Saturday, July 10, 2010

Is Expanding Vocal Range Really Possible? It Is, If You Know How

This is perhaps the most controversial debate in the singing world..is it really possible to expand your vocal range to include higher notes and even whole octaves? Many say it's not possible, because your vocal range is assigned to you when you're born. That you're classified as a mezzo soprano right from the first breath you take. Well, let me tell you...I've been a vocal coach for over 20 years. When I was still a student myself, I was told that it wasn't possible. And I did it - I expanded my range to include a whole octave. How, you ask?

As with many things pertaining to singing, if expanding your vocal range is your goal, dedication and persistence is key. But you'll also need a few specific exercises which will help tremendously in letting you reach new vocal dimensions. Because the biggest difficulty in expanding vocal range lies in smoothing out the gap between the highest possible note you can reach via a scale and the highest note you can reach outside of this linear ladder.

Having the advantage of a vocal coach who motivates you and keeps you going as you try to succeed in this task is a fantastic help. He will also know your voice exactly, and tell you which specific exercises you should focus on in order to expand your range slowly but surely. If you don't have access to a vocal coach, look at my tip on the bottom of the article.

Slowly take up your scales up on the register. Again, don't be discouraged if you don't see any progress within the first few days! Too many singers already surrender after a few days because they have been too impatient. Most of the time, they were already extremely close to reaching their goal.

There is one key exercise you absolutely have to try. It's so effective that many of my own students were able to open up new octaves within a short period of time. That's not to say it will replace practice. But it can speed up your progress expanding vocal range tremendously. Here's what you do...

Start with the - highest - note that is within your normal range and slowly go down a scale. You do this for a couple of times, and after the 5th or 6th iteration, aim just a little higher! It's a simple but effective technique. But please be careful! If you notice that you simply can't reach a note, don't force yourself - you'll only damage your voice.

It might take you weeks or months until you notice any progress. Always try to mix up your exercises, giving your voice many opportunities to extend its limits. But as said before, pay attention to how it reacts when you stretch those limits. Only if you treat your voice well you'll reap the results of your practice.

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