How can someone have so much knowledge! There are talented people and there are those who can teach, but it is rare to find both qualities in one individual. This guy has both.
From what you wrote the conclusion is that you have always used air pressure to influence your pitch control. That means your high notes have always been louder then your low notes. Keep working on this exercise and you'll create an independence between volume and range. Then you'll be able to let the sentiment of the lyrics dictate your dynamics rather then the melody of a song.
I bought your book on rock singing 23 years ago! It was my first step into vocal training. Great to have these videos on RUclips! Really love this exercise!
A big thanks to you, one of the most gifted VOICE GURUS in the world....... with your help I was able to develop my own Charakteristik singing voice. I sing now in my own suitable voice register an I am improving from day to day. A lovely sunday to you Mark and best regards from germany
Absolutely. It's one of many in my over-flowing library! I find that separating this exercise into two parts at first allows you to slow it down and refine coordination.
Remaining mindful to maintain a weightless sensation when singing is the best way to ensure a hemorrhage doesn't reoccur. We often get so focused on a performance that we allow our technique to become imbalanced.
Weightless Sensation .....what a great mindset to have when singing . I'm determined to remember that . I know you don't want to talk about other Vocal coaches , but trying the method Ken Tamplin uses , it feels more like "Weighted Singing" . I know Ken is talented and he can sing anything . But trying his method my abs are always tight & clenched because of using the abs as the motor or power for the voice . My voice doesn't burn out , or sound choked , it actually can sound like Ken , but I feel like I'm using more ab muscles than is necessary and my abs/stomach get uncomfortable , I don't feel very weightless....my abs should be pretty relaxed at all times and I build power in the vocal folds to do the work , not rely on clenched stomach muscles . A loud powerful sound can be achieved with very minimal abdominal tension ?? Correct ??
@@joey4010 Proportionate pressure is the key to achieving comfort and control. It's all about trusting reflex behavior. Ask for a loud vocal sound and the folds bulk up and the air pressure below them is increased. Ask for a soft sound and the reverse happens. Problems occur when people flip this script to override their insecurities and start telling their body's what to do. Tell your abs to drive the air and your folds, throat, jaw and tongue will all clench in anticipation. When that resistance doesn't create the desired sound we start pushing through our own blockade. A couple songs - you're fine. But performing night after night with that imbalance and burn out comes quick.
Listening again. My word. Your volume is super loud. Superman breathing & powerful vocal cords. Ok Superman didn’t sound like that. Tarzan sounded like that. Look out there’s a new Tarzan in town!!!!!!!!
It's more like 40 songs a night - and I did it 5/6 nights a week for years. I use to loose my voice constantly until I got smarter about how much energy I was employing. Think of musicians. Have you every heard a guitarist complain he can't play another song? Like you - I mistook push for passion. Your goal when singing is to stir the emotions of your listeners. You'll know you reached the goal when you audience has no voice at the end of your show - and you drive home singing all the way!
Good one, Mark. Your demo of the crescendo (mezza di voce) was really helpful and, after this video, I understand the use of this exercise. I've been putting this exercise off because I never understood why I should do them. Thanks
Vocal endurance is achieved by less muscle activity. It occurs over time - but not like marathon training. The more you sing the less active your brain and body become as you reduce unnecessary tensions and thinking. From your description, it seems you are not allowing this process to occur. The typical reason for this is seeking a performance esthetic when practicing. Instead - change your goal to simply singing for an hour without fatigue - no matter how bad you sound. Find efficiency first.
Thanks Mark, you are doing a great job, helping singers around the globe better themselves! I understand you have not heard me sing, so I have done professional shows, singing for 2 hours or more, hence my worry now, since I am no where near that stamina or scale. :( Just one last question, how do I ensure this does not recur, I am careful anyway, but should I get myself checked, say once a month?
Yes - you can fully recover. Normally it takes a month or two. I can't answer your questions more specifically because I've never heard you sing. Just remember the hemorrhage happened because you were using too much force. So your focus rebuilding should be on denying external muscle involvement and achieving proportionate breath support.
Your issue is that you're "thinking" registers, or technique, rather then the outcome you desire. The quickest way to get your voice to budge is to allow it to crack like crazy as you pass out of your mix when getting louder. First get yourself unstuck - then you can deal with the coordination needed to smooth out your performance.
So does that mean if I'm encountering vocal fry AND momentary loss of pitch at the break that I should just sing through it? If so, does the coordination work itself out by focusing on the desired outcome and diligent practice? Besides making sure I warm up first, are there any other considerations? Also, how long would you say is too long to work on this exercise? Thank you most sincerely, Mark. Your videos have really helped me so much. I'm singing a 3-set show next Saturday night with my pop/rock trio (3 more booked the following month!) and I finally have the confidence to do it now thanks to OUR results. 😊 No word of a lie.
@@Chuck-Steak What you're describing above Chuck is exactly how you leaned to walk, talk and ride a bike! Keep asking for what you want while remaining comfortable. Tension or force is never a solution - but consistently focusing on a desired result always is! Congrats on the gigs!
I want to thank you again for your great lessons, they are very good indeed and they have help me a lot this last month. I would like to ask you, my pop singing voice feels more comfortable singing in the Alto/Contralto range, I remember when I was 14-16 years old, I was more comfortable singing with Linda Perry than Abba for example. But in the opera, I sing very comfortable in the soprano range and my vocals have strong high notes up to E6, full opera voice dramatic, no whistle register, but I can also hit from F6 up C#7 again without whistle register, but I don;t use those notes almost never, i don;t even use lately notes above F5 until I see that my technique is in a good road. I am very comfortable singing dramatic soprano roles and coloratura. I used to start my exercises from middle C, but should I start my exercises from E3 or G3? so I can build a good chest voice that can support maybe better my higher notes in pop singing? My speaking voice is comfortable taking around E3 (when I wake up)-G3 (rest of the day). While in the opera I am dramatic soprano, in the pop singing my voice sounds thin and annoying in the upper register and in the middle has a fake sound, only at the low register sounds full and with color, there is no warmth or roundness unlike in my classical singing which there is power and roundness and I don;t know if this is the correct term, "deepness", in pop there is no "color" at the high notes. So I think I use wrong technique? I was reading that Contraltos if they base their exercises for soprano for example, they might loose part of their power. Sorry for the long message, I know questions like those needs to be paid and to have a good teacher, but if with your expertise with various voices and types can tell me your opinion little loosely, I know that without hearing my voice it is hard to tell but maybe you have an experience with a similar voice that has such characteristics, I will appreciate it.
