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Your goals are totally realistic!! I first started in my early 20's but then put music on hold until this year (very very late 30's haha). When I started my goal was to just see where it took me.

I found my first teacher by asking someone I heard at an Open Mic who she studied with (her voice was really amazing). I actually found my second teacher through a web search. I basically read bios of the teachers through the studio and scheduled a lesson to see how we clicked.

My teacher is actually a student of David Jones. David Jones has a Facebook page and you might be able to ask there if anyone has recommendations for his students that are in your area. I don't know about this other person folks are recommending, but he might also have students that are also teachers that could work with you more frequently.

One important thing to keep in mind is to trust yourself. If your teacher belittles you or ignores or dismisses your concerns, find another teacher. It's really important to work with someone who is going to treat you and your voice like the unique snowflake you are.

My teacher also recommended his book that his teacher just published (https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Guide-World-Singing-Swedish-Italian/dp/154390887X). I also like the Singwise blog and Youtube channel as she has a lot of insight on voice science. I bring questions about what I've read to my teacher for clarification - this stuff makes a great supplement.

The other things I would recommend is that you record your lessons, work out a practice routine with your teacher (eg, what exercises should you do during the week, what should you focus on), and really consider doing weekly lessons (rather than biweekly).

Finally, something to keep in mind, in classical especially, people want to get all hung up on voice type/fach/whatever. Do not fall into that trap and don't let anyone push you into a category too early, especially if it doesn't feel right. Focus on developing your true sound - free, released, relaxed.

Good luck!!

The Structure of Singing by Richard Miller

Securing Baritone, Bass-Baritone, and Bass Voices by Richard Miller

What Every Singer Needs to Know about the Body

I didn't learn about these books until graduate school. I think every singer needs them in their personal library. The Miller texts are very thorough on technique with scientific explanation of phonation. Lots of diagrams and lots of exercises with very specific purposes. Also a lot of very good references to other texts. If you're more of a right brain thinker and respond better to metaphors and abstract approaches, Miller may not be your go-to reference guide, but it's important to at least study for pedagogy's sake.

The other book focuses on body awareness. It will change your life. For real. Posture, balance, alignment, movement - everything you need to know. Teachers toss around terms and commands such as "tension," "relax," "stand up straight," "chest high," "shoulders back," etc. but none of this is specific enough to actually correct anything and can actually cause other problems! This book will save you. It is my precious and I love it.

Thanks for posting!

I agree with all that others have said. This song is a bit on the low side for you, which is causing you to do some of the things mentioned. Any of the higher notes in the song sound very natural in your voice, so I would encourage you to look into higher repertoire with your teacher. If you're now thinking "I don't have a teacher", then you should totally look into getting one!

I think the best single book of songs a young singer can pick up is the 24 Italian Art Songs and Arias. It's inexpensive and an incredible tool for a singer looking to improve, as each song has things to teach.

Welcome to the sub, don't be afraid to ask questions!

My two favorites are "The Complete Handbook of Voice Training" by Richard Alderson and "Singing Voice Rehabilitation: A Guide for Voice Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist" By Karen Wicklund.

I like the first as it not only covers the basics of singing, it covers them from a teaching angle, as though you were trying to train someone else. It's very specific, and even though there's material that others will argue (as is common in books about singing) its overall quality is quite high. The second was very good for me to learn about the technical aspects of singing in near complete scientific terms. What exercises will help with some specific problems and exactly why, not to mention a great anatomy lesson.

And also, although it's not a book about vocal technique, I've found "The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer" by Renée Fleming a useful insight to what the current vocal/operatic market is, and some generally good advice and food for thought for a young singer. It's basically her autobiography and advice to young singers, so it may help that I'm in the targeted audience for her book, but I love it.

I run a side business doing audition and concert recordings, and I've had great results with the Sennheiser MKE400. I've heard great things about the Rode VideoMic as well. The other thing you might consider is investing in is a Zoom H4n or similar device that can be used as an external microphone as well as a portable audio recorder for lessons.

You've got a great spread of repertoire so far! the only thing I'd recommend is learning some french or english art song to balance out your languages. Most music schools will ask for at least 3 languages. Look into Jean Frey-Boytim's First book of soprano solos. The french and english selections in there should be great!