Free Online Singing Lessons with Mark Baxter Stagepass.com

Mark will be fielding questions and sharing his expertise through our FAQ's. You can contact Mark by email. Just click on the contact us icon at the bottom of the page (scroll down) and choose ask Mark Baxter in the selection menu. Please read the FAQ's first as many of your questions can be answered here.

Mark's Advice on SCREAMING click here

www.voicelesson.com

Mark

Back to top

Question. im 14 and have been singing all my life. My voice is quite strong but i have problem creating vibrato. How do i do this? and how can improve my overall singing to make my voice sound better? thanks nat

Answer. You are equating strength with push. The air pressure you use to sing is too strong so its locking up your throat and killing off the chance for vibrato. You'll have to back off your air pressure and sing softer in order to trigger vibrato. Once you get the feel you can turn the volume back up and maintain a better balance of pressure.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Mr Mark. I have a problem that my voice in middle range of mine got shake,even in higher notes shout perfectly like axl,but mostly have problem with vowel ee,u&sometimes a-in word car and call

Answer. You are using the larynx, tongue and jaw to manage your air pressure. So when you need to sing an EE the tongue must move and you loose a crutch. Practice at a lower volume until it sounds smooth. Then gradually bring the volume back up.

Mark

Back to top

Question. 1. I quit smoking March of 2004, and have nothing but trouble with my range. What gives?

See question two.

2. Does sinus drainage from allergies wreck you in the morning, and what to do without drying up?

Answer. It wrecks you all day. This is why you're having problems with range. I've been told by doctors that Claritin absolutely will not dry you out. Try it and see.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I've taken vocal instruction in the past. I am considering ordering your instruction video. I came across a spray product for the throat on another site called "singer's friend." I was wondering if this is something a singer should use. Thank you.

Answer. A "singer's friend" used to be called a groupie. (just kidding) There nothing wrong with the product but it's not going to help you. Your vocal problems are due to uncoordinated technique -- and the spray is not going to fix that. I think it's important to be able to sing your show without any aids. Be well hydrated, rested and skilled and nothing can stop you.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am going to be singing Jake in the Blues Brothers and my plan for now is to imitate as closely as possible. I have 19 days to get ready for a 5 song set and have not been singing regularly for many years. Can I permanently damage my voice if I practice for two 30 minute sessions per day. Jake's voice is hard to imitate and I am left with a slightly sore throat after giving it my all. I do warm up before going for it. I have had no professional voice training but did get to sing with a college choir and song and dance outfit. Do you have any suggestions or warnings?

Answer. No damage to worry about -- just some soreness. It's no big deal -- no different then the soreness if you played a game of basketball after many years. My only suggestion is to really ham it up and have a blast.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I made an error. In the question I sent you I kept asking about rhythm. I meant pitch. I pick up a piece of music and have no idea what those notes should sound like. Is there a method that could help me with this?

Answer. Written music looks like Chinese to all those that don't read. It's a system just like any language. The obvious answer is to learn the system -- just as people learn how to read Chinese. There is a basic pattern, though, that is instantly recognizable. When the little black dots go up that means your vocal line goes up in pitch. You don't have to know exact pitches and still get a feel for how the melody is shaped. I recommend reading along as you listen to make the connection and then buying a basic "Learn to Sight Sing" book.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey im jeff... im in a punk rock band and im lead vocals ... they're not that great .. is there any way that i could make them better at home by my self so i wont make a total fool of our band on tour this summer? thanks alot

Answer. If you're booked on a tour this summer than your vocals have to be pretty good -- meaning getting the point across. If you're worried about losing your voice -- get into the habit of warming up and down. Vocalizing will make you more consistent.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am 15 years old and my voice is very light. I was wondering if you had any vocal/ physical exercizes that I can do to strengthen my voice. Also my voice doesn't have a vibrato. What can I do to develop this. Thank you!

Answer. There are plenty of exercises you can do to build strength. As a bonus, the stronger your voice is the easier it is to create vibrato. I recommend finding a voice teacher first off. If that's not an option then purchase my new CD, "Sing Like an Idol." There are exercises for power and flexibility -- including vibrato.

Mark

Back to top

Question. first of all i just want to say that i think its amazing you worked with Steven Tyler..i am absolutely in love with his voice. anyway...my question goes something like this: i like to sing and i think i have a pretty good voice. well there is a musical i want to audition for but i know that in order to get the part i need to be louder when i sing. what can i do to make my singing voice louder without seeming like im stressing it? thanks for your help!

