It isn’t always technique
One of the reasons I started teaching what I call the art of transformational voice, is because not everything can be reduced to or solved by vocal technique. There are certain elements of vocal function that need to be developed, refined and balanced: breathing, phonation and resonance. After that, the quality and expressive impact of…
We are a singing species
Humans have a need to sing! Even if we are deaf, the vibrations from our voice can bathe our bones, organs and glands in life giving frequencies. The sounds can stimulate our brain with uplifting endorphins and boost our immune system. In this respect, matching pitch, tonal memory, or rhythmic accuracy are not descriptors of “good” singing. Regardless…
Flying
I’ve had a series of dreams in which I’m trying to teach people how to fly. The only reason they can’t do it is their disbelief. They know humans can’t fly, so they don’t. That’s pretty much how singing works. People are told they can’t match pitch, they are tone deaf, and they shouldn’t even…
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Hello! My voice is too rough. Because of my rough voice I can’t sing. What should I do for smooth voice?
First of all, you have to determine what is making your voice rough. Perhaps it is from forcing the voice, from smoking, from allergies or acid reflux, or even from stress. A doctor can help you find the cause.
Then you need to develop your technique with the same elements of vocal function I recommended to Emir. Please read the tips I gave to him in the post below. You can also read posts in the Q&A Archives for more information.
Hello. I ll ask some singing books. What do you reccommend? You recommended Richard Miller. Can you add more to this, cuz Millers Book is expensive and has no pdf file in internet :).
Thank you.
Miller’s books are available at most libraries. Perhaps you could borrow it there? I think that no other books about the voice are any cheaper and his are really the best I know of.
Is my throat supposed to clog when I am having puberty?
I can’t really respond to you Kyle because you haven’t given me enough information. Can you tell me what you mean by “clog”? Do you have a lot of mucus? Or do you just sound kind of fuzzy? If you can tell me more about what you are experiencing I might be able to help you more.
Hi there! I have a problem, I usually have a strong, clear, and loud voice, but this week I have suffered a pretty bad cold. My noise is stuffy and my throat is raspy. Unfortunately, tomorrow I have to speak in front of my whole team with these nasally and stuffed-up voice. Is there a technique for me to speak as I normally do without sounding like I’m suffering a cold? Thanks for the help 🙂
You might try using a sinus cleanse (a simple saline solution) with a neti pot as well as kapalabhati breathing from the yoga traditions. If you do a google search you can get free instructions for both. These will clear the sinuses. Overtone chanting is also great for clearing the respiratory passages. Gargle with warm, lightly salted water. Use a pot of heated water, drape a towel over your head and the pot, and breath in the steam. Put Vic’s Vaporub on the soles of your feet and then socks (scientific research has shown this truly relieves congestion! Good luck!
Thank you so much for the helpful comments!
Im a 16 year old tenor, but actually more of an alto or mezzo soprano. I can go from middle c to c6 (two octaves up) and i can hit an a7 at least in my falsetto. Is my voice just unnaturally high, or will it change to be more like a regular tenor (even though my speaking voice changed two years ago)?
If you take singing lessons with a knowledgeable teacher your singing voice will develop. Whether or not it is unnaturally high is impossible to say — that depends on how large the larynx and vocal cords are as well as your overall body type. You need to see someone in person to get an answer. A singing teacher or a laryngologist can help you.
whenever i speak the letter “R” it sounds like “L”, its also the case with the letter “D”..
people make fun of me please help…
Hello. I ll ask some singing books. What do you reccommend? You recommended Richard Miller. Can you add more to this, cuz Millers Book is expensive and has no pdf file in internet .
Thank you
What are the benfits of a vocal coach?! Do you recommend any places?
– Thanks
Hi, I’m a 16 year old male…..I know I’m going through puberty, but I’m becoming really furstrated with the way I sing. My voice sounds a little pitchy and wavy at time. I don’t know how to breath from my diaghram, and my breath control isn’t that good. I cant take voice classes for now, so what should I do? At least what are some proper warm ups I can do
Hi There,
This is a topic I’ve addressed several times. Go to the archives for Q & A from More Than Singing and you’ll find things there under titles that include “breathing” or “support.” I’ve also written several things about the voice at puberty. You can check the More Than Speaking Archives too. Keep searching on the internet — there are all kinds of free tips on youtube and other sites. Don’t force or push, and trust your own timing. The change in the voice takes longer in some than others.
