Tap Into the Power of Your Mixed Voice Range

In a recent blog, we talked all about the different ranges your voice has. This goes beyond tenor, soprano, alto, bass and splits your voice into four sub-sections – mixed voice, chest voice, head voice and falsetto. What exactly is mixed voice and how can you develop that powerful sound that is used by professional singers? Let’s start with the basics…

What Is Mixed Voice?

The difference between chest and head voice is not that you are singing from your chest or head but rather where the vibrations are felt. You’ll feel them in your chest as you are using the thicker vocal cords, which vibrate slower and produce a rich, low sound. As you move up the range, you’ll use the thinner vocal cords which vibrate faster and produce a bright, metallic tone.

But What Happens In The Middle?

Many budding vocalists will experience vocal breaks as they transition through their range and switch between head and chest voice. Experienced and professional vocalists have mastered smooth transitions, without noticeable breaks. This is where mixed voice comes in – it bridges the gap between chest and head voice, taking the best of both and helping to produce a powerful tone.

How Do We Produce A Mixed Voice?

Well, for starters, we need to find your mixed voice range. Get comfortable with vibrations of chest voice and notice how they feel different from your head voice. Then, try to find the middle part, often this is where vocal breaks might happen.

Although mixed voice is described as combining head and chest voice, you won’t actually be using thick and thin vocal cords at the same time. By creating a moderate amount of contraction in thicker and thinner vocal cords as you transition from the bottom to the top of your range will create a mixed voice.

Why Do We Need It?

Firstly, developing a powerful mixed register will eliminate or reduce vocal breaks, making you especially dexterous when it comes to vocal jumps and scales. You’ll become a much more flexible and versatile singer. Secondly, combining the richness of your chest voice with the brightness and belting power of the head voice will create a truly unique tone that works so well in multiple genres. It will carry a lot of vocal power and open you up to new opportunities and renewed vocal confidence.

Tap Into The Power Of Your Mixed Voice Range With London Singing Institute

At London Singing Institute, we specialise in providing adult singing lessons in an encouraging, non-judgmental environment. We welcome students of all backgrounds from total beginners to accomplished professionals. Teaching you methods and techniques used by world-class vocalists, while taking an individual approach to each student really helps us bring out your own natural talent. Contact us today for lessons across all popular genres, including classical, pop, musical theatre, jazz, rock, and blues. You can learn at our stunning London premises or live online, wherever you are in the world!