Vocal Technique & Style

Vocal Register

You will be exploring the vocal register from low to high.  In women, there are three comfortable ranges: the Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, and the Soprano.  In a woman who feels comfortable in the lower register, the Alto, the approximate vocal range can begin at the note C below middle C and end approximately at the note G below the note high C.  The Mezzo Soprano, in between the Alto and Soprano range may feel comfortable from the note G below the note middle C to approximately the note B before high C.  The Soprano, the highest vocal range may feel comfortable from the note G below the note middle C to beyond the note high C.

In men, there are three comfortable ranges: the Bass, Baritone, and Tenor. In a man who feels comfortable in the lower register, the Bass, the approximate vocal range can begin at the note F an octave below the note middle C to the note F above middle C.  The Baritone, in between the Bass and Tenor range may feel comfortable from the note A an octave below the note middle C to the note B above middle C.  The Tenor, the highest male vocal range may feel comfortable from the note C below the note middle C to C above middle C.

It is important to realize that even though you have one voice there are different places physically where the voice can resonate, thus creating different sounds that lead to various vocal placements.  The various vocal placements are: chest voice, mask, head voice, and falsetto.  The diaphragmatic breathing preparation is the same for all of the vocal placements, however the concentration of air resonance is different during exhalation.  For example: When you let air resonate into your chest, you are using the chest voice.  This vocal placement seems closest to our natural speaking voice.  Chest voice singing is popular in Rock, Country, Pop and Broadway music that requires “belting” (powerful singing). 

When you focus your singing tone closest to your nasal passages, you are using your middle voice or mask.  This placement seems to alleviate pressure when the use of the chest voice becomes too high or strenuous.  The mask placement is also common in popular music (Pop) and Rhythm and Blues.

When you concentrate your air vibrations closest to the head, you are using your head voice.  Classical music or music that ventures into the higher range seem more apt in this category.  When first trying to attempt the head voice, you might notice that this placement seems to be somewhat weaker than the chest or mask tones.  With constant practice of the head voice, however, it will definitely strengthen.

Finally, in the male voice, the falsetto seems to go beyond the head voice creating a thin whispery sound. Tenors occasionally sing in their falsetto voice.  It is mostly for an effect. 

Vocal Placement & Style

It is important to realize that even though you have one voice there are different places physically where the voice can resonate, thus creating different sounds that lead to various vocal placements.  The various vocal placements are: chest voice, mask, head voice, and falsetto.  The diaphragmatic breathing preparation is the same for all of the vocal placements, however the concentration of air resonance is different during exhalation.  For example: When you let air resonate into your chest, you are using the chest voice.  This vocal placement seems closest to our natural speaking voice.  Chest voice singing is popular in Rock, Country, Pop and Broadway music that requires “belting” (powerful singing). 

When you focus your singing tone closest to your nasal passages, you are using your middle voice or mask.  This placement seems to alleviate pressure when the use of the chest voice becomes too high or strenuous.  The mask placement is also common in popular music (Pop) and Rhythm and Blues.

When you concentrate your air vibrations closest to the head, you are using your head voice.  Classical music or music that ventures into the higher range seem more apt in this category.  When first trying to attempt the head voice, you might notice that this placement seems to be somewhat weaker than the chest or mask tones.  With constant practice of the head voice, however, it will definitely strengthen.

Finally, in the male voice, the falsetto seems to go beyond the head voice creating a thin whispery sound. Tenors occasionally sing in their falsetto voice.  It is mostly for an effect. 

Depending on your musical style preference, you may approach the exercises in various ways.  For example:  if your choice is to sing Pop or Broadway, you might want to start by using your chest voice as you comfortably ascend the scale.  If your chest voice should become uncomfortable, it is best to place your tone in your mask (the area of resonance closest to your eyes and nasal passages).  By singing in your middle voice, you will alleviate any pressure on your larynx (the throat muscles which contain your vocal cords).

As you continue to ascend the scale, you should be prepared to enter your head voice by raising your soft palate (the soft fleshy part at the rear of the roof of your mouth).  To visualize using your soft palate, it might help to act as if you are going to yawn.  The head voice placement seems to be the furthest area away from the throat muscles thus creating complete vocal ease if used correctly. You can always use your head voice in place of you chest or mask if you prefer. 

If your preference is to sing Classical or Traditional music and you are male, start out in your chest voice and continue as comfortably as possible before venturing into the mask.  You should also focus on the use of vibrato.  If your singing tone becomes too high for your chest or mask placement, try your head voice or falsetto.  However, do not continue with the sound if it feels strained or unnatural.

Remember, all the vocal placements will get stronger in time with proper use.