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Comments on: "Post Your Questions Here" (89)
Hello! My voice is too rough. Because of my rough voice I can’t sing. What should I do for smooth voice?
First of all, you have to determine what is making your voice rough. Perhaps it is from forcing the voice, from smoking, from allergies or acid reflux, or even from stress. A doctor can help you find the cause.
Then you need to develop your technique with the same elements of vocal function I recommended to Emir. Please read the tips I gave to him in the post below. You can also read posts in the Q&A Archives for more information.
Hello. I ll ask some singing books. What do you reccommend? You recommended Richard Miller. Can you add more to this, cuz Millers Book is expensive and has no pdf file in internet
.
Thank you.
Miller’s books are available at most libraries. Perhaps you could borrow it there? I think that no other books about the voice are any cheaper and his are really the best I know of.
I am Male. I guess I am a baritone. My question is: Can I improve my vocal range? Here is some details: I am practicing everyday with a piano going higher notes, but in high notes (I am doing this with totally relaxed vocal cords and larynx muscles) I am getting air instead of the note as if I am just blowing air while trying to hit the note. When I am at this step I stop. I am studying with piano for 4 days. If I carry on, will I be able to go high notes? Will I IMPROVE MY VOCAL RANGE?
You can certainly improve your range, but the piano is not what will help you do that. There are elements of vocal function you need to develop:
– the way you breathe
– the way you pace the air through your vocal cords
– the way your vocal cords come together to vibrate
– the way you access the resonators in your head and chest
Your best option is to work with a teacher or take a group singing class, either in person or over the internet. The best books are by Richard Miller. I do not recommend any particular CD or DVD programs but I am certain some of them would also have tips for you.
I’ve been singing most of my life (in my early 40’s now). I am a baritone and usually have had a large range and have been able to sing pretty high. I have been able to sing with ease D – A (occasionally B flat). Most recently I have noticed that when I have sung for extended periods – particularly in the upper register – - – I lose my voice or do not have control. My voice does not hurt, and it comes back – but, it is gone for a while (3-4 minutes).
As I reflect, the first time I noticed this was about three years ago. At that time, the occurrences were few and very far between. Now, it happens every time I sing. I am wondering what would cause this.
Because I cannot hear or observe what you are doing, it is difficult to say for certain. It’s always a good idea to see a laryngologist to see if you have developed a post nasal drip, acid reflux or something that is causing the cords to be a little thick or swell. Thyroid issues will do that too.
Another consideration is that the voice changes with age. Because of this, you have to refine and adapt your technique. It sounds like the cords are getting a little too stretched as your sing in the upper part of the range and then need time to recoup before going on. You need to use a finer edge of the vocal cords and less air as you go into the top. You might have a sense of making the tone much “smaller” than you used to, but because of your maturity it will actually be richer. If you keep the resonance the same, this refinement should not affect the power or quality — it will just make the sound cleaner and easier to move around. Use a few more hums, agility exercises and staccato in your warm-up and spend a little more time gently working the middle voice before you go into the extremes of the range.
Is my throat supposed to clog when I am having puberty?
I can’t really respond to you Kyle because you haven’t given me enough information. Can you tell me what you mean by “clog”? Do you have a lot of mucus? Or do you just sound kind of fuzzy? If you can tell me more about what you are experiencing I might be able to help you more.
Hi there! I have a problem, I usually have a strong, clear, and loud voice, but this week I have suffered a pretty bad cold. My noise is stuffy and my throat is raspy. Unfortunately, tomorrow I have to speak in front of my whole team with these nasally and stuffed-up voice. Is there a technique for me to speak as I normally do without sounding like I’m suffering a cold? Thanks for the help
You might try using a sinus cleanse (a simple saline solution) with a neti pot as well as kapalabhati breathing from the yoga traditions. If you do a google search you can get free instructions for both. These will clear the sinuses. Overtone chanting is also great for clearing the respiratory passages. Gargle with warm, lightly salted water. Use a pot of heated water, drape a towel over your head and the pot, and breath in the steam. Put Vic’s Vaporub on the soles of your feet and then socks (scientific research has shown this truly relieves congestion! Good luck!
