The three key areas of resonance are the chest resonance (chest voice), the head resonance (head voice), and the mask resonance (mixed voice). These areas help singers navigate their vocal range by blending and balancing the resonance to create a full-bodied sound.
Understanding resonance allows singers to tap into different parts of their vocal range, access a wider spectrum of artistic choices, and become more expressive. It also helps build confidence, trust, and a deeper connection with their voice.
The passaggio is the transition area between the chest voice and the head voice. It is significant because it is often a challenging spot where singers need to blend and smooth out the shift between these two registers. Mastering the passaggio allows for greater vocal control and expressiveness.
Singers can explore their chest resonance by starting with their speaking voice, placing a hand on their chest to feel the vibrations, and sliding up and down in half steps to find the comfortable range of their chest voice without straining or creating tension.
The mask resonance involves the face and sinus cavities, creating a forward placement of sound. It is used to blend with the head and chest resonance, especially in the passaggio, to achieve a balanced and full-bodied tone. It helps singers create different tonal colors and navigate their middle range.
Breath support is crucial for vocal resonance as it provides the power for the voice. By focusing on breath and resonance chambers (chest, head, and mask), singers can avoid straining their throat and achieve a more open, resonant, and sustainable sound.
Singers can explore their head resonance by starting at the top of their range and sliding down, feeling the vibrations in their skull. They can use exercises like 'hello' or 'yo' to experience the shift between head and chest resonance and identify their passaggio.
Pushing beyond vocal extremes can lead to strain, injury, and long-term damage to the vocal cords. It is important to respect the natural limits of one's vocal range and approach extremes with proper breath support, resonance, and placement to preserve the voice.
Lip trills help awaken the nasal and sinus cavities, creating a tickling sensation in the nose. Singers can use this exercise to bring sound forward into the mask resonance, blending it with head and chest resonance for a balanced and resonant tone.
The ultimate goal of exploring vocal resonance is to gain confidence, trust, and love for one's voice. By understanding and navigating the different resonance chambers, singers can unlock their full vocal potential, express themselves more freely, and enjoy singing for years to come.
Hey there, Songbird!
In today’s episode, we’re diving into a little bit of vocal technique ~ but don’t worry ~ we’re keeping it simple!
We’re talking about getting to know your voice and its capabilities by gaining an understanding of your vocal range and how to navigate the different parts of it.
When you deepen your understanding of the resonance chambers within your body and how to tap into them as you move throughout the different parts of your vocal range, you can learn to access a wider spectrum of artistic choices and therefore be more expressive in your singing.
And when you have a better grasp of your instrument and how it works, your confidence grows, you begin to trust your voice, know your voice, and yes, even LOVE your voice.
<3 Lainey
Next Steps:
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