Vocal Music Advice

I’ve been singing for years.  I have a very very low voice, so I mostly sing jazz.  But I find it hard to reach very easy high notes!  Are there ANY tricks or tips to make me sing higher and better?!

Answer: Sing every day.  You will lose what you have if you don’t use it regularly.

Allow yourself time to warm up vocally before you get into song literature. These warm ups should begin small and comfortably low and gradually work upwards and expand in range.  Also, implement the principle that the higher the note, the more space (in the mouth and throat), the more energy (in the body and support system) and the more feeling of depth (vowels have) should take place.  If you are not incrementally adding space and energy as pitch rises then start making that a regular part of your singing – watching yourself in the mirror.
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I’m 57 and have a nice voice, though some say it’s great.    I want to sing with more power and a better range.    Am I too old?

Answer: If you have never studied voice before and you are committed to practicing daily, there is the distinct possibility that you can maximize the current remaining potential of your voice to facilitate both range and strength.

Had you studied voice during your late teens, twenties and thirties you’d have given your voice its best chance at developing both range and power to their maximum – for your individual voice.  It’s during those years that the voice is developing physically the most.
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THIS IS A SERIOUS QUESTION.   Can you still learn to sing at least decently if you start to train yourself at 25 years of age?  I love to sing and singing is my frustration.   I know I can’t sound good but I hope it is not too late to train myself at least to learn how to properly sing.   I really want to sing “I Believe” by Fantasia in front of a crowd at least once in my lifetime.   It is a winning song and I believe that song tells so much about me and my life.   If that event comes, I want that moment to be a great moment and not shameful.

Answer:  I’m answering your question – a good one – because you mean it seriously.  Please don’t be ‘put off’ by some straight talk, ok?

You can still learn to sing at least decently if…
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What is the average for a guy?  I know it can go up to the 20s.  My voice changed when I was 13, now it’s an average voice not high, not low, but when I sing there’s just some notes I struggle with, I also have a vocal coach.  Right now I am 16, so I think my voice might be done changing.

Answer:  Be sure you listen to your coach when s/he answers your question.  Mine will probably only enlarge on his/hers slightly.  [I am privy to some of the advice he received from other teachers.]

The voice (larynx) is the last organ of the body to mature.  Our female friends usually have it together considerably before we do (in many respects)!  In the process of the “mutation” that your teacher mentioned, there can be a lengthy developmental period in which the muscles of the voice develop as the singer learns to use his/her voice within the range that is accessible and comfortable.
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