Description:
Welcome to your tutorial on how to gradually sing higher! We’ll get to all the tips and exercises soon enough, but I want you to have these 3 things in mind right away:
1. Be patient and consistent: stretching your range takes time, but you’ll make progress with daily practice.
2. Relax! The biggest hindrance to your high notes is tension. The more you open up and let go, the easier it’ll be.
3. Don’t judge the sound. Our goal in the beginning is just phonation, or making sound. It may sound squeaky or breathy; it may crack or disappear. As long as you’re not straining or in pain, stay relaxed and keep at it!
In each part of this tutorial, remind yourself: patience, relaxation, non-judgment. Part 1 is called “Starting Small”, because we’ll begin with exercises that use a small sound, narrow vowels, and partial closure of the vocal tract (SOVT’s). Part 2 introduces range-extending exercises that are both ascending and descending. And part 3 is all about opening up and sustaining high notes, with a lifted palate and an open throat position.
Remember, you can take as much time as you need. Only move onto the next video when you’re feeling confident and ready.
Lessons:
Instructor: Camille van Niekerk
Camille van Niekerk is a singer, writer and vocal instructor in Southern California. Camille began studying voice and performing in musicals at age seven. In 2010, Camille began working towards her BA in Music Education at Azusa Pacific University. She then earned her teaching credential from San Diego State University and taught classroom choral and instrumental music. Shortly after moving to LA county, Camille began her private vocal studio, providing vocal coaching, ear training, and recording for students of all ages. She is constantly refining her skills and methods for greater versatility and effectiveness. When she is not teaching, Camille enjoys singing with the L.A. Choral Lab and Ensoma Creative. She lives in San Diego with her husband and loves going to the beach, practicing yoga, reading, and cooking.