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Questions asked by Raise Your Voice students:
- I have a doubt concerning falsetto. I used to think that when a singer would raise the larynx high, it shortened the vocal cords to easily access the upper register. I know that resonance, timbre, tone, etc… are concerned in various ways, but when I see someone singing with no technique I can barely see the Adam´s apple and their neck veins look like they are going to explode. I´m not only talking about amateurs but some professional singers as well. To explain myself better: I think the falsetto is actually a "disconnection" between chest and head voice, but I wonder if singing with a high larynx (very common in amateurs or non taught people) leads a singer into falsetto voice, or if there is any relationship between the falsetto and a high larynx?
STUDENT ANSWER #1
- Still with the Adam´s apple matter, do you think there is any physical evidence of a well-educated voice? A silly question, maybe, but in Jim Gillette’s Vocal Power video, Jim looks to the ceiling so that you can view under his chin. You can see that his Adam´s apple and larynx zone look stronger and more developed than other singer’s chin area. I know everyone can sing the right way with any kind of throat, it´s just a matter of studying. I was just curious if there is any connection between training a lot and having Jim’s neck appearance?
STUDENT ANSWER #2
- When you teach people to sing, what is the most important thing for you at the beginning? To correct bad habits or to start learning the basics right away? Do you emphasize the correct position of the body?
STUDENT ANSWER #3
- I find your 4 ways to learn vibrato very interesting. Once I heard that the Bristish Bel Canto school avoided it for a long time because they thought it was connected with the sensuality and the eroticism of the voice (I agree with them, anyway). Even the great Alfred Deller, the man who rescued castrati music for the 20th century, used to sing without it sometimes, in order to respect some arias. What is your opinion about the vibrato used in rock/heavy metal music? I know a lot of times it comes naturally to a singer. For example, James LaBrie from Dream Theater has a perfect vibrato technique that I personally enjoy a lot.
STUDENT ANSWER #4
- It is true that the quality of the voice is determined by the number of harmonies naturally present in a singer’s voice? I know that the length and the thickness of the larynx and the vocal cords are also a reason, but I read a statement somewhere about this being a reason and I´m not sure. The author even gave the number of natural harmonies to tell if a voice is very shrill, or very deep. I also read somewhere else that anyone can learn to have a beautiful singing voice, regardless of these harmonies.
STUDENT ANSWER #5
- I remember once here in Madrid, some years ago, there was a vocal school that advertised on the radio, "We can teach you to have a very low, deep, warm speaking voice, no matter how high your voice. Tell me, could they do that? Can anyone learn how to speak with the Vincent Price voice?
STUDENT ANSWER #6
- Jim Gillette is very modest when he says in your interview he is the opposite of a natural, but he also says that he has a very strong chest and head voice. Do you think he had it from the birth, from the physical training (first as a boxer, then lifting, now fighting) or maybe it is just one of the natural reasons for his outstanding voice you were looking for in the interview? This question can be applied to anyone.
STUDENT ANSWER #7
- Each singer has a resonance focal point in a different place, at least that’s what I´ve heard. For example, Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé says her resonance focal point is on the back of her neck. Where is yours?
STUDENT ANSWER #8
- I was told many times that it is physically impossible to have a six octave range. What do you think about it? Do you think the range is the entire amount from the lower to the top notes a person can hit, or the ones that a singer can sing comfortably?
STUDENT ANSWER #9
- In your opinion, what singer created and developed heavy metal singing and why? In my opinion, it is Rob Halford from Judas Priest. What is your opinion as a teacher about him?
STUDENT ANSWER #10
- Aris Christofellis, the sopranist, told me in his letter that technique is like riding a bicycle. Once you learn, you never forget. He said that the most important thing for a singer is plenty of sleep. Do you agree?
STUDENT ANSWER #11
- Let´s talk about the cricothyroid muscles, you know........hey! It was a joke!!!
STUDENT ANSWER #12
- I just had a great training session, and I nailed the "raspy" voice, but after, I felt a small burning feeling in my throat. Is it wrong if it hurts a bit after almost a hour of rockstar-singing?
STUDENT ANSWER #13
- I can make my entire head buzz a lot just with my falsetto. It sounds girly but It’s really strong, You said falsetto has very little resonance, so I was wondering if it’s a false falsetto or something with full voice?