Thank you so much for the helpful comments!
Im a 16 year old tenor, but actually more of an alto or mezzo soprano. I can go from middle c to c6 (two octaves up) and i can hit an a7 at least in my falsetto. Is my voice just unnaturally high, or will it change to be more like a regular tenor (even though my speaking voice changed two years ago)?
If you take singing lessons with a knowledgeable teacher your singing voice will develop. Whether or not it is unnaturally high is impossible to say — that depends on how large the larynx and vocal cords are as well as your overall body type. You need to see someone in person to get an answer. A singing teacher or a laryngologist can help you.
whenever i speak the letter “R” it sounds like “L”, its also the case with the letter “D”..
people make fun of me please help…
The sides of the tongue touch the upper side teeth to form “r”. The front tip of the tongue touches the roof of the mouth and the front teeth for “l”. For “d” the tip of the tongue touches the roof of the mouth but NOT the front teeth and stays wider than for “l”. The tongue releases immediately for “d” but can be more sustained for “l” and “r”. Because these actions that change the shape of the tongue are a little difficult to describe, it would be great if you could have even one session with a speech therapist so you can see and feel what to do. Then you just need to practice practice practice. A teacher or another wise and trusted adult might also be able to help you, to demonstrate how they do it and help you notice what you do differently. I wish you all the best.
Hello. I ll ask some singing books. What do you reccommend? You recommended Richard Miller. Can you add more to this, cuz Millers Book is expensive and has no pdf file in internet .
Thank you
What are the benfits of a vocal coach?! Do you recommend any places?
- Thanks
A vocal coach, if they are truly a singing teacher, can help you develop your instrument. They will help you expand your range, develop power and beauty, flexibility and strength. Most importantly, perhaps, they can help you have a healthy voice that will last a lifetime. Some voice teachers and coaches can also help you develop your musicianship and performance skills. They all bring different strengths to the table; you have to be clear about what you need and that will help you choose the best person for you.
I do not know where you live so I cannot recommend anyone to you.
Hi, I’m a 16 year old male…..I know I’m going through puberty, but I’m becoming really furstrated with the way I sing. My voice sounds a little pitchy and wavy at time. I don’t know how to breath from my diaghram, and my breath control isn’t that good. I cant take voice classes for now, so what should I do? At least what are some proper warm ups I can do
Hi There,
This is a topic I’ve addressed several times. Go to the archives for Q & A from More Than Singing and you’ll find things there under titles that include “breathing” or “support.” I’ve also written several things about the voice at puberty. You can check the More Than Speaking Archives too. Keep searching on the internet — there are all kinds of free tips on youtube and other sites. Don’t force or push, and trust your own timing. The change in the voice takes longer in some than others.
Hi, I’m a singer, female, and I have been taking singing lessons since 2 years ago. The problem is the sound: I can hear that while i’m singing or speaking, there is an air sound at the side, like an air leak… I’ve heard that is because some much pressure of the air on the vocal cords. My vocal cords are Ok — I went to a ENT lately.
Can you help me with that?
You likely need to improve the way your vocal cords are coming together. If you begin the flow of air before the vocal cords start to vibrate, that can create a “leak” as you call it. Ideally, the vocal cords and the airflow begin at the same. precise instant. However, in order to correct your problem, you might have to experiment with closing the vocal cords before the airflow begins. If you make a little grunting sound, like you are going to lift something heavy, you will feel the cords come together and the airflow will be blocked. You NEVER want to grunt or bring the cords together so forcefully while singing! What you want to find is the place exactly in the middle of too breathy and grunting. This coordination is so precise it is like threading your voice through the eye of a needle. You can also imitate a monkey: “EE, EE, EE, EE” or “OOH, OOH, OOH, OOH.” Notice there is a little closure to start the sound, to make it more squeaky as you imitate the monkey. Starting your sound with that little bit of a squeak might also help you diminish the airflow.
