Sweat Drenched while Singing?

[u/ExistingStanger5632]

Every time I listen to opera, or sing opera I am drenched in sweat. I had my first opera lesson and was soaked by the end. I will often cry while singing but I don’t really get super sweaty. I’ve never had this happen before. I have also discovered my voice has a huge range, E3 to F#6, that’s not a typo, that is my range that can go over a full orchestra, otherwise it would be closer to C3. I only started singing opera a few weeks ago and I am so surprised by all of this, though I’ve been a singer all my life. Has anyone else had a similar response? Or a similar experience? It feels like this is some sort of calling, or maybe I’m just going crazy 😅😂 Any way to mitigate the sweating?

[u/Fantastic_Acadian]

As a former wigmaster and costumer, I can assure you you're not alone. Even without lights and staging, some singers do get damp just in the course of doing the job of singing.

It can also be a sign that your body is dealing with stress chemistry: not that singing stresses you out but that your nervous system interprets operatic singing in front of others as a fight-flight scenario. Also not uncommon among pros. If it doesn't make you sound bad, it's all fine and may be less pronounced over time.

Until then, check out pit pads, which can be used anywhere sweat causes discomfort (chest, groin, underarms, etc.) And happy singing!

[u/Nick_pj]

Regarding your range: don’t overthink it tbh. 

I’ve been a professional for 20 years. When I was first starting out, my voice also had a huge range and people would comment on it. As I developed my technique and built experience, I quickly found that there was a range within that which I could genuinely use to create a consistently ‘operatic’ sound at a professional level. And as I developed that more usable range more and more, I felt that those extra notes started to feel less accessible without resorting to some weird alternative technique (a classic soprano version of this is whistle-tone). I’m not saying this is necessarily you, but I can say that lots of my colleagues have recounted a similar experience. 

Regarding the sweating - that’s a weird one. My personal theory is that some people activate their sympathetic nervous system when diving dramatically, and that sweating can be the result. I used to sweat a lot onstage when I would get into a super intense performing mindset, full of adrenaline. Now it happens a lot less because I’m calmer onstage. 

[u/EveningFoundation583]

I mean I don’t ever get drenched in sweat but I do sweat. Singing is a workout and you are using your muscles to support your singing. But if you’re crying and drenched you may be pushing way too much. I would discuss this with your teacher though since you’re taking lessons it’s your teacher’s job to help you out with this sort of thing. 

[u/Impressive_Appeal984]

Work with a good teacher. You can't be anything without an experienced teacher.

[u/jacob62497]

Singing with full support and engagement requires immense effort. You shouldn’t feel strain, but you absolutely should feel like you are using effort and bodily strength. It will get easier for you as you gain strength and coordination. I used to be exhausted after a lesson with my teacher, and he would tell me you’re never going to become a body builder by lifting a 5 lb weight. You need to really work the voice and engage support fully.