Hi, I’m a singer, female, and I have been taking singing lessons since 2 years ago. The problem is the sound: I can hear that while i’m singing or speaking, there is an air sound at the side, like an air leak… I’ve heard that is because some much pressure of the air on the vocal cords. My vocal cords are Ok — I went to a ENT lately.
Can you help me with that?
Hi i’m a 12 year old female…all my life people have been telling me my voice is too quiet but pretty, are there any voice practice things I could do to help with this? Also, my voice is quite mucusy and I was wondering if I need to see a doctor about it.
Kind Regards,
Elayna
Very insightful, thanks Jocelyn!
Do you believe my diagnosis of my problem is correct or there could be more to it? Can you pl suggest any speech exercises to correct these? Another thing, because of these ongoing issues, whenever I am speaking to someone in person I almost sure my voice would crack and to hold that back, I put in a lot of stress to speak and that causes the issue mentioned in my previous post. Thanks again for all your help!!
When I was about the age of 12, my voice started going bad.It was cracking and still do.Can’t even speak properly without sounding like my dad.Does this have anything to do with the muscles in my throat or is it my vocal chords.Is there anyway I could fix it.
Check the headings on the top right corner of the meant2bheard blog:
If you go to the Q & A Archives from More Than Singing you will find posts on the male voice at puberty:
MALE PUBERTY
MALE TEEN VOCAL RANGE
If you go to the Q & A Archives from More Than Speaking you will find posts on the male voice at puberty:
12 YEAR OLD MALE AND PITCH
13-YEAR-OLD WITH A LOW VOICE
14 AND SOFT SPOKEN
Hi, I am a lyric soprano. I have been singing soprano for about three years now. I can sing a soprano D6, but its inconsistent. During my voice lessons I’ve sang to an F6 doing staccato scales, and without staccato I’m stuck at a consistent C6 or an inconsistent D6. I am familiar with my whistle voice, but when I try to access the D6 I go into vocal fry at about F6. So its almost like I’m missing notes to connect the two voices. Can you help me please???!!! Thanks!!!
Hi, I am a 28 year-old female singer. I have hypothyroidism and it has really affected my voice. I have lost my high register and it sounds raspy and weak. Will it fully recover with treatment? Will I ruin it if I sing in the state is is now? Is there anything I can do?
Thank you so much. I am so relieved to hear that my voice will not suffer any permanent damage. I’ll be sure to follow all the great advice and restrain myself from the impulse to sing. I’m really glad I found this site and find some comfort to my worries. Thanks again!
You are MOST welcome!
Hi Jerry,
It sounds like you might have really stressed your vocal cords. You need to see a laryngologist (an ENT doctor) to find out for certain. At the very least the cords are swollen and continuing to use them without getting medical input could result in long term damage. You might need to work with a speech therapist or voice coach and the doctor might prescribe vocal rest. Do not whisper or speak loudly and speak as little as possible until you have a diagnosis.
Thank You So Much !
: )
You’re welcome Jerry.
Hey I’m 20 years old and my voice is too boyish. Will my voice get more mature even though I’ve already went through puberty, any tips on getting a more mature voice would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Austin,
There are several answers and tips in the Q & A archives for both speaking and singing. You can read through the titles and find ones that refer to puberty or other relevant issues you are having. You can also see a doctor to see if there is a developmental reason for your vocal quality. You might need to work with a speech therapist or voice coach or you might need some form of medical treatment.
Best,
Jocelyn
Hi..am 16…and just wanna ask for some good breathing exercises. I wanna be able to hold notes for long… i have a great voice and a nice range. But i dnt seem to know whether am a tenor or baritone. I dont know notes but i wanna ask for physical stuff and things i should look out for to show whether am a tenor or baritone and also if you can please elaborate on the benefits of importance of resonance and forward placement. And also how to achieve this..thanks
Hi Emmanuel,
Please check through the archives for breathing exercises. I have written about several.