Hi i’m a 12 year old female…all my life people have been telling me my voice is too quiet but pretty, are there any voice practice things I could do to help with this? Also, my voice is quite mucusy and I was wondering if I need to see a doctor about it.
Kind Regards,
Elayna
Hi Elayna,
Whenever there is a physical issue it is a good idea to see a doctor. That way you can determine what is causing the mucus and what to do to alleviate it.
To gain volume, you need to improve the way your vocal cords come together, the way you work your body to pace the breath, and the way you access the resonators in your body. The best solution would be to work with a singing teacher or a speech therapist. This is a complex matter and I cannot give you a true solution on a blog. However, if you read through the More Than Singing Archives you will find posts on volume, phonation and resonance. You can try some of the tips given. There are many teachers, tools and tips on the internet. Some will be useful — just be sure to never do anything that irritates or tires your voice.
Best,
Jocelyn
Hi, my name is zoey and i’m 13 yrs old and i’m not sure if my voice is maturing, everybodys says i have a very low voice, but when i hear some of my friends i hear they have some vibrato in their voice, and i really want that in my voice, also i’m an alto, but my choir teacher says too that i have an incredibly low voice, so does that mean i’m a contralto?, because i can hit low DO and whats really weird is my voice sounds airy then it sounds clear then back too airy again, i know i dont have a breathy voice because my talking voice isnt breathy.
Hi Zoey,
You are at a very tricky, developmental stage with your voice and the single most important thing is NOT to push or try to hard. You are getting another layer of skin cells over your vocal cords and you are also experiencing hormonal changes. While this is going on you might experience some breathy or weak areas; you’ll notice other parts of the range becoming stronger. It will even out in time, especially if you can work with a singing teacher. Meanwhile, you can move your voice higher by humming and doing little “sirens” on “OOH” as in the word “boot.” Imagine you can go as high as a bird or a little kitten and then slide back down to your speaking voice. As you slide up and down there are a couple things you can do to help yourself out:
– Lightly touch your Adam’s Apple, that little bump on the front of your throat. That is a cartilage on the front of your larynx (or voice box). Notice that when you are breathing in and out, it is very stable, not moving up or down. Then, when you do the siren, notice that it still stays stable and doesn’t move up and down with the pitch. Never push it down or manipulate it, just intend for it to stay stable and eventually it will.
– Keep your posture very tall and feel your lower ribs expand when you breath in; try to keep the ribs expanded the whole time you make the siren. This will help to keep any excess air from pushing against your vocal cords.
If you can, take some singing lessons!
Hi, I am a 33 years old male and I have developed this speech issue over the past few years where between a sentence my voice disappears and then again comes back. It is usually more prominent when I begin a sentence and then gradually it settles but continues to be on and off as I am into a conversation. My voice also breaks abruptly. Recently I have figured out that if I am speaking slowly and and calmly, the issue is not there. The issue is prominent when I am speaking fast and excitedly. I have a high pressure job and stressed all the time. I have shown myself to a doctor and my vocal chords are absolutely fine. Also, when my voice is going away, I have observed that air is coming out of my mouth but not the sound. I am not sure but I think it is due to stress and anxiety. Also, over a period of time I have picked bad speech habbits while trying to control my voice breaks and cracks. Can you pl advise the speech exercices that could help me here. I also downloaded more than speaking CD1 from your website for guidance. Thanks for your help and guidance
Hi There,
The way you breathe and use your voice can definitely help with stress and anxiety. I just posted on performance anxiety and there are some quick tips there. The key is practice and repetition so that you develop a reflex to relax. The ability to stay calm under pressure is the result of conditioning, much like what athletes achieve with hours of practice.
