Strengthening falsetto voice

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 12:53 PM

I'd really like to strengthen my falsetto voice to the point where I could use it in my songs on a regular basis. I have a somewhat scary falsetto range, ranging anywhere from around E to around E above high E(I can sing higher than my second soprano sister). It's really the only thing remarkable about my voice, which is part of the reason I'd like to work on it. I have a lot of problems, including strength of sound, sustaining longer notes, control, and voice breaks. If anyone has any ideas, I'd be glad to hear them.

**tenwatt** · 11-10-2009, 02:47 PM

Practice doing it more and you'll get better at it...that seems like really common sense but it's true.

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tenwatt

Practice doing it more and you'll get better at it...that seems like really common sense but it's true.

Well, yeah. I guess I meant going beyond the obvious

**Rainer.** · 11-10-2009, 04:43 PM

How much vocal training have you had?

Strength, sustain, and control are all about proper breath support, which is the same for all singing. Deep breathing exercises and diaphragm strength are excellent things to work on.

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

How much vocal training have you had?

One year of one-on-one lessons, plus four years in a performing arts group where we were given vocal instruction more as a group(although there was significant training one-on-one there as well).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

Strength, sustain, and control are all about proper breath support, which is the same for all singing. Deep breathing exercises and diaphragm strength are excellent things to work on.

The strange thing is, breath support has never really been an issue for me. I've generally been able to keep very good breath support in my normal voice, but it is significantly reduced when I go to falsetto. I've been singing "The Prayer", but holding that B flat at the end is killing me.

jengoesup · 11-10-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmlfan123

One year of one-on-one lessons, plus four years in a performing arts group where we were given vocal instruction more as a group(although there was significant training one-on-one there as well).

The strange thing is, breath support has never really been an issue for me. I've generally been able to keep very good breath support in my normal voice, but it is significantly reduced when I go to falsetto. I've been singing "The Prayer", but holding that B flat at the end is killing me.

I know that as a woman, if I want to sing higher I have to drastically increase my breath support and also aim the air into a different cavity in my head (sinuses) for higher notes. Perhaps you might play around with where you are allowing the air to resonate?

**tmlfan123** · 11-10-2009, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jengoesup

I know that as a woman, if I want to sing higher I have to drastically increase my breath support and also aim the air into a different cavity in my head (sinuses) for higher notes. Perhaps you might play around with where you are allowing the air to resonate?

I will try that.

Ax · 11-17-2009, 11:37 AM

All good advice. Answer me a question and then do this for me. Are you asthmatic? Hold your breath and time it for me.

**tmlfan123** · 11-17-2009, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ax

All good advice. Answer me a question and then do this for me. Are you asthmatic? Hold your breath and time it for me.

No I am not asthmatic. My first time was 1:15, my second 1:40. I did it sitting down, I don't know if that makes a difference or not - obviously it makes a difference in singing.

Ax · 11-17-2009, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmlfan123

No I am not asthmatic. My first time was 1:15, my second 1:40. I did it sitting down, I don't know if that makes a difference or not - obviously it makes a difference in singing.

Lung capacity is fine, you could work on it if you want. Try taking as deep of a breath as you can as fast as you can and release it immediately... repeat with not time in between... that will help your breath support. Sing scales in a fast tempo and sing 'he-has' and make them staccato. That will help you control your breathing a lot. Breath support is basically all falsetto is...

**tmlfan123** · 11-17-2009, 03:26 PM

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it. If anyone else has something more to add, please do.