Training to be a vocalist?

Question:

Training to be a vocalist?

i am a singer, and have always resisted training my voice in an operatic way, even though that is what i lean towards. i've tried everything else- pop, jazz, rock, you get the picture. i never wanted to be too proper. in the last couple of years, though, i've discovered the opera, and discovered i can sing it with much more ease than any other style (my teacher of almost 6 years is an accomplished soprano). i've also discovered how beautiful and sophisticated the melodies are- i was always one of those who thought opera was just screaming women in helmets *grimaces at own ignorance*. can anyone give me any tips to continue developing my voice (I'll still be training, of course), it would be much appreciated!

Extra details: my voice has still not reached total maturity yet, it can still be molded, but i am a soprano, lyrical. i can sing musetta's waltz from la boheme without much difficultly.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: My advice is just keep taking private lessons and get in good practice time as well as quality practice time. Are you in college? In high school? Find a good music program (with a really good vocal program!!) and study music full-time. Go for it!! Don't let yourself get involved with things that will potentially destroy your voice (like smoking). And don't let yourself get burned out... find other hobbies to be involved in so aren't just swamped with opera and nothing else.

Good luck in your training!!! I majored in music, and while it was tough, it was also extremely rewarding.