7 DAYS OF 7 DIMENSIONS

DAY 4: RANGE

THE FOURTH DIMENSION

Day 4 is a favorite dimension for many! Here is a summary of what Richard and Ben discussed during the lesson, along with additional details related to the anatomy of Range, and downloadable MP3s for practice.

What is Range? Range refers to the vocal balance (muscle coordination) from the lowest to highest pitch.

Improving Range is important because it will help you:

Gain consistent access to more pitches within your vocal range
Smooth and/or remove unwanted vocal cracks between registers (passaggio)
Reduce general stress and compromised tonal qualities on high notes

ANATOMY OF RANGE

Vocal Range is dependent on the coordination of the laryngeal muscles and the ability to transition between multiple registers. The primary muscles needed to coordinate the tension and mass of the folds, along with access to multiple vocal registers, include the thyroarytenoid (position and adjust the mass of the folds), cricothyroid (stretch and tense the folds), and the arytenoid muscles (open and close the folds). The 5 vocal registers can be broken down by the physical position and action of the vocal folds:

Vocal Fry – lowest vocal register created by an irregular vibration of the folds and lack of air pressure with a slight release in the vocal folds’ tension
Chest Voice – when the vocal folds are in a thicker position than head register, often associated with a “speaking range” of pitches (shown below)
Head Voice – when the folds are in a thinner position than chest register, allowing them to vibrate faster, which creates a thinner quality in sound (shown below)
Falsetto – when the folds are in a thinner position than head register and slightly separated and the edges of the vocal folds vibrate at even higher pitches (shown below)
Whistle – the highest register, which takes place when the folds are pulled tight with a tiny space for air to travel through, forcing air to create high-pitched frequencies

VOCAL EXERCISE

Let’s try the same glissando pattern that Richard and Ben did in the lesson. Remember to take a moment to recognize the components within the exercise first so that you can keep a mindful focus for better results.

Now it’s time to practice! Play the MP3 below to vocalize the same exercise Richard and Ben did in the lesson. Remember to keep a steady tempo and an intended volume throughout the exercise. If you include the head circle (variable), it’s best to do so in front of a mirror.

CUSTOMIZE

As always, it is encouraged to alter the exercises in order to match your current skills for continuous growth! If you found the exercise too easy or too challenging, modify the Day 4 exercise to get the most out of your practice time:

Make it easier: Lower the volume. A smaller degree of subglottic pressure that comes with reducing the volume level will make it easier to transition between registers and reduces the level of difficulty.
Make it harder: Change the “Oo” formant to an “Ah” throughout the exercise. The open position of this formant requires better management of air and challenges the coordination of the muscles associated with Range.

What is a functional range? Unlike measuring one’s Range by how low and how high a singer can produce a pitch, “functional range” refers to one’s ability to produce pitches at multiple volumes, with multiple formants (vowels) and multiple intentional sounds (tone). Having dynamic and expressive choices on a given note is essential for self-expression and accurate interpretation of the lyrics and melody. Forcing a low note with an awkward tone and expression, or squeaking a high note with tension and stress, may allow a singer to reach the note, but it comes at a high cost: vocal fatigue, bad vocal habits, and a disconnect with the audience.

WHAT'S NEXT

Do you ever struggle to try to connect with your audience? Sharing the emotion of a song with your audience is an amazing experience. Tune in for tomorrow’s exercise to learn how to release tension in your throat and develop your Tone to tell a better story! In the meantime, keep practicing the exercises you’ve learned so far.

Keep Singing,
Richard

PS: Only 3 days to go before our special offer to everyone participating in this 7 Days of 7 Dimensions event!

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7