Yes - you should begin your exercises below middle C. Classical and Pop singing are like two different languages. It seems classical is your dominant technique - so it is unconsciously applied when you sing pop. When people do this with languages it's called an accent. To speak different languages with no accent you'll need to "think" in the different languages rather then just say the words. The same goes for singing. Asking your body to produce the sounds of Pop will not harm your Classical training - only expand it. Don't be afraid to add more colors to your vocal pallet.
Voice Lesson.com Thank you so much for taking your time to read my post and to answer to me. I did started doing exercises below middle C and I also discover twang. Both have help me to discover what was missing in the way i sing pop. I think I saw at your website that you do skype lessons? I would like to have with you some lessons in the future. I will contact you when im ready :)
HI Mark, you are the best voice coach here on youtube. I just love the creativity in your videos and the tips that you give to singers. I wanted to request you to post a video on voice placement for singers. Whenever i try to sing high, my voice moves back, and to get the best voice resonance and projection the voice should be placed in the mask. Hope to see a video on voice placement from you. Thanks!!
Hi Sumit - and thanks for the compliment! I don't recommend singers focus on placement for the exact reason you state in your comment. You write that you get the best resonance and projection when you feel your voice in a certain area - which is absolutely correct. However, if you focus on that certain area (rather than the resonance and projection you want) you will restrict freedom in your singing. Just as you (personally) feel less freedom in your posture when standing - every ones body will have a slightly different sweet spot for the best sound. The best way to encourage that sound is to seek it (the sound) not the placement where you think it should come from. In the same way, if you position your body exactly as suggested for good posture - your body (personally) might not be in its best alignment. However, if you seek balance and a weightless feeling when standing - you'll give your body the freedom to find its sweet spot. Seek the sound - not the behavior!
Hi Mark! Thank you for the response. To get that sound in my voice while singing high notes i need to release a gasp of air first and then slowly i get that sound when my vocal chords abduct. If i dont release some air first my throat chokes. I hope you get what i am saying. I just wanted to know is it right to do so or not
Yes - I get what you're saying - you have to release the excess pressure or else your throat muscles choke you off. Well, who's making that extra pressure? Why do you have to go through extra steps to undo what your core muscles are creating. Instead of such a convoluted solution - practice at a very low volume and work your way slowly towards the resonance and projection you desire.
I really enjoyed your points on messa di voce. Thanks for the great demos and pointers! What would you consider the placement of soul singers like Al Green to be? It sounds mask-y or forwardish to me, but I am not sure.
Contemporary singers don't place the voice - they feel the lyrics. It's a conversational art form so the sound is allowed to wander as it does when we speak conversationally.
Thanks for the advice Mark. Do singers regain their voice and stamina completely after a haemorrhage? Normally how long should this take, if one is disciplined and exercises the voice regularly? Also when should I plan a live show next?
Thanks again Mark for another insightful videos! I am realy learning alot from you and I realy like your detailed explanations! I have a question about this exercise - I find that when I get my volume louder at some point my larynx starts to rise and chokes the throat. I assume this is not right. My question is why is this happening? And what does it mean? Am I doing something improperly?
The improper part is easy - choking is simply not the sound you're asking for. Your brain is trying to help you by lifting the larynx to accentuate your oral cavity - like when you yell. The brighter sound projects but doesn't offer much nuance. So focus on the sound you want (rich and loud) while remaining as comfortable as possible. If you allow the sound to be a bit out of control you'll develop quicker. But it's hard not to react when something terrible comes out of your mouth!
Voice Lesson.com Thank you for the answer, Mark. I think I got what you're saying. Its true that I dont allow the sound to be "bad" when it cracks and gets airy and I immediately try to "correct" it to sound good. Thats exactly what's happening.
Genius 😊 I never considered changing volume on the same note as a way to practice vocal cord coordination and blending registers. I always did scales and sirens to try to help coordination. Do you offer a service where we can forward a recording of a song to you and you can critique it or help us to improve it?
I don't critique recordings because that's just personal taste. One opinion (mine) doesn't matter if you like your recording. And if you don't like your recording you should ask YOURSELF why. Is it your tone? No emotion? Pitch problems? What you don't like about your voice can be fixed. What other's don't like about your voice can't!
Hi Mark,I have been appreciating your lessons for a while now and want to ask you a question. I have trained over 13 years with vocal lessons and study. My problem is this. I started with the belting technique and could do it really well, but sometimes, high needs to be medium volume or quiet and not "YELLED". From quiet to loud, I can only get to middle or just under, no louder in a "mix". I can go from loud to quiet though. I have tried to solve this for years but it wont budge.
Ok, I think you were playing an E4 there for the men. I start out in a light soft mixed tone, but as I get louder I feel my chords kind of flip into chest. The chest sounds better, but it is not a smooth transition. I don’t feel any tension or like I am tensing up. I just no control.
This is very good, but most voice teachers consider the messa di voce to be a crescendo-diminuendo all in one. Separating the two is interesting and valuable; i.e. crescendo only and diminuendo (or decrescendo) only, then combination. I particularly like the fact that you show video of the vocal folks functioning. Have you ever read Dr. Appelman's book "The Science of Vocal Pedagogy?"
Hi Mark i just order your dvd an book i got some trouble with the notes in my passagio zone like f# g and g# it sound like leaking air i try to not protect it or force all the muscules that doesnt need to be engaging to produce the notes but i cant connect well the chords on that area do you think this exercise will help me with that issue?
