Tag Archives: how to reach high notes

Day 2

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Day 2, same as Day 1.

I thought I would share with you some of the details that I pay attention to while I’m vocalizing.

#1   I keep the volume the same throughout. The challenge is bringing out the volume of my low notes, while not pushing for my high notes.

#2   I remind myself the FIRST note after an intake of air is the most important. If the first note doesn’t get good closure, the notes that follow certainly will not.

#3   I check my jaw for tension by occasionally allowing an up and down movement (almost bouncy).

#4   I make sure my larynx is  “neutral” and free. How do I know? I put my finger on it. I’m careful not to confuse the sensation of tilting with the sensation of rising too high. Rising too high will cause a straining or choking feeling in my throat.

#5  I incorporate exercises with a slight  “dopey” sound to maintain a sense of low larynx.

#6 I incorporate tongue-out exercises. I’m careful to note the “tug-of-war” sensation between a “neutral” larynx and the tongue hanging out.  I consider the volume of my mix where I can bridge successfully, while staying relaxed and in control of my voice.

#7  I always engage my rib cage and upper stomach to ensure my breath intake and output is balanced.

#8 I pay attention to the edge of my vocal cords. I listen and feel for a crisp, clean glottal attack with a beautiful warm vowel to follow. I manage this with careful attention to my volume, as well as incorporating the “cry” at the onset of the first note following a breath intake.

#9    I allow myself to run out of breath. This engages my body and instinctively helps me engage my rib cage and back muscles as I catch my next quick intake of air. I’m careful not to tense up my neck, throat or shoulders. I am aware of the sensation of my body rhythmically being involved with my breathing. This is a huge part of my control.

#10  I only start to increase my overall volume when I have everything in good control.

How about you? How did your day go?

 

 

 

Singing 101 – Is this You?

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Knowledge is power. If you want to learn how to sing better … keep reading.

I believe the best way to learn about anything is to experience it for yourself, and to learn about other’s experiences. When I read stories online about singers who have taken lessons from various teachers, I nod my head and think, “yeah, that’s what it was like for me too”.  I’ve taken singing lessons from many different teachers over the years.  It wasn’t until I discovered Speech Level Singing over ten years ago, that things really started to make sense for me.  With Speech Level Singing I was singing through three bridges (passagio) in my first lesson.

I now teach Speech Level Singing to all my students, and they all go through at least one bridge (passagio) on their first lesson. What is a passagio or a bridge? This is a spot in your singing voice between the low sounds (chest voice) and the high sounds (head voice). Many men have never even experienced their head voice…..while many women have not experienced their true chest voice. For some men, their chest voice is their connection to power…or so they think. The opposite can be true for women (and lots of children both boys and girls) who have sang for years in choirs and were taught to blend their voice with all the other singers.  Choral music is usually written high in pitch which meant the singers would always be in their head voice.

A lot of female and male singers have the opposit and very common problem of not being able to reach high notes. This usually happens because the singer is too loud, too low, and too soon. Quite often the singer feels like they have reached a ceiling (usually at their passagio) and they just can’t sing any higher. The voice gets louder and louder as they try and sing higher notes. 

Do one of these scenerios match you? Everyone is unique so there is no one “fix” that meets everybody’s needs. This is the main problem with self-teaching CD’s like Brett Manning’s Singing Success and Seth Riggs Singing for the Stars.  They are both fabulous Speech Level Singing programs, but if you don’t know your singing problem, then these exercises might be too generic to really help you.

Learning to sing better takes time and dedication. It’s really no different than becoming a good athelete…atheletes must work out regularly with proper form and the right exercises. It’s the same for singing. Your vocal cords are your muscles and they need just the right exercise to learn the coordination needed to help you sing better.

So, first…..know your singing issue. Get a professional opinion that will give you direction and a goal. Start with this and you’ll be on your way to a better singing voice!