Subject: RE: Help! Losing my lower register!
From:
Genie
Date: 03 Apr 07 - 04:23 AM
BTW, Maureen
My voice doesn't crack or squeak in my lower register. But sometimes no sound comes out below a certain point. (The squeaking is more likely to happen above a high E.)
I was 'diagnosed' a second soprano by the vocal coach who works with my church choir, but that was over a decade ago. Back then, my range was about the C below middle C (though that note was hittable only when well warmed up and not very audible w/o a mic) to the high A (which I could also sing only when warmed up and would do only as part of a choir, not as a soloist). My 'comfort range' was about low E or F to the E or F two octaves higher, and my really, really comfortable range was about the G below middle C to the E above the E above middle C (not quite two octaves where comfortable solo, unamplified singing was concerned). When I began to lose my lower range, it was the notes below that low A or G that seemed to 'evaporate'. It seemed like I couldn't get my vocal folds to make any sound below that A just below middle C. (Can you tell I don't know the standard terminology to designate specific notes other than "middle C?") ;-)
Oh, and if it's at all helpful in 'diagnosing' the problem, I'm one of those choir singers who usually could sing soprano but usually ended up singing alto or even tenor because the choir was soprano-heavy and alto- and tenor-deprived?
The thing is, my favorite part of my vocal range is my lower range. I personally like the tonal quality of my alto range better than I do my soprano voice, even though it has less volume. That's why I want so much to recover it.
You said:
"Excessive development of what some singers call chest voice range can cause a serious default in your first passagio. I refer here to notes below the Bb which would involve the wrongful placement of sound and the complete lowering of your pharynx. This would be you effectively puting on a voice.'
Well, recently it does seem I have to work hard to hit those low notes, but I didn't used to have to. It was quite natural and easy, until I had that long bout with laryngitis and bronchitis.
This part of your post is interesting. (I love it when you talk Italiano!):
"Your first passagio is a register change point which for a soprano is E or F above middle C. Modern day vocal coaches and voice gurus fail to accept that voices have register qualities Alto, Mezzo Soprano Soprano, Bass, Baritone, Tenor. It is annoying as many voices are being ruined via this route that you can have 5 octaves like Maria Carey or some other two bit pop singer. Believe these people and your voice will suffer from a break with missing notes which don't sound when you need them."
Gotta admit, I've never before heard the term "two-bit" applied to a voice like Mariah Carey's. LOL I'm not a fan of her show-off, OTT stylings (on most songs), but I am in awe of her pipes. But, yeah, most of us would do well not to try to emulate her. (Just watch the auditions for American Idol if you want example after example of why not.)
Re the "passagios," is that the same thing as the "break in your voice?" FWIW, when I want to 'yodel' during a song, I usually need to sing it in the key of B flat. Is that sort of thing a clue as to your natural range and "passagio?"
I really appreciate the links to the Cuperto exercises for retraining in the use of your soft edge in singing:
www.voiceteacher.com/cuperto.html
www.voiceteacher.com/passagio.html
www.webspawner.com/users/musicaldesires/index.html
However, the first two links aren't working for me at the moment.
Finally, maybe it's because I CAN'T, but I seldom do anything even vaguely resembling "theatrical belting." LOL In fact, I often get flack from 'purists' (and people with louder voices) for preferring to perform amplified. I don't like to have to sing 'at the top of my lungs' to be heard over ambient noise, over the instruments, or in the back rows, even if the setting is a folk music camp.
But you also advised: For the time being Avoid all forms of speech level singing... . This is not conducive to your recovery.'
May I ask what "speech level singing" is?
Thanks,
Genie
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sj