Hi mark! Long time follower of yours, touring singer and musician of about 10 years here. Just curious about wobbling. I have a strong and fluid head and chest voice and have been progressive steadily towards that flow between them. However some of my transitional notes are very weak so I sought this video out looking for a way to strengthen the middle bit. I am curious if I should continue to train slowly through the wobbles on those notes while my body figures out what to do, or if this means I’m approaching it wrong? Thank you!
Absolutely let those notes wobble as you develop your coordination. Increase volume very slowly and allow plenty of time where you wobble the most. In other words - don't rush to fix the sound by quickly increasing or decreasing the volume.
Thanks so much! I appreciate the quick reply as well. Your videos and techniques have helped me through some very frustrating plateaus of progress and to keep my voice healthy especially when on tour. So much respect for you and your work!
Hello Mr.Baxter!An extremely useful exercise for me i have to say!But i'm having an issue with it!I can do pretty good up to C5 with this exercise,after that any note seems to not get the fullness of C5 (I'm a metal singer trying to get foulness to those super high notes thats why im trying to get that high)..Any suggestion?
Thank you, Mark. So maybe I have to work on a lower level volume and not practice every song like it is a performance? I am curious how some of these lead singers in cover bands can sing 30 songs in a night.
I am souding like a dying whale, mr baxter do you think there is a market for this new style? or I need to work on my alignment? btw I Wish youtube coments could allow people to upload audio so we can discuss different sounds comming from everybody here. My tone gets raspy as I start to go up in volume but I dont feel any pain at all, this is means that its still healthy the way I am doing it? is my dying whale tone soon to become a cris cornell tone? Thanks!
+Fernando Lavado Your dying whale sound would be very popular with fishermen! Other than that - the important thing to acknowledge is that the wobbling and cracking and raspy sounds are unintentional. If you don't feel stress when singing that's great - but what good is it if the sound you make are not what you desired? Ask for the sounds you want - not the behavior you think is necessary. Your dying whale will become whatever sound you continue to ask for!
+TheOfficialMelaxind You are being held hostage by emotional tension. Your greatest fear is of sounding bad - and the irony is that fear is making you sound bad. So the quickest way to release your voice from that tension is to intentionally sound bad! Start with silly animal and cartoon sounds. Don't TRY to make anything - just play with your voice. When things loosen up a bit then simply extend random moments of those sounds. When that feels easy then ask for something more formal like a simple scale.
Hi Mark, I am an Indian classical/Hindi songs singer. 4 months back, while trying to hit a high note, I had a vocal chord haemorrhage, doctors advised complete voice rest, I did not speak for a month. I am a lot better now, started singing again, but it is not that sweet. My range has gone down by 2 notes and I get fatigued very easily. Earlier I could sing for 2 hours at a stretch but now my voice gets tired in 30 minutes. Please advise how I should approach this, I want my old voice back. :(
Hi Mark, I'm a marathon runner, and to train for a 4 hour race, it takes months of running 1-3 hours continuous to build up your endurance for that race. Is vocal endurance built up by moderate singing over a period of months? I seem to have trouble performing more than 2-3 challenging songs before my voice degrades, especially the high notes and songs in the top of my range. Also I notice congestion occurs also. How do you toughen your voice to make it last longer, even with lots of high notes?
So it's completely fine if i crack or my voice shakes a bit as i slowly get louder? XD it sounds so funny! I hope soon i can get more strength with this exercise, which i will try to do everyday. . . My voice is pretty wimpy .
Regain your flexibility first (range). Best not to begin with this exercise but a constant low volume hum instead. (see my video titled: Worried About Vocal Damage? Do This Everyday) Once flexibility has returned you should come back to this exercise for more strength.
You're on the 3rd floor of a burning building. You throw open the window and see firemen down below. Are you telling me you won't be able to create a powerful enough sound to get their attention because you haven't learned how to do so? Of course you can make a powerful sound! The issue is that you're shy to commit to something powerful because it might sound bad. So you inhibit the behavior necessary to start loud out of pride. I suggest you find a very private place to practice releasing your voice just to "learn" that your voice can be loud - it just might not sound good. With practice you'll coordinate everything - but you have to first get over the fear of sounding bad.
Leonne L. Mark makes some very good points in his reply. Sometimes sounds that are made in lessons aren't meant to be "pretty" so if some of yours aren't, just continue, no-one is going to strike you down!
Hey Mary - instead of focusing on what you're doing wrong - focus on the goal: Connecting your voice seamlessly while increasing and decreasing volume. Keep asking for that outcome and you'll develop the coordination needed. It's how you learned to walk and talk!
The Breath pressure mentioned throws me off... So using the toilet paper in your other videos, does this mean the breath remains steady throughout all volumes? Is there more buildup of air for the louder notes, but not more airflow? (Ex. squeezing then end of a hose). This has always confused me.
The byproduct is the same no matter the volume. That means the air leaving your mouth is always just a trickle. There is more pressure under the vocal folds when singing loud. Resisting that pressure produces a loud sound. There is a less pressure under the folds for softer sounds. Just like a gas pedal in a car. To go the same MPH up and down hills requires adjusting the gas - yet the car remains the same.
@@voicelessondotcom - that's VERY helpful! So technically, how do you create that pressure while keeping just the trickle? Ex. Do you squeeze in your abs, but still control the trickle (by some other muscles?). If I give a loud "HEY!" (AKA a yell), my voice starts to hurt - but I'm not exactly sure how to hold back enough air and simultaneously create pressure. (I think my fog is slowly starting to clear LOL). {BTW, thank you so much for your patience and responses!}
@@roxnroll8050 It hurts when you shout loud for the same reason you can't tickle yourself into laughter. You brain is bracing your throat for impact when you try and yell (or sing loud). So the balance is thrown off and the experience sucks. Start at a volume you are not threatened by and work your way louder very gradually.
I keep controlling the volume on decrescendos with my throat and it is throwing me off to let this memory go. What is the best exercise for me to break this habit Mark? I know that I have been pushing for years, and relearning to speak and sing at 47 is a window to elevate my voice, I know this. I am trying to see this in a loving light.