STUDENT ANSWER #14
- Jaime, what do you use on your vocals live?
STUDENT ANSWER #15
- Songs that I sing are normally pop or some adult contempary. I definitely had read the interviews and the guides on websites + yours, but to only a limited result because I don't completely comprehend what it is trying to say, needless to say, to put it to practice is even harder. However, I wouldn't deny the fact that it have somehow strenghten my voice here and there. I am truely sorry that I can't actually tell what note I am lowest at and what's my highest note because I cant tell. My music isn't very strong to tell the note. But, the penchant for music and the never give up learning passion is definitely there. Ya, and one more thing, when I sing, pghelms keep gathering in my throat even Im not having cough. Why?
STUDENT ANSWER #16
ANSWER #1 I'm 36 and have never Sung a Note in my life. Is it too late for me to learn how to sing?Absolutely not. It is never too late or too early to learn how to sing properly.
ANSWER #2 My voice teacher told me that I was a Bass and that I could never learn to sing any higher. Is this True?Absolutely not. Regardless as to what you have been categorized as, you can learn to sing as high as you want to if you are willing to put in the practice time.
ANSWER #3 I'm an alto, but I really want to sing Soprano. Can you help me? Absolutely. Don't let vocal categorization scare you. Again, regardless of your previous range, you can sing as high as you want.
ANSWER #4 I'm a guy, can I sing Soprano? Not a problem. Just purchase RAISE YOUR VOICE. The groundwork is all laid out.
ANSWER #5 Do you mean Falsetto? No. Full voice all the way. Anything you can sing in falsetto you can sing in full voice.
ANSWER #6 How is this possible?Falsetto and full voice occur from the same spot; YOUR VOCAL CORDS. The only difference is vocal cord tension and the air gap between the cords.
ANSWER #7 Will it take years to develop this kind of range?Not if you are willing to put in the time. I had one student increase his range by one octave in full voice in less than a month.
ANSWER #8 Every time I sing, my throat hurts and I wake up the next morning with a sore throat; Can you help me?Yes! You need to develop your technique and vocal stamina. All of this is covered in RAISE YOUR VOICE.
ANSWER #9 Can I sing with a cold? If so, do you have a secret potion to help me?Yes, you can sing with a cold. The only time you shouldn't sing is when you have Laryngitis. This is an infection of the vocal cords. There are several vitamins, minerals, and herbs that will help. There is also a special section in the book that will show you how to create several different vocal concoctions that will ease a cold and sore throat.
ANSWER #10 Why is water so important?The vocal cords must be consistently lubricated in order for them to maintain their elasticity. Singing can dry out the vocal cords. To re-hydrate the cords you must drink plently of water. You can also apply a technique called mist inhaling which is described in RAISE YOUR VOICE.
ANSWER #11 I heard Caffeine is bad for the voice; Is that True?Caffeine will dry out your throat because it is a diuretic, which means you'll pee a lot. Caffeine is also a stimulant, which will make you nervous. When the body becomes nervous, the throat is the first area to suffer.
ANSWER #12 What about Alcohol? Not a wise choice. Put a little rubbing alcohol on your hand. Notice how the alcohol evaporates quickly? This is what happens to your vocal cords every time you drink. Alcohol dehydrates the body.
ANSWER #13 Well that ruins all my vices, Can I still smoke?Not if you want a long career. I have known a lot of singers who drink and smoke and seem to do fine; but facts are facts. Smoke will dry out the vocal cords immediately. Smoking of any kind also destoys the tiny hairs lining the throat called cilia. The cilia act as tiny filters to protect the lungs and vocal cords. This is why frequent smokers cough heavily. The lungs are trying to expel pollutants.
ANSWER #14 I heard that Vibrato is something you either have or you don't; Is there any way to learn Vibrato?Yes, in fact I teach 4 different types of Vibrato.
ANSWER #15 I notice if I talk before a gig that I have trouble singing that night; what am I doing wrong? Your speaking voice affects your singing voice. You probably have several bad speaking habits that you are unaware of. This can be corrected. It's all in my book, RAISE YOUR VOICE.
