If you relax your vocal cords they work better. Alfonso Ribeiro
Many people shy away from singing in public as they do not believe in their singing ability. While not everyone is a natural singer, learning how to sing and expand vocal range is possible.
One of the best ways to do this is to enrol in professional singing lessons which teach techniques like breath control, note-holding and learning how to expand vocal range.
So, if you have wondered: “Is it possible to expand your vocal range”, keep reading because this article is for you.
How Much Can You Expand Your Vocal Range?
Before delving into strategies and ways to expand vocal range, as a beginner singer, you should aim to grasp the concept behind it. So, is it possible to expand your vocal range?
Simply put, it refers to the extent of a person's voice and its capacity to produce sounds effortlessly. While the concept of vocal range finds applications across disciplines like phonetics, linguistics and the study of tonal languages, its most common usage revolves around singing.
In the world of singing, vocal range is described as a spectrum that stretches from high to low and categorises individuals into distinct voice types. For both male and female singers, these voice types typically include:
- Soprano
- Mezzo-soprano
- Contralto
- Tenor
- Baritone
- Bass
The initial trio of singing voices in the lineup represents classifications for women, while the latter trio applies to men. Understanding these classifications allows singing coaches to place amateur vocalists into specific groups where they can expand their vocal range and where their talents can shine.
For both male and female children, vocal ranges are referred to as trebles or boy sopranos. As boys go through puberty, their adolescent voices go through a transformative phase.
In addition, within the spectrum of voices and vocal ranges, there are various forms of voice production, these encompass:
- Modal register
- Vocal fry register
- Whistle register
- Falsetto register
Definitions for vocal range aside, one of the questions we will answer in this piece is how much you can expand your vocal range.
How Long Will it Take to See a Change in Vocal Range?
Yes, you can expand your vocal range and the next obvious question is, how long will that take?
Vocal cords, like muscles, require time and effort to develop and expand noticeably. This means that increasing your vocal range is a process that demands patience. Here are a few factors that influence the pace at which your voice will strengthen.
- Whether you're learning independently or under the guidance of a singing coach.
- The frequency of your practice sessions.
- Your current skill level in singing.
- The specific singing techniques you are using.
There is no doubt that individuals who study with a vocal coach and who practise with diligence will advance more quickly than their solo-studying counterparts. Either way, it is important to note that with consistent routine and regular practice, beginner singers can augment their vocal range by several octaves within a matter of months.
Necessary Steps to Expand Your Vocal Range
While different singing coaches or experts may have a unique approach to comprehending and instructing music, there are a few common steps or stages used by most music enthusiasts to help expand your vocal range. However, before you ask, if it is possible to expand your vocal range, it's important to understand your current capabilities. This can be achieved through consultation with a music teacher or by conducting self-assessment using helpful, free resources like YouTube tutorials.
On the topic of refining your vocals, here are a few basic exercises that can help you to expand vocal range.
Stand Tall
It is not possible to expand your vocal range without first establishing the kind of posture that allows your vocal cords to relax and where air can make its way through.
Breathe from Your Diaphragm
Expanding vocal range through diaphragmatic singing is one of the simplest, yet most effective methods available.
- Begin by quietly inhaling through your mouth, allowing the air to slowly fill and expand your stomach.
- Keep your shoulders and chest still; maintain an upright posture. The expansion should occur in your stomach as you inhale.
- Upon exhaling, you'll sense the contraction in your stomach, indicating the correct breathing technique.
Don't Tighten Your Jaw
If you want to sing at a high range and hold your notes for longer, do not tighten your jaw and you will notice a big difference.
Can You Expand Your Vocal Range Through Exercises?
Once you've completed the above three steps, your next phase should aim to broaden your vocal range and witness tangible progress that involves key vocal exercises that will amplify your talent.
- Vocal Sirens: This straightforward exercise involves singing "ooh" or "ee" from low to high notes and then back down. If while doing this, it sounds like an emergency vehicle, you will be on the right track. Vocal sirens aim to help your voice access high notes without strain or fatigue.
- The Lip Trill: Another beneficial exercise is the lip trill, which reduces the effort needed by the vocal cords to resist airflow from the lungs. It encourages resistance and aids in reaching the upper limits of your vocal range.
Exercises like this are just a small example of the many kinds of techniques available to help you expand your vocal range. For an even more comprehensive understanding, it is a good idea to seek guidance from a private coach or tutor who could help you through specific exercises tailored to your ability.
At the very least it will always be essential to follow the previously mentioned steps to ensure that your posture is correct before you begin.
So, is it possible to expand your vocal range? Absolutely, and by using these exercises with the guidance of a private singing coach, you will be able to make the most of your singing.
Using a Singing Coach to Expand Your Vocal Range
While you might be venturing into self-taught singing lessons to improve your vocal abilities and broaden your range, there are many advantages to enlisting the guidance of a vocal coach or instructor. To start, here are some compelling reasons why hiring a vocal coach is a game-changer:
- Structured Training Program: As an amateur singer, starting without guidance can be daunting. The job of vocal coaches is to assess your skills and provide tailored exercises and a structured routine to explore different notes that will enhance your pitch after only a few sessions.
- Optimised Lung Capacity: Initially, enthusiasm might lead you to sing loudly which will impact your breath control and endurance. Having the expertise of a private coach can offer valuable advice for effectively managing your breath while you sing.
- Discovering and Enhancing Vocal Range: Vocal instructors can swiftly identify your vocal range and then guide you toward songs to suit your abilities. While self-improvement is possible, a coach will simplify the process to make expanding your range by a few octaves even more accessible.
Is investing in a vocal coach worthwhile? How much can you expand your vocal range?
The reasons mentioned above mean that it is possible to expand your vocal range and therefore, investing in a coach, is indeed worthwhile. For aspiring singers in South Africa who are seeking either in-person or online coaching, Superprof is the answer.
With over thousands of instructors worldwide, Superprof boasts specialised teaching in various disciplines, including singing. Here are just some of the reasons to choose Superprof to help you improve your singing.
- Affordable Private Tuition: Budgets can vary depending on the expertise of your coach, your ability and whether lessons are taken online or in person.
- Diverse, Experienced Coaches: There is a wide selection of talented instructors to choose from.
- User-Friendly Booking System: The Superprof platform is easy to use and offers filters and a location tool to help find the right tutor for you.
- Excellent Student Support: Superprof is an excellent solution for both, dedicated student, and tutor help.
Are you convinced? If not, the fact that most Superprof tutors offer their first lesson for free could motivate you to find out more.
In conclusion, whether you decide to self-teach or use the guidance of a coach it is possible to expand your vocal range and it is an excellent question for anyone serious about improving their singing.
Who knows, you may even start writing your own songs at some point.
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