You are correct in your perspective. You have always controlled your voice with external muscles - and so it is humbling to ask them not to be involved after all these years. A good way to create some internal strength and independence is with rapid H's. Do the routine in the video titled "Singer's Vocal Workout"
Richard schooping If by "these" you mean this crescendo exercise then you're asking too much too soon from your voice. If you mean the rapid H's then slow them waaaay down and vocalize at a low volume. In other words the voice develops best when presented with a slight challenge - rather then overwhelming it.
Voice Lesson.com I am astounded by this exercise Mark "Singer's Vocal Workout" , SO much muscle memory came back today, that I am flying in my voice again, lighter and less pushing, opened up my "head" voice at least 4 notes. Love this!!!!!! Happy to be spreading your wisdom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I do this my voice just cracks every few seconds or so and jumps back and forth between higher and lower pitch a little... what am I doing wrong? Will it go away with practice?
You're either getting louder too fast or thinking of volume as requiring more effort - and so you're driving the air too hard. This is an advanced exercise so it may just be that you need a little more coordination in general. It doesn't hurt your voice to let it crack - so it's okay to keep trying - but as soon as you get frustrated you'll start to push and defeat the goal. Take it slow and gradually "ask" for more volume without feeling any additional tension join in.
This is a problem I've always had, it's getting better, but still I'm pressing too hard and my voice keeps cracking often. Do you know any other exercises to, I don't know, activate the right muscles or something like that?
Fuckyourselfgoogle I don't know you but I already see that the REAL problem you've always had is being impatient! It was only yesterday that you tried this exercise and you're already frustrated with your lack of results. As I wrote before - this is an advanced exercise. I agree with your observation that you're pressing too hard. So that means back off. Try this when you're lying on your back. There's lots of exercises on my channel - but they all require coordination. So try and be more patient and you'll make steady progress.
Sir i just want to thank you for shedding light on us all. you´re a musical angel sent down from the universe to spread the vocal truth! more power to you sir! You're the best i've seen so far! God speed :)Voice Lesson.com
What realy amazes me in this video is that it seems as you barely use any breath. You shoulders stay in the same position and is doesnt even look like your ribcage is rising or falling. When it I do this exercise: 1. I run out of breath very quickly .. 2. When I run out of breath my entire ribcage is collapsing.. 3. When I take in the next breath the ribcage rises again...
You are correct - the rise and fall of the shoulders and ribs is a shallow method of breathing. It fools the brain into thinking you have a full lung capacity when it is only half. Watch this video for breathing basics and work on establishing a diaphragmatic breath when awake (you already breathe correctly when sleeping). ruclips.net/video/0u4CGQJhWIs/видео.html
There is a lot you can do to develop a stronger voice but first you should determine why it's weak. If you think it's a health issue then it's best to see a doctor. If you think it's because of your personality then start watching all the videos on this channel - especially the ones that don't have exercises.
+Voice Lesson.com I see. But isn't a harsh sound the sign of something wrong with the vocal cords? Shouldn't the foundation of healthy singing be based on a beautiful sound?
No - a "beautiful sound" is completely subjective and influenced by culture - just as a beautiful face does not indicate health. There are plenty instances of Bel Canto singers with vocal pathologies.
What about Whitney Houston's voice? She had a clear ringing sound when she was young and it became harsh when her vocal cords became damaged. I'm not saying one cannot be expressive or pleasing to listeners who enjoy a harsh, raspy sound. There have been many raspy voices, such as Billy Holiday (in her later career again) who were incredible performers, but were the vocal cords healthy?
Both of these women were drug addicts. They were mentally unhealthy. With your logic (and many others) perhaps one should become a drug addict if they want to be an incredible performer.
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How can someone have so much knowledge! There are talented people and there are those who can teach, but it is rare to find both qualities in one individual. This guy has both.
you are the most effective teacher for me
From what you wrote the conclusion is that you have always used air pressure to influence your pitch control. That means your high notes have always been louder then your low notes. Keep working on this exercise and you'll create an independence between volume and range. Then you'll be able to let the sentiment of the lyrics dictate your dynamics rather then the melody of a song.
Absolutely fine - as long as you stay focused on what you want as an end result. The cracking will be temporary.
I bought your book on rock singing 23 years ago! It was my first step into vocal training. Great to have these videos on RUclips! Really love this exercise!
Glad to be your first step!
A big thanks to you, one of the most gifted VOICE GURUS in the world.......
with your help I was able to develop my own Charakteristik singing voice. I sing now in my own suitable voice register an I am improving from day to day.
A lovely sunday to you Mark and best regards from germany
Thank you for this comment Martina! It just goes to show if you put in the work change is always possible.
best vocal lessons on here. So glad you got on here.
Great stuff, Mark!
Your CD has been a real help to me... it's such a joy to hear my own singing voice get stronger day by day!
Thank you!
Thank you so much for your lessons. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos and learn with you.
I'm happy to help!
You sooth my brain. It’s beyond music. It’s your sincere kindness
Love the explanation of demo with the hands when you talk about vocal folds. Really useful exercise. Amazing!
Absolutely. It's one of many in my over-flowing library! I find that separating this exercise into two parts at first allows you to slow it down and refine coordination.
Thanks so much for your answer. I will keep on going with it. I love your confidence too, it helps me feel the same.
It's my must. Thank you sooooo much.
Could you possibly do a full exercise video for this? I have a playlist of your stuff for my warm ups and you’re amazing mark!!!
I'll put it in my idea queue!
Ggreat exercises! Millions of thanks...
Great exercise, Mark. Your lessons are always terrific! Thank you! April
I'm glad "Sing Like an Idol" is helping Rick!
another great exercise! thanks alot sir Mark 👍
Another great exercise, and more difficult than it sounds!
Remaining mindful to maintain a weightless sensation when singing is the best way to ensure a hemorrhage doesn't reoccur. We often get so focused on a performance that we allow our technique to become imbalanced.