STUDENT ANSWER #1 I have a doubt concerning falsetto. I used to think that when a singer would raise the larynx high, it shortened the vocal cords to easily access the upper register. I know that resonance, timbre, tone, etc… are concerned in various ways, but when I see someone singing with no technique I can barely see the Adam´s apple and their neck veins look like they are going to explode. I´m not only talking about amateurs but some professional singers as well. To explain myself better: I think the falsetto is actually a "disconnection" between chest and head voice, but I wonder if singing with a high larynx (very common in amateurs or non taught people) leads a singer into falsetto voice, or if there is any relationship between the falsetto and a high larynx?First of all, moving the larynx up DOES NOT decrease the amount of vocal cord you use. Whoever told you that was wrong. Raising the larynx cuts of the vocal path and can diminish the resonance in your throat cavity. Plus a high larynx can cause you to strain. There is absolutely no relationship between falsetto and a high larynx. Falsetto occurs when the vocal cords aren’t pulled tight and more air escapes between them. The cords should pull tight, like pulling a rubber band. They will thin out and retain a pulled tension in the vocal cords. This isn’t throat tension, or straining, if you will, which you want to avoid. A high larynx can cause you to strain, although when you learn to control the larynx, you can change the position for tonal variation. So in full voice, the cords are thin and the opening between the cords is small. In falsetto the cords
are still pulled longer, but they are thicker and the opening between them is more open as opposed to full voice.
STUDENT ANSWER #2 Still with the Adam´s apple matter, do you think there is any physical evidence of a well-educated voice? A silly question, maybe, but in Jim Gillette’s Vocal Power video, Jim looks to the ceiling so that you can view under his chin. You can see that his Adam´s apple and larynx zone look stronger and more developed than other singer’s chin area. I know everyone can sing the right way with any kind of throat, it´s just a matter of studying. I was just curious if there is any connection between training a lot and having Jim’s neck appearance?The reason Jim focuses on the area under the chin is because these muscles are called the anti-constrictors and help to keep the larynx low, so as to not close of the vocal path. A relaxed larynx is a major key to singing higher. I have an exercise in my book called the Bullfrog that teaches you to strengthen these muscles. I would have to say that after years of singing correctly it is possible to have a muscular neck appearance. I have noticed a change in the area under my chin. Mark Slaughter has the same appearance as well.
STUDENT ANSWER #3 When you teach people to sing, what is the most important thing for you at the beginning? To correct bad habits or to start learning the basics right away? Do you emphasize the correct position of the body?I do approach correct posture, but I would have to say that I start from the basics. As I’m working with a new student, I pay close attention to any bad habits, such as chest breathing, or raising their eyebrows. If I catch any tension in their body I point it out to them and correct them when they do it. A couple of other examples would be of course the raising of the larynx or looking up when they sing higher.
STUDENT ANSWER #4 I find your 4 ways to learn vibrato very interesting. Once I heard that the Bristish Bel Canto school avoided it for a long time because they thought it was connected with the sensuality and the eroticism of the voice (I agree with them, anyway). Even the great Alfred Deller, the man who rescued castrati music for the 20th century, used to sing without it sometimes, in order to respect some arias. What is your opinion about the vibrato used in rock/heavy metal music? I know a lot of times it comes naturally to a singer. For example, James LaBrie from Dream Theater has a perfect vibrato technique that I personally enjoy a lot.I had to work really hard to get any type of vibrato to come out of my mouth. I believe a lot of singers just have it naturally. I have heard a lot of voice coaches say that it can’t be learned, but that’s a fallacy. Anyone can learn. My opinion about the vibrato in heavy metal is that it isn’t the true natural pitch vibrato usually heard in pop music. It’s a combination between tightening and releasing the stomach (stomach vibrato) and moving the larynx up and down (larynx vibrato) Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with this. That’s why I show 4 different types of vibrato. In fact, heavy metal is my favorite way to use vibrato.
STUDENT ANSWER #5 It is true that the quality of the voice is determined by the number of harmonies naturally present in a singer’s voice? I know that the length and the thickness of the larynx and the vocal cords are also a reason, but I read a statement somewhere about this being a reason and I´m not sure. The author even gave the number of natural harmonies to tell if a voice is very shrill, or very deep. I also read somewhere else that anyone can learn to have a beautiful singing voice, regardless of these harmonies.I believe anyone can learn to sing beautifully if they desire it enough. Yes, the quality of your voice is determined by certain frequencies. It’s a matter of creating resonance within your body. If you play the same note on a saxophone and a trumpet, they will both sound different because the instruments are not shaped the same. Our bodies are different so why would they sound the same? This is why some singers are robust and others are very tiny. You can learn to ass more resonance and to change the tone to enhance your voice. It’s just a matter of learning to use your instrument, but I suggest trying to use it in a manner as close to what you all ready possess as opposed to trying to sound like some body else.
