There are three factors that determine pitch:
1) The length of the vocal cords that is vibrating
2) How deeply the vibrations work into the vocal cords
3) How much the vocal cords are stretched
If the larynx elevates excessively when attempting a high note, the vocal cords may be overly stretched and there can be a great deal of tension, almost a feeling of strangling.
To practice keeping the larynx stable:
Lightly touch the little bump of cartilage you should be able to feel at the front of the throat to help locate it. You will notice that as you simply breathe in and out the larynx remains stable; it does not bobble up and down.
Now lightly hum and imitate a siren, sliding the voice up and down while noticing that the larynx remains stable. DO NOT PUSH DOWN ON IT OR FORCE IT LOWER.
If the larynx moves you might need more support from your lower ribs. Although you NEVER want to grunt while singing or speaking, if you place your hands on the sides of your body where the lowest ribs are located and make a little grunt, you will be able to feel your ribs engage. Keep this work in the ribs and completely relax your throat.
Notice that you can hum and keep your ribs open without tensing the throat. Now see if it is easier to do a siren on a hum without the larynx elevating.
To practice having the vibrations go less deeply into a shorter length of the vocal cords:
Practice making little mouse squeaks. In the following video clip, Carla Mafiorelli perfectly illustrates these squeaks while being “wound up” to finish the aria (at 2:55 into the clip). Her high notes are easy and in balance with the rest of her range because that squeak is at the core of them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGo-jdBaZAk
Most of the trouble people have singing high notes is created because they try to make them big and full. High notes NEVER open into the same sensations as lower notes, nor do they sound as rich or full to our inner hearing. Let them be squeaky, small and easy.
As you practice the function, your high notes will naturally develop and become beautiful. Learn how to make them so that they sound right to those listening outside of you. Then learn to hear your optimally functioning high notes as beautiful.
Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll
just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog.
I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything.
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Hi There,
I’m sorry your previous comment seems to have been lost. I’m not aware of how that would have happened. At any rate, here we are. I’m not certain how universal my suggestions might be, but such as I have are as follows:
— Write about things you know
— Write about things you are passionate about
— Keep it short (internet users tend not to read much)
— Use pictures (something I don’t do enough of)
— Be sure to respond to and interact with your readers
I wish you all the best!
Jocelyn