Weightless Sensation .....what a great mindset to have when singing . I'm determined to remember that . I know you don't want to talk about other Vocal coaches , but trying the method Ken Tamplin uses , it feels more like "Weighted Singing" . I know Ken is talented and he can sing anything . But trying his method my abs are always tight & clenched because of using the abs as the motor or power for the voice . My voice doesn't burn out , or sound choked , it actually can sound like Ken , but I feel like I'm using more ab muscles than is necessary and my abs/stomach get uncomfortable , I don't feel very weightless....my abs should be pretty relaxed at all times and I build power in the vocal folds to do the work , not rely on clenched stomach muscles . A loud powerful sound can be achieved with very minimal abdominal tension ?? Correct ??
@@joey4010 Proportionate pressure is the key to achieving comfort and control. It's all about trusting reflex behavior. Ask for a loud vocal sound and the folds bulk up and the air pressure below them is increased. Ask for a soft sound and the reverse happens. Problems occur when people flip this script to override their insecurities and start telling their body's what to do. Tell your abs to drive the air and your folds, throat, jaw and tongue will all clench in anticipation. When that resistance doesn't create the desired sound we start pushing through our own blockade. A couple songs - you're fine. But performing night after night with that imbalance and burn out comes quick.
Listening again. My word. Your volume is super loud. Superman breathing & powerful vocal cords. Ok Superman didn’t sound like that. Tarzan sounded like that. Look out there’s a new Tarzan in town!!!!!!!!
And I swing from song to song! :)
Thanks for recomendations Mark i really aprecciate your help
Got to add this to my to do list , thanks
Absolutely!
You are incredible talent! 👏👏
Thank you!
great tip Mark!!
This is a dame good exercise. Thank you Mr Baxter.
You're welcome!
thanks so much for this exercise. i really appreciate
It's more like 40 songs a night - and I did it 5/6 nights a week for years. I use to loose my voice constantly until I got smarter about how much energy I was employing. Think of musicians. Have you every heard a guitarist complain he can't play another song? Like you - I mistook push for passion. Your goal when singing is to stir the emotions of your listeners. You'll know you reached the goal when you audience has no voice at the end of your show - and you drive home singing all the way!
Thank you Mark,
My range has improved greatly
✨🎶
Marj
That's great!
rip my headphones
Good one, Mark. Your demo of the crescendo (mezza di voce) was really helpful and, after this video, I understand the use of this exercise. I've been putting this exercise off because I never understood why I should do them. Thanks
I'm so glad you're using ALL the videos, Neil!
@@voicelessondotcom me too! I'm taking your advice: 100 days
Your range is best served by the exercise I suggested at the beginning of this conversation.
Thank you am grateful, have been worried about my voice lately not as strong as before
Vocal endurance is achieved by less muscle activity. It occurs over time - but not like marathon training. The more you sing the less active your brain and body become as you reduce unnecessary tensions and thinking. From your description, it seems you are not allowing this process to occur. The typical reason for this is seeking a performance esthetic when practicing. Instead - change your goal to simply singing for an hour without fatigue - no matter how bad you sound. Find efficiency first.
Incredible ...
I hope it helps you!
Thanks Mark, you are doing a great job, helping singers around the globe better themselves!
I understand you have not heard me sing, so I have done professional shows, singing for 2 hours or more, hence my worry now, since I am no where near that stamina or scale. :(
Just one last question, how do I ensure this does not recur, I am careful anyway, but should I get myself checked, say once a month?
My stamina is growing incrementally, by following your instructions and that of my Guru, however I am more concerned about getting my range back.
Yes - you can fully recover. Normally it takes a month or two. I can't answer your questions more specifically because I've never heard you sing. Just remember the hemorrhage happened because you were using too much force. So your focus rebuilding should be on denying external muscle involvement and achieving proportionate breath support.
excellent teacher
Your issue is that you're "thinking" registers, or technique, rather then the outcome you desire. The quickest way to get your voice to budge is to allow it to crack like crazy as you pass out of your mix when getting louder. First get yourself unstuck - then you can deal with the coordination needed to smooth out your performance.
So does that mean if I'm encountering vocal fry AND momentary loss of pitch at the break that I should just sing through it? If so, does the coordination work itself out by focusing on the desired outcome and diligent practice? Besides making sure I warm up first, are there any other considerations?
Also, how long would you say is too long to work on this exercise?
Thank you most sincerely, Mark. Your videos have really helped me so much. I'm singing a 3-set show next Saturday night with my pop/rock trio (3 more booked the following month!) and I finally have the confidence to do it now thanks to OUR results. 😊 No word of a lie.
@@Chuck-Steak What you're describing above Chuck is exactly how you leaned to walk, talk and ride a bike! Keep asking for what you want while remaining comfortable. Tension or force is never a solution - but consistently focusing on a desired result always is! Congrats on the gigs!
I want to thank you again for your great lessons, they are very good indeed and they have help me a lot this last month.
I would like to ask you, my pop singing voice feels more comfortable singing in the Alto/Contralto range, I remember when I was 14-16 years old, I was more comfortable singing with Linda Perry than Abba for example. But in the opera, I sing very comfortable in the soprano range and my vocals have strong high notes up to E6, full opera voice dramatic, no whistle register, but I can also hit from F6 up C#7 again without whistle register, but I don;t use those notes almost never, i don;t even use lately notes above F5 until I see that my technique is in a good road. I am very comfortable singing dramatic soprano roles and coloratura. I used to start my exercises from middle C, but should I start my exercises from E3 or G3? so I can build a good chest voice that can support maybe better my higher notes in pop singing? My speaking voice is comfortable taking around E3 (when I wake up)-G3 (rest of the day). While in the opera I am dramatic soprano, in the pop singing my voice sounds thin and annoying in the upper register and in the middle has a fake sound, only at the low register sounds full and with color, there is no warmth or roundness unlike in my classical singing which there is power and roundness and I don;t know if this is the correct term, "deepness", in pop there is no "color" at the high notes. So I think I use wrong technique? I was reading that Contraltos if they base their exercises for soprano for example, they might loose part of their power. Sorry for the long message, I know questions like those needs to be paid and to have a good teacher, but if with your expertise with various voices and types can tell me your opinion little loosely, I know that without hearing my voice it is hard to tell but maybe you have an experience with a similar voice that has such characteristics, I will appreciate it.
