For those who are trying to learn singing, Singorama suggest that they have to understand what vocal weight is all about and how to use it so it can benefit them. Vocal weight is literally how the vocals or the singing voice weighs on the ear: light (lyrical) or heavy (dramatic). An “in between” voice quality, the spinto, is in the median range and can have differing vocal qualities – spinto, lirico spinto or spinto tenor. This is one of the determining factors for the quality of voice in classical music.

Lyrical voices are brighter and more agile, it has a more playful quality. In contrast is the dramatic voice that is powerful, rich and can be darker in quality. The heavier the voice is, the more difficult it is to maneuver through coloratura passages compared to the lyrical voices for the weight of their voice limits the “agility” of the voice to shift. However, the more dramatic roles are at an advantage over the lyrical voices for these are usually written with a large orchestra to get the heavy voice to carry over a large ensemble. The spinto tenor has a more powerful sound but may not be the right voice for the lyrical notes. It is, however, the singer with a lirico spinto voice that can gain more advantage for they can sing both the lyrical roles like Alfredo in La Traviata and the more dramatic roles like Manrico in II Trovatore.

For the singer, depending on the vocal weight, they can focus on their voice quality and use it to gain the roles that are written for that voice quality. Once singers get to understand their vocal weight, they can then focus on those operas and roles that their voices are best at. Without the understanding, they will only find themselves floundering around for roles not knowing where to find their nice.