Also, there is a “more than” component for you. Research has shown the benefits of meditation. It does not have to be a spiritual practice, but it certainly can be if you are so inclined. It can be as simple as sitting, closing your eyes and focusing on your breathing. Notice there are two little pauses in the cycle. If we wait inside those pauses, we can notice an impulse to exhale at the end of the inhalation, or an impulse to inhale at the end of the exhalation. As you wait for that impulse to begin the next half of the cycle, notice your breathing getting slower and more regular. You can inhale more slowly and the exhale can last longer. As you become very still, imagine that the pause disappears and that the inhalation and exhalation overlap. Toward the end of the exhale you simultaneously begin to inhale, and toward the end of the inhalation you simultaneously begin to exhale. Don’t worry if it doesn’t really happen. Just focus on the intention and your body will figure it out. You will enter into a deep state of circular breathing and calm. Memorize this state and become proficient at entering it. Then you can summon it any time through the day when you begin to feel anxious.
A great deal of the power in breathing and vocal practice is that they take your complete concentration. You have to let go of all other thoughts in order to do them and they sort of “scrub your brain clean.” Once a thought pattern is interrupted it is easier for new ideas to come. The trick is to let go of the worries — problems do not grow bigger or worse if we set them down for a moment. They are like boiling water — it must be set aside to cool a little before drinking. Set the roiling issues aside for a moment and cool your system. Then use the voice intentionally, mindful of the breathing, phonation and resonance that you practiced. With repetition over time, stress becomes a short wave that passes through your system rather than the state of your days. You feel it coming . . . you shift your breathing, voice and concentration . . . and it goes.
It only works with practice.
Very insightful, thanks Jocelyn!
Do you believe my diagnosis of my problem is correct or there could be more to it? Can you pl suggest any speech exercises to correct these? Another thing, because of these ongoing issues, whenever I am speaking to someone in person I almost sure my voice would crack and to hold that back, I put in a lot of stress to speak and that causes the issue mentioned in my previous post. Thanks again for all your help!!
The only way you will know if there is more to your problem than stress is to go to a laryngologist and have your vocal cords looked at. The doctor will know whether or not you need medical treatment. If you need speech therapy the doctor should be able to recommend someone near you to work with. There is no “instant” cure. Whatever changes you make, they will take time and practice. Work with the suggestions you receive and the tools you choose and put no limit on your potential. Only know that nothing will shift without time and mindful practice.
When I was about the age of 12, my voice started going bad.It was cracking and still do.Can’t even speak properly without sounding like my dad.Does this have anything to do with the muscles in my throat or is it my vocal chords.Is there anyway I could fix it.
Check the headings on the top right corner of the meant2bheard blog:
If you go to the Q & A Archives from More Than Singing you will find posts on the male voice at puberty:
MALE PUBERTY
MALE TEEN VOCAL RANGE
If you go to the Q & A Archives from More Than Speaking you will find posts on the male voice at puberty:
12 YEAR OLD MALE AND PITCH
13-YEAR-OLD WITH A LOW VOICE
14 AND SOFT SPOKEN
Hi, I am a lyric soprano. I have been singing soprano for about three years now. I can sing a soprano D6, but its inconsistent. During my voice lessons I’ve sang to an F6 doing staccato scales, and without staccato I’m stuck at a consistent C6 or an inconsistent D6. I am familiar with my whistle voice, but when I try to access the D6 I go into vocal fry at about F6. So its almost like I’m missing notes to connect the two voices. Can you help me please???!!! Thanks!!!
Hi Moni,
It sounds like when you are doing the staccato vocalizes you are able to engage a small enough edge of the vocal cords to make the high pitches, but when you try to sustain pitches you use more muscle and then the voice cuts out on you. Try an exercise beginning with staccato and then switching to sostenuto; be careful to not add any breath, engage additional muscle or shift the articulators with the change to sostenuto.
For example:
. . . . . . ________________
1 3 5 8 8 8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 (do mi sol do do do do ti la sol fa mi re do)
As you descend the scale, do not allow the tone to “fill out.” Try to keep this tiny thread of voice all the way to the lowest pitch. This fine edge of the phonation is the “core” of the vocal tone. Think of all volume and fullness of the tone as coming from resonance rather than from extra air or from using the vocal cords more muscularly.
