These notes are the ones you will use as a base for finding the keys which are most suitable for your range and style.Įach note can be used to make up several chords, sometimes the first note of a song is also the ‘key’ in which it is played and sung. Once you have ascertained your range repeat the above exercise to find the notes/octave which you are most comfortable singing. One example is Johnny Matthis, who melted the hearts of many a listener with his smooth rich vocals yet only had about 1 octave in range. It is also worth noting that when starting out, many singers’ vocal range is very limited, usually due to lack of training or use, which can be extended with time, training and practice.Īt this point it should be noted that a singer’s range has little to do with their vocal ability! Whilst a reasonable range allows the singer to perform a wider repertoire of music and is essential for those who wish to perform operatic and classical music, plenty of popular vocalists only use a small proportion or possess a limited vocal range. When a singer or teacher talks of extending their range, they are referring to improving the top or bottom notes to the point where they are as comfortable to sing as the notes in between. You cannot sing or stretch your voice beyond its natural capabilities without causing damage to the vocal chords (also known as vocal folds). Extending Your Vocal RangeĪ singer’s range may be extended in time with lessons but the term ‘ extending vocal range‘ is not really appropriate. This is only a general guide as the voice changes with age and training, an experienced arranger, accompanist singer or teacher should be consulted for a true evaluation. A classification of a singer’s range usually refers to the strongest notes which vary from the lower, middle or upper part of the voice in each individual. The amount of octaves, plus any extra notes, equals your vocal range. Take a look at the notes you have written down and count the octaves from the bottom note to your top note on the keyboard (without including the sharps and flats, an octave is 7 notes, so A to G is one octave). Repeat the exercise by moving up the keyboard. Play and sing each note down the scale – each note that is comfortable to sing is considered as part of your range – once you have reached a note that sounds and feels too low for your voice, stop and write down the name of the last note you were comfortable with and its position on the keyboard. On a full size piano Middle C is the 5th C from the bottom which is sometimes written as C4 whilst smaller keyboards usually omit the lower octaves entirely). Start by playing and singing a middle C (a piano or keyboard is best for this – middle C is usually the 3rd or 4th octave C on the keyboard, depending on the range and size of the keyboard or piano you are using. To find your vocal range, you will need the aid of a musical instrument (and preferably a singing teacher!). Learning to Sight Read/Sing gives the singer more performance opportunities, helps them gain confidence in their abilities, and ensures that the vocalist can discuss any problems/ideas with fellow musicians in a common language. The Clef sign may or may not be accompanied by one or several sharps or flats – this informs the musician which key the music should start in and may change in parts or throughout the song from one key to another. In sheet music, this is denoted by the symbols written at the beginning of the song. The key of a song is often (but not always) reflected in the first note or chord of the song. Ideally, it helps if you have some knowledge of music theory or play a musical instrument. One of the biggest complaints from our instrument-playing associates is that popular singers rarely know in which key their music is to be performed! Finding your vocal range and the correct key is an important part of becoming a singer.
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