Week 41 – Extending your range

Being able to sing lower and higher than you currently do is possible in time. At first it is necessary to see which range you can sing easily and with good tone. Do not expect to be able to increase your range drastically as your range is mostly determined by the length of your vocal chords and they can’t be altered. Through good technique however the range can be expanded by working on the muscles that stretch the vocal folds. This will take time and will require dedicated practice.

In principle you must apply good technique as described in earlier weeks as well as focussing on posture and relaxation of your throat, neck and shoulders.

Aim to increase your top and bottom range by a semi tone at a time. Do not move on to the next semi tone until you can easily and with good tone sing those new notes. It might take a few months but you should be able to extend your range up and down by 4-8 semi tones. Never force your notes as that will cause potential damage to your vocal chords.

Exercise
Do you know what the lowest and highest notes are that you can sing?
Are you really an alto/tenor/bass/soprano? Would you be better off singing in a different section?
If not try and find out if you or somebody you know can play the piano or ask me for a range test.