STUDENT ANSWER #6 I remember once here in Madrid, some years ago, there was a vocal school that advertised on the radio, "We can teach you to have a very low, deep, warm speaking voice, no matter how high your voice. Tell me, could they do that? Can anyone learn how to speak with the Vincent Price voice?Again, the quality of your voice is determined by the shape and size of your vocal apparatus. However, I have discovered a way to reach lower notes. It’s all a matter of resonance placement. It’s covered in Raise Your Voice. The lower range of your voice is determined by the actual length and thickness of the cords. A woman’s cords are thin and small, thus higher and more trebly. A man’s cords are generally longer and thicker, thus a deeper, lower tone.
STUDENT ANSWER #7 Jim Gillette is very modest when he says in your interview he is the opposite of a natural, but he also says that he has a very strong chest and head voice. Do you think he had it from the birth, from the physical training (first as a boxer, then lifting, now fighting) or maybe it is just one of the natural reasons for his outstanding voice you were looking for in the interview? This question can be applied to anyone.Jim developed his amazing range by working hard. Voice training is muscle training and developing muscle memory. The more you practice, the stronger it gets.
STUDENT ANSWER #8 Each singer has a resonance focal point in a different place, at least that’s what I´ve heard. For example, Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballé says her resonance focal point is on the back of her neck. Where is yours?My main focal point is my palate, but my resonance varies from my chest, up through my throat, and into my head. This change occurs as I rise from my lower notes to my higher notes, just like a ball of resonance floating up as I ascend the scale. If I hold out notes for a long time somewhere in the tenor range, about an A through an E, I’ll feel it in my head towards my eyes. Some people call this the mask. I’ll even get dizzy sometimes and things will go a little black if I’m producing a lot of resonance.
STUDENT ANSWER #9 I was told many times that it is physically impossible to have a six octave range. What do you think about it? Do you think the range is the entire amount from the lower to the top notes a person can hit, or the ones that a singer can sing comfortablyI know it’s not impossible because Jim Gillette can do it and so can I. I believe that it is from your lowest note to the highest note you can hit. That might not be a workable range, but if you can hit it, you might be able to use it for ad libsd in songs. I have hit up to the top notes of a piano. I actually worked my way up to those notes by doing my exercises. It was really tough and if I don’t practice, I’ll have a hard time reaching those notes. This has allowed me to hit six octaves octave range, but if I were to just count my comfortable range, I’d have to say my range is over 3 ½-4 octaves. I used to sing up to a soprano C# all the time, but nowadays, I might jump up to a Soprano B or C just to get people’s attention, then flip into whistle for the higher tones.
STUDENT ANSWER #10 In your opinion, what singer created and developed heavy metal singing and why? In my opinion, it is Rob Halford from Judas Priest. What is your opinion as a teacher about him?No doubt, Halford is the king. He definitely created heavy metal. There was nobody else even close. I think he is amazing. He definitely uses falsetto, but he changes it up a lot. On songs like Riding On The Wind, he uses full voice, but on songs like Screaming For Vengeance, and Pain Killer, he uses both falsetto and full voice. I don’t think it’s because he can’t sing that high in full voice, I think he just goes with what works.
STUDENT ANSWER #11 Aris Christofellis, the sopranist, told me in his letter that technique is like riding a bicycle. Once you learn, you never forget. He said that the most important thing for a singer is plenty of sleep. Do you agree?I believe that singing is like riding a bicycle, and I believe that sleep is very important. If I’m not rested, I’ll have trouble putting the energy into a song that I usually do and it will be harder for me to sing. But I also believe you have to keep working at it. It maybe like riding a bicycle, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to ride in a race if you’ve been lazy.
STUDENT ANSWER #12 Let´s talk about the cricothyroid muscles, you know........hey! It was a joke!!! Hey. I like that joke;) Nothing wrong with learning about anatomy but end the end, you cannot see that cricothyroid tilting, so why worry about it? It'sd better to focus on the following questions when singing: Does it make your voice feel good or does it hurt your throat? Does it sound cool? If it sounds good and feels good then you are doing something right.
