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Finding You "Mixed Voice" "Mixed Voice" - " what is that?", you might ask. Well, it's exactly that; singing not just in your head or chest voice, but both at the same time. "And how exactly," you might also ask "does one go about achieving this 'mixed voice'?" In their relaxed position, while you're simply breathing in and out, the vocal cords take on a kind of V shape. If you looked inside your throat at any one point while you were vocalizing, you'd most likely see one of two other configurations of the vocal cords: a) if you're speaking in a regular voice, or singing in your chest voice, the vocals cords are placed very close together. b) if you're singing in your head voice (also sometimes referred to as "falsetto") you'd see quite a bit of space between them (this explains the sometimes thin, breathy sound that results when singing in the head voice). When singing in mixed voice however, the vocal cords are in a position where half of the opening is very narrow (as in chest voice) and half is more open (as in head voice). This allows you to sing in such a way that it 'feels' comfortable from one end of your range to the other - especially at the high end - but sounds ressonant, like you're singing in your chest voice. The best of both worlds - like having your cake and eating it to! Try singing on the vowel "EE" on a note that you know is in your head voice. "EE" is a naturally bright vowel to sing on anyway, but now take that note and squeeze it into a sharp, bright, whiney, nasally sound something like a mosquito buzz. Feel the difference in the way your throat feels as you sing in the nasally voice? Like a bit of resistance building up, but not uncomfortable at all. Now take the same note and, as you start to sing it, give it a little harder attack than you might otherwise and go immediately to the nasally sound. Made it easier? Well, yeah! That's because when you attack a note a little harder, you start with the vocal cords in a more closed position (like in your chest voice) and then it's just a matter of opening them a little at one end - the whiney nasally voice helps with this - that's that little bit of resistatnce you're feeling (don't attack a note too hard too many times in a row though - this can cause unwanted wear and tear on the vocal cords). Now, see if you can slide that nasally note down into the lower part of your range, gradually letting go of the nasalliness as you go. Did you make it to that comfortable part of your range without breaking? Congratulations!! You've just transitioned ever so smoothly from your mixed voice into your chest voice!! If you didn't quite get it, keep trying. It does take some practice. And, you know of course, it always helps to work with an experienced vocal coach to speed the process along!! Back to Annie's Words of Wisdom |
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