I’m 24 years old and love to sing. I’m really good its just sometimes my nose and throat get in the way. It sounds like I’m singing through my nose and I’m constantly clearing my throat. It’s making it very hard for me to sing. I’m not sick and have not been for a long time. I want to be able to sing again.
Hi Sharon,
Look through the archives for items on nasality, a clogged throat and anything else that seems relevant. Also try to see a doctor, speech therapist and voice teacher. A little help is all you need and you will definitely get your voice back!
Hi i used to sound like a girl version of usher,justin bieber,and beyoncé my problem is i got too excited when i discovered my talent. i can still sing but my voice is dry and it has a hissing sound . No matter how much honey i swallow and hot tea and warm water a dash of lemons i dont see any improvement and i have a song to sing at school in two weeks plzz help me. It would really mean the world.
Thank you soo much i really appreciate it ????have a blessed day
You are welcome. I hope you are able to do the performance with great success.
What makes my voicebox to dry because i end up loosing my voice even if im just talking
I realy like wat u people ar doing,u ar realy helpn singers
Thank you! It’s nice to have your feedback.
I am a 70 year old female who sang 1st soprano in my younger years. My voice has steadily dropped over the years and my range is now in the low tenor or baritone range. However, our music director prefers not to have women sing in the men’s sections. We perform a two-hour concert and I have such difficulty reaching the higher alto notes that by the second half of the concert I can no longer sing. Any advice on how to increase my upper range or my ability to continue singing the 2nd half?
Hi Pat,
Before I answer can you tell me if you have continued to take voice lessons over the years as well as how much you practice each day/week? That information will help me to better help you.
No…never had voice lessons. I practice the music for our concert everyday anywhere from 1 – 2 hours. I just think the range is too high for me, but director wants me to try and increase my range. I have been trying for several years without success.
I am a 16+ year old boy.my voice often slips and cracks while i am speaking.The problem started before two years.I am not able to speak gently/softly.Also my sound is not clear and I feel that something has got stuck in my throat.I have tested my blood and scanned my throat.everything is normal.the doctor told me that i have to do a speech therapy.what should i do?
Hi Adarsh,
There are a number of posts about this in the Q & A archives — feel free to read them!
Adarsh,
You should definitely follow the doctor’s advice and go for speech therapy! I wish you all the best with the help you receive.
thank you doctor.
Hello! I’ve been singing for a while now and I’ve noticed something that just started happening recently. When I try and sing sometimes, air goes into my throat and makes it hard for me to inhale. I mean, it kinda tickles my throat and I can’t sing when that happens. Can you tell me why it’s doing this?
Hi Meagan,
I’m a little unclear — is the tickle caused by the inhalation, or do you feel it when you start to sing? If you can tell me a little more I can make a better response.
I can’t seem to find the spot to click for asking a question, so I’m putting it here.
You talk about visualizing yourself singing perfectly. Does it matter whether I visualize my self as I would appear to an observer, or is it better to visualize myself in my own body as I sing?
Hi Joan,
This IS the place to post your questions. It is most powerful to visualize yourself in your own body. However, I do both as I learn and grow stronger from both perspectives.
Hello i am a 17 year old boy and since i am 12 my voice is not loud .when i speak slow my voice is clear and when there is very noise my voice cannot be heard to .it is not at all audiable when there is any other noise.what exercises should i do
Try reading posts on volume in the question and answer archives.
my voice has become hoarse since 2 days due to yelling in class at students but as a teachr its a daily thing so how to overcome it
Yelling is never a good choice. I know teachers who use a piercing, unpleasant whistle and then speak. They also have serious consequences for students who do not listen or respond — they must leave the class and serve detention, etc. Once you have strained your voice you must rest it and let it heal or you could have permanent vocal damage. Steam, drink warm tea and see both a doctor and speech therapist if you can. Work with a voice specialist to learn how to project without straining.
I am almost 14 and all my classmates say I have a girly voice. Help
Hi There!
You are still very young and your voice is growing and developing just like the rest of you. The strength will continue to develop as you sing. Just don’t push or tire your voice. I think it is a great idea to stay in choir. It would be wonderful if you could also take some singing lessons!