Bridging between the whistle register and the full voice is much like the passaggio between chest and middle voice registers, or between middle and head voice registers. Descending glissandos from the highest note down into head voice can help you smooth the transition.
Hi, I am a 28 year-old female singer. I have hypothyroidism and it has really affected my voice. I have lost my high register and it sounds raspy and weak. Will it fully recover with treatment? Will I ruin it if I sing in the state is is now? Is there anything I can do?
Hi Erika,
Hypothyroidism is difficult to go through vocally, not only because it causes hoarseness but also because it is accompanied by low spirits. You can, YES, definitely and fully recover with treatment. Many of us have. Denyce Graves talks about her experience with it and she is singing wonderfully again. Until the thyroid is stabilized you need to take it easy, not singing in the extremes or forcing it in any way. You also need to be careful that you do not develop any compensatory habits from singing with swollen or irritated vocal cords. See a laryngologist and get his or her recommendation on whether or not you should sing on your vocal cords in their present condition. If you get the go ahead, work with a singing teacher who has experience with this disease as well as with vocal dysfunction in general, and also with a speech therapist your laryngologist recommends. Going slowly at this point will make you faster in the long run. Try not bring fear or anxiety to your singing and practice. That will create tension on the instrument. Work from a place of quiet, clear intention and patient faith. My endocrinologist explained to me that people with hypothyroidism have difficulty standing up for themselves and speaking against authoritative figures. He suggested I look at all the relationships in my life where this was the case and that I try to have all the difficult conversations I avoided because I was afraid of the outcome. I took that advice and it is one of the best things I ever did. It was a profound shift in the direction of having the full power of my voice in this life. I look at my thyroid disease as one of the hardest and best things that ever happened to me. My wish for you is that you will be gentle and persistent, allowing yourself to deepen and become a singer with a message and beauty beyond your wildest dreams.
Thank you so much. I am so relieved to hear that my voice will not suffer any permanent damage. I’ll be sure to follow all the great advice and restrain myself from the impulse to sing. I’m really glad I found this site and find some comfort to my worries. Thanks again!
You are MOST welcome!
I am 14 years old & are still going through my changes (puberty). My Voice has already goten deeper at age 13. I lost my voice yelling during an arguement at about d beggining of this month. I recovered from losing it, but it wasn’t that clear. I used to able to sing really well before this incident. Now i cnt Sing at all. For the past week & a half maybe my voice has been very froggy. It sounds clear and normal wen i speak softly but when normally speakig it sounds muffly & when i try to speak up it sounds all scratchy and very difficult to get my words out. It’s very irritating. And i need Help. I want my singing voice back. I want to be able to speak Clearly if normal or loudly without any trouble. Any Tips, Ideas . Anything .please help.
Hi Jerry,
It sounds like you might have really stressed your vocal cords. You need to see a laryngologist (an ENT doctor) to find out for certain. At the very least the cords are swollen and continuing to use them without getting medical input could result in long term damage. You might need to work with a speech therapist or voice coach and the doctor might prescribe vocal rest. Do not whisper or speak loudly and speak as little as possible until you have a diagnosis.
Thank You So Much !
: )
You’re welcome Jerry.
Hey I’m 20 years old and my voice is too boyish. Will my voice get more mature even though I’ve already went through puberty, any tips on getting a more mature voice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Austin,
There are several answers and tips in the Q & A archives for both speaking and singing. You can read through the titles and find ones that refer to puberty or other relevant issues you are having. You can also see a doctor to see if there is a developmental reason for your vocal quality. You might need to work with a speech therapist or voice coach or you might need some form of medical treatment.
Best,
Jocelyn
Hi..am 16…and just wanna ask for some good breathing exercises. I wanna be able to hold notes for long… i have a great voice and a nice range. But i dnt seem to know whether am a tenor or baritone. I dont know notes but i wanna ask for physical stuff and things i should look out for to show whether am a tenor or baritone and also if you can please elaborate on the benefits of importance of resonance and forward placement. And also how to achieve this..thanks
Hi Emmanuel,
Please check through the archives for breathing exercises. I have written about several.