Yes - you should begin your exercises below middle C. Classical and Pop singing are like two different languages. It seems classical is your dominant technique - so it is unconsciously applied when you sing pop. When people do this with languages it's called an accent. To speak different languages with no accent you'll need to "think" in the different languages rather then just say the words. The same goes for singing. Asking your body to produce the sounds of Pop will not harm your Classical training - only expand it. Don't be afraid to add more colors to your vocal pallet.
Voice Lesson.com Thank you so much for taking your time to read my post and to answer to me.
I did started doing exercises below middle C and I also discover twang.
Both have help me to discover what was missing in the way i sing pop.
I think I saw at your website that you do skype lessons? I would like to have with you some lessons in the future. I will contact you when im ready :)
HI Mark, you are the best voice coach here on youtube. I just love the creativity in your videos and the tips that you give to singers. I wanted to request you to post a video on voice placement for singers. Whenever i try to sing high, my voice moves back, and to get the best voice resonance and projection the voice should be placed in the mask. Hope to see a video on voice placement from you. Thanks!!
Hi Sumit - and thanks for the compliment! I don't recommend singers focus on placement for the exact reason you state in your comment. You write that you get the best resonance and projection when you feel your voice in a certain area - which is absolutely correct. However, if you focus on that certain area (rather than the resonance and projection you want) you will restrict freedom in your singing. Just as you (personally) feel less freedom in your posture when standing - every ones body will have a slightly different sweet spot for the best sound. The best way to encourage that sound is to seek it (the sound) not the placement where you think it should come from. In the same way, if you position your body exactly as suggested for good posture - your body (personally) might not be in its best alignment. However, if you seek balance and a weightless feeling when standing - you'll give your body the freedom to find its sweet spot. Seek the sound - not the behavior!
Hi Mark! Thank you for the response. To get that sound in my voice while singing high notes i need to release a gasp of air first and then slowly i get that sound when my vocal chords abduct. If i dont release some air first my throat chokes. I hope you get what i am saying. I just wanted to know is it right to do so or not
Yes - I get what you're saying - you have to release the excess pressure or else your throat muscles choke you off. Well, who's making that extra pressure? Why do you have to go through extra steps to undo what your core muscles are creating. Instead of such a convoluted solution - practice at a very low volume and work your way slowly towards the resonance and projection you desire.
any video for everyday routine? (20-30 min)
Thanks for teaching how to sing high note
You're welcome!
I really enjoyed your points on messa di voce. Thanks for the great demos and pointers!
What would you consider the placement of soul singers like Al Green to be?
It sounds mask-y or forwardish to me, but I am not sure.
Contemporary singers don't place the voice - they feel the lyrics. It's a conversational art form so the sound is allowed to wander as it does when we speak conversationally.
Thanks for the advice Mark. Do singers regain their voice and stamina completely after a haemorrhage? Normally how long should this take, if one is disciplined and exercises the voice regularly?
Also when should I plan a live show next?
Hi Mark,
I left 2 questions on "Singers Vocal Workout" about irritation and fatigue of vocal chords.
That's a tough one.
At 3:50 wow! How were you able to stabilise that note at such low volume? Amazing
Practice! :)
Helo Mark, Im from Argentina, South America.Your DVD has subtitles in Spanish? Thanks, your work is Beatifull
Emilio Armentano grupo Unfortunately my DVD does not have subtitles in Spanish.
Thanks again Mark for another insightful videos! I am realy learning alot from you and I realy like your detailed explanations!
I have a question about this exercise - I find that when I get my volume louder at some point my larynx starts to rise and chokes the throat. I assume this is not right. My question is why is this happening? And what does it mean? Am I doing something improperly?
The improper part is easy - choking is simply not the sound you're asking for. Your brain is trying to help you by lifting the larynx to accentuate your oral cavity - like when you yell. The brighter sound projects but doesn't offer much nuance. So focus on the sound you want (rich and loud) while remaining as comfortable as possible. If you allow the sound to be a bit out of control you'll develop quicker. But it's hard not to react when something terrible comes out of your mouth!
Voice Lesson.com Thank you for the answer, Mark. I think I got what you're saying. Its true that I dont allow the sound to be "bad" when it cracks and gets airy and I immediately try to "correct" it to sound good. Thats exactly what's happening.
Genius 😊 I never considered changing volume on the same note as a way to practice vocal cord coordination and blending registers. I always did scales and sirens to try to help coordination.
Do you offer a service where we can forward a recording of a song to you and you can critique it or help us to improve it?
I don't critique recordings because that's just personal taste. One opinion (mine) doesn't matter if you like your recording. And if you don't like your recording you should ask YOURSELF why. Is it your tone? No emotion? Pitch problems? What you don't like about your voice can be fixed. What other's don't like about your voice can't!
thank you sir
Hi Mark,I have been appreciating your lessons for a while now and want to ask you a question. I have trained over 13 years with vocal lessons and study. My problem is this. I started with the belting technique and could do it really well, but sometimes, high needs to be medium volume or quiet and not "YELLED". From quiet to loud, I can only get to middle or just under, no louder in a "mix". I can go from loud to quiet though. I have tried to solve this for years but it wont budge.
Ok, I think you were playing an E4 there for the men. I start out in a light soft mixed tone, but as I get louder I feel my chords kind of flip into chest. The chest sounds better, but it is not a smooth transition. I don’t feel any tension or like I am tensing up. I just no control.
Yup - it's not an easy transition - but very worth working towards.
This is very good, but most voice teachers consider the messa di voce to be a crescendo-diminuendo all in one. Separating the two is interesting and valuable; i.e. crescendo only and diminuendo (or decrescendo) only, then combination. I particularly like the fact that you show video of the vocal folks functioning. Have you ever read Dr. Appelman's book "The Science of Vocal Pedagogy?"
