Range-extending exercises (Top-down & Bottom-up, Wide-range)
From: How to Gradually Sing Higherby Camille van Niekerk
Description:
Part 2: range-extending exercises! We’re using a wide range to not fatigue the voice by staying up high for too long. Before we get started, here’s another tip: find the room in your house with the best acoustics to practice. For me, it’s the bathroom. Good acoustics means you’ll hear yourself, you’ll get some nice reverb, and you’ll be less likely to push.
First exercise on a small “WHIH" If you find yourself pushing or breaking apart and want to return to a hum or lip roll, feel free! Here we go.
[Exercise: WHIH 8-5-3-1]
Remember how important it is to relax? This next exercise is all about disengaging the jaw and tongue.
[Exercise: Huh-yuh, disengaged jaw 1-3-5-8-5-3-1]
Now for something a little more stepwise, on an NG, or an open-mouth hum. The NG also qualifies as an SOVT, with the added benefit of an open, relaxed jaw position.
[Exercise: NG or Lip trill 5-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1]
Finally, we’ll open up to a vowel. Which one? Whichever one you find easiest! Our pattern sounds like this: [play]. Try it on an EE. Now try it on an AH. Feel free to switch it up to find what works best for you! And sing.
[Exercise: 1-3-5-8-3-8-5-3-1 Vowel]
Again, stick with these exercises as long as you want! When you’re ready to sustain those high notes, move on to part 3.
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.