VOCAL RANGE EXPANSION
If you have been singing for any amount of time, there is an inevitable question: Why can't I hit these notes? And while the answer may not always be the one we want (I will never sing a C above high C for example). There are some things that we can do to help.
1. Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!-If you were a power lifter instead of a singer, you would have a clear path: If you want to lift more weight, then spend more time in the weight room! Singing is no different. A properly targeted workout can do wonders for your range. Here is a short list and some links that may help:
a. Breathing-working on your breath support is guaranteed to increase range, strength and tone quality. Working out your lungs for 5-20 minutes a day will yield some serious results.
b. Range exercises-these would include things like ladders, trills, scales or anything that moves you up or down outside your range. Make sure you are supporting everything you do and don't push! Straining while doing this sort of work will only end in injury.
c. Relax-both of the categories above can only work if you learn to relax as you sing. Tension in the neck and shoulders cripples your ability to produce good clear notes. Stretching, breathing or even workouts like yoga can help with this.
Below are some links to videos that describe a process that you can use and give examples on how to extend your range. Remember, DON'T PUSH or STRAIN while you are doing this work IT CAN CAUSE INJURY!
1. Exercise! Exercise! Exercise!-If you were a power lifter instead of a singer, you would have a clear path: If you want to lift more weight, then spend more time in the weight room! Singing is no different. A properly targeted workout can do wonders for your range. Here is a short list and some links that may help:
a. Breathing-working on your breath support is guaranteed to increase range, strength and tone quality. Working out your lungs for 5-20 minutes a day will yield some serious results.
b. Range exercises-these would include things like ladders, trills, scales or anything that moves you up or down outside your range. Make sure you are supporting everything you do and don't push! Straining while doing this sort of work will only end in injury.
c. Relax-both of the categories above can only work if you learn to relax as you sing. Tension in the neck and shoulders cripples your ability to produce good clear notes. Stretching, breathing or even workouts like yoga can help with this.
Below are some links to videos that describe a process that you can use and give examples on how to extend your range. Remember, DON'T PUSH or STRAIN while you are doing this work IT CAN CAUSE INJURY!