STUDENT ANSWER #13 I just had a great training session, and I nailed the "raspy" voice, but after, I felt a small burning feeling in my throat. Is it wrong if it hurts a bit after almost a hour ofrockstar-singing?Yes, I'd say there is a problem. Singing is like working out; your muscles will feel a little tired but your throat shouldn't hurt. I'd say that you are forcing the raspy sound. When I sing songs like Back In Black by AC/DC, Smooth Up In Ya by BulletBoys, or Fly From The Inside, by Shinedown, I can make my voice real raspy, but it feels like the throaty sound is in my mouth up in my soft palate. Your soft palate is the part of the roof of your mouth that rises when you yawn. If it feels like it is pinched up right down in your throat, like when you grunt, then you are doing it wrong. Also, don't tighten the stomach muscles. This forces too much air pressure when you sing. You don't need a lot of air or force to sing throaty. You will feel a little tired in your throat from the physical energy it takes to sing this way, but your throat shouldn't hurt. Check out the interviews in One On One to see what rock singers have to say about singing raspy and throaty. My voice never hurts when I sing this way. If you keep the sound up out of your throat, you can sing raspy all night long!
STUDENT ANSWER #14 I can make my entire head buzz a lot just with my falsetto. It sounds girly but It’s really strong, You said falsetto has very little resonance, so I was wondering if it’s a false falsetto or something with full voice?What it is, is something called reinforced falsetto.
Yes you can force resonance into falsetto, but it will sound really girly,
kind of like you lost all male tone in your voice. You don't want to sing
this way. You are letting a lot of air through the vocal cords, and your
voice will tire easily. This is the way I used to sing in the early 90's
when I was singing Slaughter and Steelheart (Michael Matijevic, the guy who
sang all of the Mark Wahlberg songs on the movie Rockstar) If you get used
to singing with reinforced falsetto, you are not going to strengthen the
right muscles for singing in full voice. I used to try to sing Journey in
full voice back in 1991 when I used reinforced falsetto all the time. It was
really tough for me. I would crack all the time. So, I just went back to a
strong falsetto. It sounded more like a girl attempting Journey. Get the
picture.
So I suggest trying the exercise Jim Gillette used to get his high notes. Do
this exercise just before the Transcending Tone exercise. Start in falsetto
and sing "eee" with a big smile on your face. let the sound get louder and
stronger in your head until your head is buzzing. Yes it is falsetto, but at
least this way you can control the amount of air. Just keep the sound strong
and buzzing. Try to eliminate all breathy tone. When you go to the
Transcending Tone exercise, it will be easier for you to switch from
falsetto to head voice, because you have just worked with increasing
resonance.
STUDENT ANSWER #15 Jaime, what do you use on your vocals live? "I simply use a TC Helicon VoiceLive2 vocal effects processor. It does everything I need. I also use a an EnCore200 mic from Blue Microphones.
STUDENT ANSWER #16 Songs that I sing are normally pop or some adult contempary. I definitely had read the interviews and the guides on websites + yours, but to only a limited result because I don't completely comprehend what it is trying to say, needless to say, to put it to practice is even harder. However, I wouldn't deny the fact that it have somehow strenghten my voice here and there. I am truely sorry that I can't actually tell what note I am lowest at and what's my highest note because I cant tell. My music isn't very strong to tell the note. But, the penchant for music and the never give up learning passion is definitely there. Ya, and one more thing, when I sing, pghelms keep gathering in my throat even Im not having cough. Why?
I started out singing pop. And I still love a lot of pop, but I have a knack for teaching singers how to scream as well.I have students who sing gospel, country, blues, pop, rock, and of course, hard rock. If you want to figure out your range, I suggest buying a pitchwheel, also know as a Chromatic Tuner, sold by WM. Kratt Co. Make sure you get one in the key of C. The interviews and free lessons are helpful, but my book, Raise Your Voice, has a complete vocal training system, as well as membership to the Members section, which contains extra exercises, and instructional videos. The reason you are developing phlegm on the cords is that your body is telling you something...You are doing something incorrectly which is irritating the vocal cords, therefore the glands are producing phlegm to coat and protect them. If it is thick, and/or yellowish, this is also a sign that you are not drinking enough water and possibly drinking too much water and caffeine. Good luck with your progression. I hope you are enjoying our site :)
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