Hi Mark i just order your dvd an book i got some trouble with the notes in my passagio zone like f# g and g# it sound like leaking air i try to not protect it or force all the muscules that doesnt need to be engaging to produce the notes but i cant connect well the chords on that area do you think this exercise will help me with that issue?
Hi mark! Long time follower of yours, touring singer and musician of about 10 years here. Just curious about wobbling. I have a strong and fluid head and chest voice and have been progressive steadily towards that flow between them. However some of my transitional notes are very weak so I sought this video out looking for a way to strengthen the middle bit. I am curious if I should continue to train slowly through the wobbles on those notes while my body figures out what to do, or if this means I’m approaching it wrong? Thank you!
Absolutely let those notes wobble as you develop your coordination. Increase volume very slowly and allow plenty of time where you wobble the most. In other words - don't rush to fix the sound by quickly increasing or decreasing the volume.
Thanks so much! I appreciate the quick reply as well. Your videos and techniques have helped me through some very frustrating plateaus of progress and to keep my voice healthy especially when on tour. So much respect for you and your work!
No - better exercises for your issue are in the videos "Repair Your Voice" "Advanced Vocal Frye" and "Worried About Vocal Damage?"
I find going from loud to soft more challenging.
Hello Mr.Baxter!An extremely useful exercise for me i have to say!But i'm having an issue with it!I can do pretty good up to C5 with this exercise,after that any note seems to not get the fullness of C5 (I'm a metal singer trying to get foulness to those super high notes thats why im trying to get that high)..Any suggestion?
+Marios Mantselis Move your body to allow some of that lower resonator into your higher pitches: ruclips.net/video/sV0qffXwO2U/видео.html
Thank you, Mark. So maybe I have to work on a lower level volume and not practice every song like it is a performance? I am curious how some of these lead singers in cover bands can sing 30 songs in a night.
I am souding like a dying whale, mr baxter do you think there is a market for this new style? or I need to work on my alignment? btw I Wish youtube coments could allow people to upload audio so we can discuss different sounds comming from everybody here. My tone gets raspy as I start to go up in volume but I dont feel any pain at all, this is means that its still healthy the way I am doing it? is my dying whale tone soon to become a cris cornell tone? Thanks!
+Fernando Lavado Your dying whale sound would be very popular with fishermen! Other than that - the important thing to acknowledge is that the wobbling and cracking and raspy sounds are unintentional. If you don't feel stress when singing that's great - but what good is it if the sound you make are not what you desired? Ask for the sounds you want - not the behavior you think is necessary. Your dying whale will become whatever sound you continue to ask for!
+TheOfficialMelaxind You are being held hostage by emotional tension. Your greatest fear is of sounding bad - and the irony is that fear is making you sound bad. So the quickest way to release your voice from that tension is to intentionally sound bad! Start with silly animal and cartoon sounds. Don't TRY to make anything - just play with your voice. When things loosen up a bit then simply extend random moments of those sounds. When that feels easy then ask for something more formal like a simple scale.
+Fernando Lavado Are you related to Gisela Lavado?
not at all that I know...
Hi Mark, I am an Indian classical/Hindi songs singer. 4 months back, while trying to hit a high note, I had a vocal chord haemorrhage, doctors advised complete voice rest, I did not speak for a month.
I am a lot better now, started singing again, but it is not that sweet. My range has gone down by 2 notes and I get fatigued very easily. Earlier I could sing for 2 hours at a stretch but now my voice gets tired in 30 minutes.
Please advise how I should approach this, I want my old voice back. :(
. . . then that's exactly what you should work on the most!
Hi Mark, I'm a marathon runner, and to train for a 4 hour race, it takes months of running 1-3 hours continuous to build up your endurance for that race. Is vocal endurance built up by moderate singing over a period of months? I seem to have trouble performing more than 2-3 challenging songs before my voice degrades, especially the high notes and songs in the top of my range. Also I notice congestion occurs also. How do you toughen your voice to make it last longer, even with lots of high notes?
Tnku so much sir
You're welcome!
4 years after
Sounds like heavy metal screaming xD i love it
So it's completely fine if i crack or my voice shakes a bit as i slowly get louder? XD it sounds so funny! I hope soon i can get more strength with this exercise, which i will try to do everyday. . . My voice is pretty wimpy .
Regain your flexibility first (range). Best not to begin with this exercise but a constant low volume hum instead. (see my video titled: Worried About Vocal Damage? Do This Everyday)
Once flexibility has returned you should come back to this exercise for more strength.
Good day crescendo :, check....done
You're very disciplined!
My issue is that I can easily crescendo but I can't decrescendo...how can I go about learning how to start off with a powerful note?
You're on the 3rd floor of a burning building. You throw open the window and see firemen down below. Are you telling me you won't be able to create a powerful enough sound to get their attention because you haven't learned how to do so? Of course you can make a powerful sound! The issue is that you're shy to commit to something powerful because it might sound bad. So you inhibit the behavior necessary to start loud out of pride. I suggest you find a very private place to practice releasing your voice just to "learn" that your voice can be loud - it just might not sound good. With practice you'll coordinate everything - but you have to first get over the fear of sounding bad.
Leonne L. Mark makes some very good points in his reply. Sometimes sounds that are made in lessons aren't meant to be "pretty" so if some of yours aren't, just continue, no-one is going to strike you down!
If the voice cuts in and out, what am I doing wrong?:0)
Hey Mary - instead of focusing on what you're doing wrong - focus on the goal: Connecting your voice seamlessly while increasing and decreasing volume. Keep asking for that outcome and you'll develop the coordination needed. It's how you learned to walk and talk!
@@voicelessondotcom As usual, wisdom and encouragement, your hallmark. Thank you. :0)
The Breath pressure mentioned throws me off... So using the toilet paper in your other videos, does this mean the breath remains steady throughout all volumes? Is there more buildup of air for the louder notes, but not more airflow? (Ex. squeezing then end of a hose). This has always confused me.