Good luck to you,
Jocelyn
You have mentioned earlier not to push your voice as a 14 year Old male. I am very serious with my voice and theatre. It is my dream to be in Jason Robert Brown’s 13 the Musical. But, this is a very demanding musical. The males hit b’s and b flat’s all the time. Should I push through and do it or just do what is more easy and natural.
NEVER NEVER NEVER push your voice, especially at such a pivotal time in your development. If you truly are serious then you must develop patience and wisdom and find a way to work with a very knowledgeable voice teacher.
Hi,My voice is like girl i am boy so i can change my voice plz give me tips
I have written about this several times in the question and answer archives. I posted again in my latest blog if you want to check that out as well.
Hi, namaste My voice is like boy so i feel bad and i want girls voice plz would u help me.
Please read the most recent blog post and previous posts in the question and answer archives.
I have heard from different places that you can can feel your chewing muscle under your chin. I also heard that this tells you about your breath flow. It talked about how if it was hard, then your breath flow was not good and that the air supply wasn’t good either. If it is soft that meant that the air supply was good. Mine is always hard. Is this true or not true?
Hey! I am a performer and do lots of singing, acting, and dancing. For my voice as a 14 year old guy, it is sometimes hard to maintain excellence, especially when it is expected of you. What are some things I can do to help me ease through “the change?”
Hi,
I hope you can advise me.
I have a WIDE range. An Octave below mid C and 2 and Half above midC. The other day I hit one of those high keys that Queen use to sing and I am NOT sure HOW I did it.
I just sang a song and playd arround and out of the blue it came.
Hi There,
Clearly you have a good strong falsetto and it blends well with the part of the range you are singing with your true vocal cords. I’m not sure how you found higher notes either — there just isn’t enough information here to even venture a guess. However, when something works, if you do it again chances are it will keep working. The main thing is to keep having fun — that spirit of play will take you a long way!
best,
Jocelyn
I have a question on the effects of chewing gum daily. Does it affect the ability to relax the tongue when singing. I have a problem keeping a straight tone, because it wobbles, which makes me go out of tune.
Is it ok to have 2 or more voice teachers? I am a dancer and we encourage multiple teachers. My 13 year old daughter is a singer and I want to provide her with as much training as possible.
I’m a young teenager, and last year I started practicing screamo, but I sucked so I stopped. All of a sudden, my voice got really deep and my throat felt big and my chest hurt like hell. I can feel a slight burn in my throat when I sing, I wouldnt dare scream, its sounds really um…airy? not much sound. please help, if you can then I love you! If not, I understand, neither could the doctors. Thanks!!!!!
You said no smoking of any kind, but I’m kind of fucked. My downstairs neighbor smokes nonstop, and my apt smells smokey, and hes not planning on stopping for me any time soon. My place has 2nd and 3rd hand smoke. Soooo… what should I do to fix myself?
You can ventilate your place using a fan and windows and you can get a device that removes smoke from the air. Place it by your bed at night especially.
Good luck, Jocelyn
Thank you. May your life be filled with happiness! I’ve been hurting for a year now, and I honestly thought I would die soon. Nobody I’ve talked to has helped me, you are the first to respond. Its really nice to know that smart people exist. I have become obsessed with this. Maybe, one day, I can do good as well. I prayed that somebody would help me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Hello Ms Jocelyn, my name is Sarah i am 10 yrs old and enjoy singing classical & musical Broadway. I value your advice and wanted you to look at some of my videos on you-tube to make sure i am singing properly. I don’t want to mess up my voice because I love to sing and it is my dream to be a famous classical & Broadway singer..I would love to have a chance at auditioning in Disney world. Thank you so much. Sarah
Another thing I do a lot is reading. I read a lot of books that seems to help a lot.
Thank you Jocelyn, I will keep that in mind, I think it would help me by imatating others on TV and radio. I just cannot understand how you have individual capable to speak three languages and able to speak them without an accent. I think it’s a gift. I have some friends that’s like that..
AND, that is the truth. Some people seem to have a gift for it!