Don't You Strain
Problem- "I practice my Vocal exercises regularly, but everytime I sing above a certain note in my range I start to feel like I am straining my voice. I repeat these notes hoping that practicing this way will help me to increase my range."
Question-"How can I increase my range if everytime I sing above a certain note (which isn't very high) I begin to strain my voice."
First of all it is important that we all understand what straining is. Straining occurs when the muscles in the throat tense\Close-up, and prevent air from passing and carrying sound. The result of this is poor sound quality, cracked notes, and worst of all discomfort and damage to your voice. Straining usually occurs when we try to sing above our range with a closed throat, or singing when the voice is tired.
Increasing your range is all about approach. Imagine trying to enter a room by going through the wall ! yes you may get in however you will also hurt yourself and you may fear the thought of entering that room again. Use the door !
When practicing notes that are in your upper range, focus on maintaining an open throat. To help you maintain an open throat keep your palete (roof of your mouth) up and the back of your tongue down. Envision there is an egg in the back of your mouth and the doctor is asking you to say "hah" this will allow air to pass and carry the sound. When practicing higher notes, air should preceed the sound. This will help you avoid closing your throat.
Practice singing higher with an open throat. Use exercises from Ready to sing Volume 2 "Ha, Hey" and "Don't you Strain".
Your Vocal Coach
Eve Soto