I’m 24 years old and love to sing. I’m really good its just sometimes my nose and throat get in the way. It sounds like I’m singing through my nose and I’m constantly clearing my throat. It’s making it very hard for me to sing. I’m not sick and have not been for a long time. I want to be able to sing again.
Hi Sharon,
Look through the archives for items on nasality, a clogged throat and anything else that seems relevant. Also try to see a doctor, speech therapist and voice teacher. A little help is all you need and you will definitely get your voice back!
Hi i used to sound like a girl version of usher,justin bieber,and beyoncé my problem is i got too excited when i discovered my talent. i can still sing but my voice is dry and it has a hissing sound . No matter how much honey i swallow and hot tea and warm water a dash of lemons i dont see any improvement and i have a song to sing at school in two weeks plzz help me. It would really mean the world.
Hi Zoey,
I am sorry you are having such trouble. Most importantly you should go to the doctor to find out if it is safe for you to sing — you do not want to do lasting damage to your voice. Talk and sing as little as possible — rest your voice until the performance. Drink lots of water. Do NOT use Halls or other throat lozenges. They dehydrate. Better to just suck on a butterscotch hard candy. Drink LOTS of water. Steam. Drink tea with Slippery Elm in it. Gargle with a very lightly salted, warm water. Sleep as much as you can. And once again, see a doctor.
Thank you soo much i really appreciate it 😃have a blessed day
You are welcome. I hope you are able to do the performance with great success.
What makes my voicebox to dry because i end up loosing my voice even if im just talking
Goodman,
There are so many possible causes it is impossible to say. I know I sound a little like a broken record but it is always advisable to see a doctor when you have an ongoing vocal problem. Dryness can be caused by:
– too much breath mixture in the sound
– over work of the vocal cords
– an illness directly affecting the vocal cords
– sinus issues
– issues with glands, tonsils, adenoids
– allergies
– acid refulx
– dehydration
– lack of rest
– menthol
– citrus
– alcohol
– smoke
Once you are in a cycle of vocal fatigue and dysfunction you need to get help from medical and voice professionals if it is at all possible. Like any organ in the body, the voice sometimes needs special care and help. Hope you feel better soon!
I realy like wat u people ar doing,u ar realy helpn singers
Thank you! It’s nice to have your feedback.
I am a 70 year old female who sang 1st soprano in my younger years. My voice has steadily dropped over the years and my range is now in the low tenor or baritone range. However, our music director prefers not to have women sing in the men’s sections. We perform a two-hour concert and I have such difficulty reaching the higher alto notes that by the second half of the concert I can no longer sing. Any advice on how to increase my upper range or my ability to continue singing the 2nd half?
Hi Pat,
Before I answer can you tell me if you have continued to take voice lessons over the years as well as how much you practice each day/week? That information will help me to better help you.
No…never had voice lessons. I practice the music for our concert everyday anywhere from 1 – 2 hours. I just think the range is too high for me, but director wants me to try and increase my range. I have been trying for several years without success.
Okay Pat. When you have no background studying, it is almost impossible to know what to do to change your voice. The good news is that you can! The best thing you can do is find a teacher who will be able to give you exercises to reduce the air flow by supporting more, to use a finer edge of the vocal cords so they can vibrate faster and make the higher pitches, and to access the head resonators without the larynx elevating.
Meanwhile, some things you can try are:
– Make sure your larynx stay stable — neither raising nor pushing down when you sing — and don’t let it elevate when you move higher in the range. You can touch it very lightly to feel if it moves but never press on it!
– Keep your posture erect and your lowest ribs open the whole time you sing so that the breath doesn’t push against your voice.
– Think of just barely touching your vocal cords together to sing, not pressing into them or in anyway forcing. If you don’t know how they look or function, find a picture and description on line so that you can properly visualize.
– Use staccato and agility exercises — it is easier to get high notes on fast moving, small sounds.
– Hum a lot, especially on the [ng] sound like at the end of the word sing.