The byproduct is the same no matter the volume. That means the air leaving your mouth is always just a trickle. There is more pressure under the vocal folds when singing loud. Resisting that pressure produces a loud sound. There is a less pressure under the folds for softer sounds. Just like a gas pedal in a car. To go the same MPH up and down hills requires adjusting the gas - yet the car remains the same.
@@voicelessondotcom - that's VERY helpful! So technically, how do you create that pressure while keeping just the trickle? Ex. Do you squeeze in your abs, but still control the trickle (by some other muscles?). If I give a loud "HEY!" (AKA a yell), my voice starts to hurt - but I'm not exactly sure how to hold back enough air and simultaneously create pressure. (I think my fog is slowly starting to clear LOL). {BTW, thank you so much for your patience and responses!}
@@roxnroll8050 It hurts when you shout loud for the same reason you can't tickle yourself into laughter. You brain is bracing your throat for impact when you try and yell (or sing loud). So the balance is thrown off and the experience sucks. Start at a volume you are not threatened by and work your way louder very gradually.
@@voicelessondotcom - thanks again - I'll definitely give this a try!
I keep controlling the volume on decrescendos with my throat and it is throwing me off to let this memory go. What is the best exercise for me to break this habit Mark? I know that I have been pushing for years, and relearning to speak and sing at 47 is a window to elevate my voice, I know this. I am trying to see this in a loving light.
You are correct in your perspective. You have always controlled your voice with external muscles - and so it is humbling to ask them not to be involved after all these years. A good way to create some internal strength and independence is with rapid H's. Do the routine in the video titled "Singer's Vocal Workout"
Voice Lesson.com these are near impossible and weak for me......
Richard schooping If by "these" you mean this crescendo exercise then you're asking too much too soon from your voice. If you mean the rapid H's then slow them waaaay down and vocalize at a low volume. In other words the voice develops best when presented with a slight challenge - rather then overwhelming it.
the rapid h's are what I was referring to. Will slow them down also working on the fry, and it is helping. Thank YOU
Voice Lesson.com I am astounded by this exercise Mark "Singer's Vocal Workout" , SO much muscle memory came back today, that I am flying in my voice again, lighter and less pushing, opened up my "head" voice at least 4 notes. Love this!!!!!! Happy to be spreading your wisdom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I do this my voice just cracks every few seconds or so and jumps back and forth between higher and lower pitch a little... what am I doing wrong? Will it go away with practice?
You're either getting louder too fast or thinking of volume as requiring more effort - and so you're driving the air too hard. This is an advanced exercise so it may just be that you need a little more coordination in general. It doesn't hurt your voice to let it crack - so it's okay to keep trying - but as soon as you get frustrated you'll start to push and defeat the goal. Take it slow and gradually "ask" for more volume without feeling any additional tension join in.
This is a problem I've always had, it's getting better, but still I'm pressing too hard and my voice keeps cracking often. Do you know any other exercises to, I don't know, activate the right muscles or something like that?
Fuckyourselfgoogle I don't know you but I already see that the REAL problem you've always had is being impatient! It was only yesterday that you tried this exercise and you're already frustrated with your lack of results. As I wrote before - this is an advanced exercise. I agree with your observation that you're pressing too hard. So that means back off. Try this when you're lying on your back. There's lots of exercises on my channel - but they all require coordination. So try and be more patient and you'll make steady progress.
Sir i just want to thank you for shedding light on us all. you´re a musical angel sent down from the universe to spread the vocal truth! more power to you sir! You're the best i've seen so far! God speed :)Voice Lesson.com
What realy amazes me in this video is that it seems as you barely use any breath. You shoulders stay in the same position and is doesnt even look like your ribcage is rising or falling. When it I do this exercise: 1. I run out of breath very quickly .. 2. When I run out of breath my entire ribcage is collapsing.. 3. When I take in the next breath the ribcage rises again...
You are correct - the rise and fall of the shoulders and ribs is a shallow method of breathing. It fools the brain into thinking you have a full lung capacity when it is only half. Watch this video for breathing basics and work on establishing a diaphragmatic breath when awake (you already breathe correctly when sleeping). ruclips.net/video/0u4CGQJhWIs/видео.html
My voice is weak what can I do?
There is a lot you can do to develop a stronger voice but first you should determine why it's weak. If you think it's a health issue then it's best to see a doctor. If you think it's because of your personality then start watching all the videos on this channel - especially the ones that don't have exercises.
1:15 crescendo
is your power/resonance/projection really that strong?! or is it just the mic that can't handle much volume? cause damm! i had to lower the volume lol
Misael V. I can get pretty loud! I've measured it at 120 dB's. It's not from force - the power comes from alignment.
@@voicelessondotcom youlean.co/online-loudness-meter/ U can get to 120 dB's using this? I've gotten to like 92 or 93 using that.
ok , then I will learn English,embrace!
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I Want To Suging I Put Sell On I you.want Carly and I am not
Why does your voice sound harsh and ugly when it gets louder? Is this for singing pop or rock? It's certainly not a beautiful bel canto sound.
+Zelmira I explain in the beginning that this is not a bel canto exercise. If you're looking for that you're on the wrong channel.
+Voice Lesson.com I see. But isn't a harsh sound the sign of something wrong with the vocal cords? Shouldn't the foundation of healthy singing be based on a beautiful sound?
No - a "beautiful sound" is completely subjective and influenced by culture - just as a beautiful face does not indicate health. There are plenty instances of Bel Canto singers with vocal pathologies.
What about Whitney Houston's voice? She had a clear ringing sound when she was young and it became harsh when her vocal cords became damaged. I'm not saying one cannot be expressive or pleasing to listeners who enjoy a harsh, raspy sound. There have been many raspy voices, such as Billy Holiday (in her later career again) who were incredible performers, but were the vocal cords healthy?
Both of these women were drug addicts. They were mentally unhealthy. With your logic (and many others) perhaps one should become a drug addict if they want to be an incredible performer.