Do you ever notice that when you sing really high, it sounds like a different sort of voice than your lows? Some people call this "falsetto," but that is an improper term as it is not a false voice. The correct term is "head voice."
How do you transition from your low "chest voice" to this head voice? How do professional singers do runs so rapidly while switching between the two?
The answer lies in your mixed voice. You can use this type of voice in your middle range to belt out and sing the most intense parts of the song.
You can practice developing your mixed voice with a simple warm-up-- solfege. That is, your do-re-mis.
Teaching solfege from a young age helps children develop it by the time they are ready to perform. Warm-ups are essential in learning how to use a mixed voice, and belting with it.
1. START BY YAWNING
Yawning is a great way to develop a mixed voice. Practice starting on a yawn, and sliding your voice down the scale until you arrive at an extended sigh. This also stretches the pharynx and lifts the soft palate (the flap of skin that blocks your nasal passage).
2. HOLD YOUR NOSE!
Try singing while holding your nose. This will prevent nasality when performing. Practice your favorite songs with your nose held throughout the song!
3. LOOSEN UP
Push your cheeks gently upwards and keep your lips loose. Start blowing gently (it should itch a little) and softly sing a note while letting your lips flap. This warm-up will make your tone sweeter as it pulls the larynx down and loosens vocal tension.
4. TRY TO YODEL
Practice yodeling. Yodeling is a great way for you to practice "cracking" your voice from low notes to high notes when switching rapidly. It's also a fun skill to learn and show off to your friends and family!
Some examples of singers that apply incredible mixed voice techniques include Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, Leon Bridges, Daniel Caesar, Donny Hathaway, Beyonce, and Bruno Mars. Listen to them and how they use their techniques in their music.
Perseverance will help you to get the voice you want. If you want a little extra help developing your mixed voice, sign up for lessons with one of our voice teachers!