– Do very light voiced sirens on a childlike [a] sound. Pretend you are a little girl and don’t try to sound good. Just slide in and out of the high notes making sure that your larynx stays stable. (Do not press on it!)
I am a 16+ year old boy.my voice often slips and cracks while i am speaking.The problem started before two years.I am not able to speak gently/softly.Also my sound is not clear and I feel that something has got stuck in my throat.I have tested my blood and scanned my throat.everything is normal.the doctor told me that i have to do a speech therapy.what should i do?
Hi Adarsh,
There are a number of posts about this in the Q & A archives — feel free to read them!
Adarsh,
You should definitely follow the doctor’s advice and go for speech therapy! I wish you all the best with the help you receive.
thank you doctor.
Hello! I’ve been singing for a while now and I’ve noticed something that just started happening recently. When I try and sing sometimes, air goes into my throat and makes it hard for me to inhale. I mean, it kinda tickles my throat and I can’t sing when that happens. Can you tell me why it’s doing this?
Hi Meagan,
I’m a little unclear — is the tickle caused by the inhalation, or do you feel it when you start to sing? If you can tell me a little more I can make a better response.
Okay, so, I have a question, I’m almost 17, I don’t know when I hit puberty but I have a bass voice and I really don’t like it..because when I was like 10 I had a great voice, high one, obviously I was a kid with a high singin’ voice, nothing strange in that, i was singing at my church and all that and when I hit puberty, I lost my high range and was left with this low range. I know that I’ll never going to have the same voice I had and that’s not my point. Some bands I am referring to are Coldplay, Linkin park, 30 sec to mars etc.. u know, all those lead singers have high voice.. I wanna know is there a chance to get a higher voice naturally within next few years? not by practicing (I know i can extend my singing voice by praticing and all that) but because im 17, maybe my voice still isn’t completed? Is there still a chance for my bass to become baritone or just higher than really low bass?
Hi Christian,
Since I cannot hear you and vocalize you, I cannot say what the potential range of the voice might be. What I can say is that the first job any of us has is to fall in love with the voice we have and to never long for it to be anything else.
When you sing in the high part of your voice it will be just as thrilling as when a tenor sings high. When you are completely plugged in and communicating, no one will think, “Gee . . . if only his voice was higher.” It is about the frequencies making up the overtones and the quality of the sound.
Sometimes the quality of the voice DOES determine what we end up singing. I never wanted to be an opera singer but I had that kind of voice from the time I was a little kid. Then, the first time I sang opera I felt like I had come home to myself. It was THRILLING to use my voice that way.
The best advice I can give is to NOT decide who you are or what you can do. Let life surprise you and reveal the gifts that only you can bring. You will have ways to express things that will never be heard form anyone else and they are the reason you were born. The voice you have is not a mistake — it is a miracle of accuracy and it is precious to life. This is true of everyone. The real work is in having the courage to be who we are rather than an imitation of someone we admire.
I can’t seem to find the spot to click for asking a question, so I’m putting it here.
You talk about visualizing yourself singing perfectly. Does it matter whether I visualize my self as I would appear to an observer, or is it better to visualize myself in my own body as I sing?
Hi Joan,
This IS the place to post your questions. It is most powerful to visualize yourself in your own body. However, I do both as I learn and grow stronger from both perspectives.
Hello i am a 17 year old boy and since i am 12 my voice is not loud .when i speak slow my voice is clear and when there is very noise my voice cannot be heard to .it is not at all audiable when there is any other noise.what exercises should i do
Try reading posts on volume in the question and answer archives.
my voice has become hoarse since 2 days due to yelling in class at students but as a teachr its a daily thing so how to overcome it
Yelling is never a good choice. I know teachers who use a piercing, unpleasant whistle and then speak. They also have serious consequences for students who do not listen or respond — they must leave the class and serve detention, etc. Once you have strained your voice you must rest it and let it heal or you could have permanent vocal damage. Steam, drink warm tea and see both a doctor and speech therapist if you can. Work with a voice specialist to learn how to project without straining.
