Singing Higher

[Mister Want]

I'm pretty sure that there were some of you that sing in here...or at the very least may know because of playing an instrument. Anyway, I'm taking this vocal class. I normally sing in a lower register. My professor asked me to sing in a higher register, to try it out and for a challenge. Well, it's a challenge all right. It's a bit difficult for me to reach the higher notes. So, I was wondering if anyone had any tip on how to extend my range a little bit or steps I could take to expand it some more. Just so you know, right now, I can reach up to the C above middle C--the octave. I need to reach four more keys up to F. Thanks.

[Candyness]

Ohh I'm a soprano so maybe I can be of some help xD
Here are some tips/exercises:

-Do you know how to use your "head voice" instead of your "chest voice"? People who sing in a lower register tend to use their "chest voice" more often and people who sing higher are able to switch to their "head voice" better. So if you know how, use your head voice to reach the higher notes because it won't strain your voice box as much. It's kinda difficult to explain the difference between chest and head voice, so I hope you know what I'm saying >.<

***How you pronounce the vowels really makes a difference. If you sing a vowel like "la", where your mouth stretches to the side is much harder. If you use the long vowel so your mouth is more circular and you drop your jaws, it will make it much easier. Try singing something like "aw/oh" or think stereotypical opera vowels/sounds. Make sure the jaws are dropped!

-You should probably take it step by step to that F. So go as high as you can (the C above middle C in your case) and start humming up by semi-tones rather than whole tones. You can hum much higher than you can sing aloud and it'll help warm up your voice. You'll probably be able to sing an F by humming.

-Another good exercise is singing arpeggios of a chord and going step by step by semitones (so a C chord arpeggio, then a D flat chord arpeggio, D chord, etc) and see if you can get up to or past that F.

-An important thing is to not be intimidated by high notes~ Most people when they see the high notes they freak out. But it might help if you think "down" while singing up the scale. Make sure you use lot of air from the diaphragm for support.

-Make sure your voice is always warmed up! If not, your vocals won't be able to handle it. So don't try to sing too high without warming up before hand.

-And of course, practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect :3

Haha...that was a lot to read...but I hope some of it helps xD

[Mister Want]

Thank you!

Yes, I know what you're talking about. I just find it hard to access my "head voice" since I'm so used to using my "chest voice". I honestly hope I don't kill my vocal cords.

I tried what you said about singing "down" though it was hard to imagine. I was able to hit the D key after the C octave though it's not consistent. As for the arpeggios, I have done those exercises before, but I guess I just freak out on the high notes.

Thanks for the help! =D

[icewing]

>.> i don't know what's chest voice and head voice...but i do know falsetto 

OTL i can only sing (in non-falsetto? real voice?) low notes so i can't help ya much >.<

but i can reach 3 octaves using falsetto and um...>.> real voice?  i have no clue what it's called


all i can say is...DON'T STRAIN YOUR VOICE!! :3

[Furgeson]

My friend uses this throat spray before every important performance/audition. If you happen to see some on the aisle of your local supermarket, I guess picking it off the shelf and trying it could help a bit? XD
I'm not a singer myself, but good luck!

[Mister Want]

@icewing: Falsetto? I thought only guys could do falsetto? I thought women can't sing falsetto at all because it's not possible...since women can sing higher anyway. I should look this up.

@Lily: Thanks. That sounds interesting, I wonder how much would that help or if it helps.

[icewing]

  women can do falsetto...
and icey is an exception to the fact that women can sing higher anyway 

falsetto is usually an octave higher than normal vocal range.

[Beth]

When I was trying to reach higher notes, I found that trying to hit notes higher than the note I wanted to hit really helped. Also it helps if you open your mouth taller when hitting a high note, and don't tense up just let the air flow out.

[`Shally.]

I sing, but not anymore. Well I still sing, but like...
Okay let me put it this way, I was in choir when i sang.
From 1-6th grade and 8th grade. those are the only time i was in choir.
7th 9-10th i stopped going to choir. I just sang at home.
If you meant by singing higher, you mean Soprano 1. (:
I was in Soprano 1.   

     
-Tei.

[Arya]

I do musical theatre and i prefer to sing soprano I, sooo here a few things i do ^^

Candyness had some amazing tips! I just want to reiterate what she said a bit....

- Air. To hit higher notes concentrate on your supportive breathing; not enough air will cause those higher notes to go sharp or crack. Remember that a voice is like any other instrument, without the correct amount of strong air the correct sound will not play, you also risk damaging your vocal cords by putting too much strain on them. This can cause bleeding, swelling, and soreness. 

- Condition. Work your way up to the higher notes. Dont try to hit the highest right off the bat. Take one note at a time or half note. Get your voice strong one level at a time and slowly work your way up to higher notes. You essentially have to retrain and condition your voice.

- Water. Drink the proper fluids. At least two hours from singing stay away from milk and sweet drinks like soda. They tend to coat the vocal cords making them difficult to vibrate to produce the right sounds. Room temperature water is usually best. Drink that are too cold or warm may cause your throat to expand or contract effecting the sounds your voice will make.

- Form. Be sure to stand up straight, breath in deep, open your mouth wide, and don't be afraid to get loud with those notes. Once you train your voice effectively you  can continue to work on controlling your volume more. But at first you may need to just take a deep breath and belt it!


Hope this helps ^^ Good Luck sweetie!

[Black Miserie]

Another trick that helps, especially for those of us with sinus allergies.

Lemon Juice. right before you have to sing, drink about half an ounce of unsweetened lemon juice. It sounds nasty, but it clears out any mucus or other stuff that has built up in your throat, and frees up your vocal cords. I've used this trisk myself many times, and it really works. However, you can't add any sugar, or it ruins it.

[Mister Want]

Oh thank you everyone for your advice. *HUGS everyone*

[Black Miserie]

You're welcome! Good luck!