No Such Thing As Head Voice?

by From the Editor

I've been singing for two years now. My singing range is wider now, but it only seems to go lower. Whenever I try to sing a high note that implies using my head voice, no sound comes out of my mouth...its simply mute!

From The Editor

Thank you so much for your submission.

First of all, the thing that comes to mind is you may have a fair bit of interruption to your singing voice being caused by your swallowing muscles.

The fact that you can't even get a noise in your upper range suggests that there's a fair bit of blockage going on!

Never fear though, this can be overcome.

The first thing to do is to see if you can get some sound in your upper register.

Try this singing technique. Make a siren noise, as if imitating an ambulance in the distance.

Just keep really loose and have fun with it!

"Weeee" Weeeee" Weeeee"!

If you can get this noise happening, play with some other noises.

Try "Wooo" and "Waaaa".

The key is to just have fun and not tense up to much. Don't feel over attached to what happens.

The second singing technique you can do is place your thumb under your jaw as you're doing this. See if you can feel your jaw muscles tensing up as you make (or attempt to) make these noises.

If you feel a lot of activity, we have gotten to the bottom of your issue.

From here, practice the singing exercises in the video section of this website. As you practice them, keep your thumb resting gently under your jaw.

Try to make the noises without these muscles coming down too much.

As you do this you will be able to sing in a more relaxed state, and you will find the upper range you're after.

Above all, be patient with yourself! The upper vocal range is quite difficult for a number of singers in the beginning (Myself included).

Practice these singing exercises and with time you will begin to discover your upper range.

Enjoy the journey!



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About The Author

Roger Burnley - Vocal CoachRoger Burnley - Vocal Coach

Roger Burnley is a vocal coach located in Hollywood, California. He has been teaching singers for over 30 years and singing for even longer than that. 

Notable past and present clients include Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J, The Beastie Boys, James Torme, Taylor Lautner, Nona Gaye, and many more.

His clients have collectively sold more than 30 million albums, with several reaching Platinum and Gold status. 

Roger has been featured on VH1, TV Guide Channel, TV One,
and MTV appearing as a vocal expert.

About The Author

Roger Burnley - Vocal CoachRoger Burnley - Vocal Coach

Roger Burnley is a vocal coach located in Hollywood, California. He has been teaching singers for over 30 years and singing for even longer than that. 

Notable past and present clients include Macy Gray, Brandy, Ray J, The Beastie Boys, James Torme, Taylor Lautner, Nona Gaye, and many more.

His clients have collectively sold more than 30 million albums, with several reaching Platinum and Gold status. 

Roger has been featured on VH1, TV Guide Channel, TV One,
and MTV appearing as a vocal expert.

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