

감사합니다!

[@louisabaileche1440]

High Lisette, je vous suit de Paris, j'aimerai avoir quelques conseils pour travailler les arias très vocalisants, pour la vitesse et la souplesse. I hope you anderstand me. Thanks a lot

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Bonjour Luoisa, cherche mon vidéo sur la technique vocale, je parle un peu de coloratura et comment le faire plus facilement. :)

[@xDarkforce3986x]

Is there an age limit to where you can’t develop your vocals much? I know men can go as high...but I tend to be able to hold some high notes. I have an interest, been told I have great lung capacity, but I’m not sure how or where to even start or if I should. I’m 33, and love opera. Also I love your take on Sempre Libera and my personal favorite piece, I’ll Douche Souno. Love your work, appreciate some insight if anyone’s has any valuable info. Cheers

[@xDarkforce3986x]

Typo “I know men can’t go as high, although there are exceptions, such as Vitas, and Dimash”

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Hey there, I can’t really answer you fairly because there are always exceptions and people who start to develop their voices later in adulthood. But I’d say if you love to sing, then do it!

[@EliominDZ]

mi pregunta es la voz debe de colocarse o no? gracias

[@michaelmusic8772]

I does like opera!)

[@ER1CwC]

This is a really great video, and congratulations on your wonderful career. I’d like to ask if you think that what you describe at around 12:00-13:00 regarding the passaggio also applies to male voices (particularly about opening the vowel back up once one gets past the passaggio)? Thanks in advance, and best wishes!

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

Hey Eric, from what I've learned and experienced, male voices remain covered and closed at the top, not open. So find a more narrow vowel and point the air upward and forward!

[@alexeiderperezhernandez461]

These are the same exercises by Montserrat Caballé that I practice with my teacher who was a classmate of hers.

[@vidinaxio]

Hi Lisette, do you do lessons atm? I cant find a site if so, but thought i would check.

[@sandraguan63]

❤tks

[@mariannamartirosyan2328]

💖💖💖

[@AlicjaKawecki]

Lisette, how does one get the "rights" to sing opera? Is it essentially a cover? Thinking of recording and uploading online but terrified of Intellectual Property issues. It is why I have not done it for 10 plus years of wanting to...I don't want my voice to go to the grave :/

[@ShiriMagar]

Hello Den, most of the opera repertoire can be performed online without worrying about "copyrights". You should double check for modern pieces, but for pieces which have been written over a hundred years ago - you are good to go:)

[@user-fp1xy8bk7u]

12:00 ❤

[@wangliwang8576]

Can you sing Hero of Mariah Carey ?

[@markvillanueva852]

Absolutely gorgeous, found my new crush.

[@shartrezlittle8952]

Very helpfull video😍😍

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@azarchalabiani592]

You are so adorable

[@mugrad25]

This was wonderful. Are you a coloratura or light lyric soprano?

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

theodore braden kind of both! Not a hoch Koloratur...definitely a lyric-coloratura :)

[@mugrad25]

Lisette Oropesa hey what actually happens when you cover the vowels? also I can release air for 35 seconds straight but never know if I'm singing on the breath. things feels tight and constricted. how do you know when you're singing into the breath? last what do you sound like to yourself. you create such beautiful, rich, sonorous tones....do they sound that way to you on the inside? sorry, I'm just really fascinated and appreciate your accessibility

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

hey there, Theodore, those are great questions and points. I need to make another technique video! The short answer is that you lift the palate and bring the sound more into the mask when you "cover." I find it helpful to think of a dome shape in the mouth. Almost like you are yawning. Releasing air is a great way to start, but to sing on the breath the vibrato has to also chime in naturally so that the sound is spinning. Are your tones coming out straight? That may be why you feel tight and constricted. Try to let the air move in a direction, like throwing a ball and watching it arc up in the air and then come down. Instead of a line, think of an arc, with your breath. Or a wheel. That helps me!

[@LisetteOropesaSoprano]

To sound like yourself you just have to not imitate anyone else! :) haha...just let your colors be what they are and minimize the instinct to manufacture a darker or heavier or brighter sound than what you naturally have.

[@KathrynARyder]

theodore braden - may I say, speaking as a loyal fan of Lisette, that she is a Light Lyric Soprano, but with a strong coloratura technique that is developing as her voice matures. Many of the greatest sopranos develop this way (Sutherland, Horne, Moffo, learned to be coloraturas).

[@aacha548]

I have a question for you. Is there any area of your life where you are not so disciplined?

[@alexwatchesyoutube7363]

Uh... Can u speake Spanish?

[@mickygabriela8165]

Funny, that your speaking voice is quite deep, husky and guttural, and your singing voice is contrast to all this

[@livrowland171]

She sounds like a normal American woman, not 'husky and gutteral' 🙄