Lea Ann:
Lots of things I'd like to say to you, but first and foremost, you are not
too old, or lacking in ability, you simply are, as you put it, a novice, and
your body doesn't yet know how to do the things you are asking of it. You
absolutely can be taught these things by a knowledgeable and patient
teacher.
You need good basic techical instruction to begin, working on BREATHING,
BREATHING, BREATHING, first ( including coordinated onset, which was so
aptly described by Lloyd in a previous post), and then learning to access
your upper register (sort of going where you've never gone before!) This
work will result in an appropriate, natural, organic production (and,
consequently, a natural vibrato) and you will find singing much easier and
enjoyable.
A few other thoughts: I seldom start a "novice", even a talented adult one,
with "operatic" repertoire - keep it simple at first so that your body
doesn't invent all sorts of compensatory tensions and tricks to handle the
rep. Regarding head register: try "speaking" sorts of exercises, making
noises like sirens, or, my favorite, the "ghostie" up in a COMFORTABLY high
speaking range. This often shows your body where it needs to go to access
the high sung tones.
I have worked with many singers, male and female, who had registration
challenges, and have NEVER failed to help them discover this part of the
voice (although it can take more than 2 months!).
One last thought: you mention practicing for two hours per day. Please be
careful that you are not overdoing it, or spending time in fruitless
vocalism. Have your teacher pinpoint some specific goals, then select
exercises for achieving these goals, then practice them with a clear idea of
the aim in mind, perhaps for a shorter length of time, but several times a
day. Repetition is the key to building muscle memory and coordination.
You may want to discuss your concerns with your teacher honestly before
meeting with someone else; many teachers will not want to meet with you
while you are with another instructor, as it crosses some ethical lines. If
it seems that the two of you cannot reach some mutual plan, then it may be
better to move on to another teacher.
Hope this helps!
Sharon Szymanski
The Szymanski Studio - "encouraging excellence in the vocal arts"
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