Hello. My name is Ryan and I have been singing since I could basically walk. This last year I developed environmental allergies and lost my voice for an extensive amount of time. I know that you have to be patient with your voice, but it’s been almost a month and I still am missing a sizable amount of my range. I am using a kind of “vocal therapy” and I was wondering how low and high the average 14 year olds voice should be. Because normally when you get sick, you typically lose your upper voice. But both my upper and lower ranges are currently impaired. I am really
Scared of what permanent damage could be done. Please help with anything. Thanks
Hi Ryan,
I suffered terribly with allergies for many years. While you are searching for ways to bring them under control it is important not to push the voice into the extremes of the range or to sing too loud. The vocal cords are likely to be swollen or at the very least irritated.
Some things you can do to help are using a neti pot (irrigating your sinuses) yoga breathing exercises, steaming, and drinking lots of water and throat coat tea.
You can check out posts on breathing, stuffed nose and other topics in the question and answer archives for more information and tips.
You might also try dietary changes such as eliminating dairy and other mucus causing foods. Some people also find improvements when they eliminate wheat. I had to eliminate almost all animal products to get rid of my allergies. It was the best thing I ever did. I rarely have allergies now.
Good luck to you!
Hi, i’m a 14 year olde female, and i’m an alto I have an incredibly low voice, My voice sounds breathy but I know I dont have a breathy voice because my speaking voice isnt breathy, I hear some of my friends have a very nice mature voice, and there’s no breathiness in it its very clear and strong, and they have vibrato in it, I’ve been in choir since 6th grade and now i’m in 8th grade, I want to get a rich, strong, and clear sounding voice like my friends, Is it possible if I stayed in choir throughout highschool, could I obtain a strong, rich, clear sound like my friends have? Also sometimes my breathy tone turns rich and strong one day then the next day its sounds breathy again????
Hi There!
You are still very young and your voice is growing and developing just like the rest of you. The strength will continue to develop as you sing. Just don’t push or tire your voice. I think it is a great idea to stay in choir. It would be wonderful if you could also take some singing lessons!
Good luck to you,
Jocelyn
You have mentioned earlier not to push your voice as a 14 year Old male. I am very serious with my voice and theatre. It is my dream to be in Jason Robert Brown’s 13 the Musical. But, this is a very demanding musical. The males hit b’s and b flat’s all the time. Should I push through and do it or just do what is more easy and natural.
NEVER NEVER NEVER push your voice, especially at such a pivotal time in your development. If you truly are serious then you must develop patience and wisdom and find a way to work with a very knowledgeable voice teacher.
Hi,My voice is like girl i am boy so i can change my voice plz give me tips
I have written about this several times in the question and answer archives. I posted again in my latest blog if you want to check that out as well.
Hi, namaste My voice is like boy so i feel bad and i want girls voice plz would u help me.
Please read the most recent blog post and previous posts in the question and answer archives.
I have heard from different places that you can can feel your chewing muscle under your chin. I also heard that this tells you about your breath flow. It talked about how if it was hard, then your breath flow was not good and that the air supply wasn’t good either. If it is soft that meant that the air supply was good. Mine is always hard. Is this true or not true?
Breath flow is determined by the ability to pace the breath through the vocal cords so that they can come together cleanly and vibrate freely. I think the most useful way to think about this is to focus on physical elements that actually affect breathing and the ability to pace it.
1. The posture of the sternum (or breastbone)
2. The expansion of the muscles between the lower ribs (without affecting the posture of the sternum)
3. The ability to release the abdominals (without pushing them out or pulling them in so that their weight can help to retard the ascent of the diaphragm)
Extreme and constant hardness under the chin would most likely be due to excess tension in the tongue. You will and should feel activity and engagement there when the tongue is articulating. I think it is better to simply make sure the tongue isn’t getting stuck, pulling back in the mouth or overworking to articulate different sounds.
Hey! I am a performer and do lots of singing, acting, and dancing. For my voice as a 14 year old guy, it is sometimes hard to maintain excellence, especially when it is expected of you. What are some things I can do to help me ease through “the change?”