Answer. Swing your arms wildly as you practice the song. Pretend like you're doing a swimmer's back stroke as you stand there and sing. The freedom in your torso will unlock hidden power. Keep you neck and jaw loose as you do this and you'll be as loud as you can be for now. Do this right up until the audition so you are very familiar with the ability. Then stand still but loose during the audition. Break a leg!

Mark

Back to top

Question. I can sing (without falsetto) as high as a G played on the bottom e string (on the 15th fret of bottom e) How many octaves high am i singing?(if this makes any sense) Thanks a lot for your help

Answer. It doesn't make sense because you don't state how low you can sing. Counting octaves requires a starting and ending point -- and includes falsetto.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, If I just use the vowel "ah" to sing a melody, and combine that with lowering my larynx just a bit, I can get a tone and control that I'm 100% happy with. However, when I sing actual words my voice jams up every day and often strains. Obviously the "ah" sound opens up the throat area a lot, but if I use that same throat posture on other vowels or words the tone and pronunciation does not sound quite natural. How can I get the same level of tone and control on other vowels and words that I can get so easily when I sing "ah" with a slightly lowered larynx? Thankyou. Jim.

Answer. Stop worrying about your larynx when singing. If you've released it enough when practicing your tone will deepen. I recommend using just a single consonant as a bridge before turning that melody into a full out song. Sing "Happy Birthday" using just AH, then LA LA, then LA GA LA GA, then complete gibberish, then the regular words.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I want to learn how to sing but I have no idea how. I want to learn how to control my voice and breath before getting lessons because I'm a bit shy. Can you give me some tips??

Answer. That's like learning reading, writing and arithmetic before you go to school. Lesson are all about how to control your breath and sing better especially if you're shy! Working one on one with a teacher is the best way to break out of that shell.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey Mark, i recently found the site and wanted to know how i can emphasize passion in my voice...i believe I'm a great songwriter and the world needs me to take my place in the industry, imagine if Elvis never made it...imagine the world with no Elvis songs...i don't think he was revolutionary enough for the black community, but he still had a place in music...i feel God has made a place for my work but how do i put my all into the songs without overdoing it or breaking up? Thanks man, I'll be sure to give you a shout out at the Grammy's! hehe! Larry a.k.a. "The Sandman"

Answer. Hey Sandman, The world would look exactly the same if Elvis never made it. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with Elvis, but there are hundreds of singer/songwriters passed over each year just as incredible. That said, don't look to the industry to take your place in the world -- start spreading the word. Just as God has made a place for your work, He will show you how to put just the right touch to your songs. You'll see it in the faces of those listening. It only takes courage to sing for others. Once singing, it only takes respect and love to care enough about your listeners' to read their faces. If you're not touching them it's not their fault. Go back to the lab and re-tool. After many trial runs you'll find exactly what works and then, like everyone else, you'll thank God at the Grammies -- not me.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Well first off, I think you're awesome. I've read through your FAQ and even the answers to questions that don't apply to me are very inspirational. So here's my question. I'm 20, and fairly experienced at singing, songwriting and performing. Some people have compared my singing to that of Layne Staley. Comfort range, intonation - pretty similar. But there are certain notes he hits that are above my reach. (Unless unwisely forced.) My mother is an experienced singer and tells me it's all in the face... I honestly don't know what that means. But I think it's true. I saw the AIC Unplugged show, and Layne doesn't show any strain; not facially, and his jugular doesn't even pop out. So at this point, I'm trying to strengthen my falsetto or face register and I'm taking warm-ups very seriously. But honestly, I don't really know which is which that I'm feeling. I can do falsetto - though it's BeeGee-esque. Not quite the sound I'm after. Does it change? Am I on the right path Grandmaster Baxter? :) Thank you sincerely for your time and Rock On.

Answer. Ahhhhh Grasshopper. Your mind spins in circles. Look not to the register to create tone -- look to tone to create register. Your voice has many blends of registers, so targeting one will deny others. Sound has its own laws. There are cavities in your skull which are small and therefore vibrate only during high notes. There is as much need to target this as telling water to seek sea level. Let sound seek its optimal resonator by leaving all open and available. Take warm ups seriously but do not fear falsetto -- or the Bee Gees. Both may serve you well some day when you're decked-out in a leisure suit fronting your very successful wedding band. Sorry, my crystal ball is fading -- more on that wedding band later . . .

Mark

Back to top

Question. From what you write I would say you are on a good track and should keep working on your own. Once you get a band going you may feel some limitations or get reactions that don't go away in a day. That's when you should get some instruction. thank you for responding to my email i really appreciate it. i know you get alot of emails and i dont want to abuse the privilege but i wanted to know what you meant by "get reactions that wont go away in a day". As of right now there are no reactions at all even after singing in the harsh voice. The only limitations I honestly feel for what im doing is my range, and remembering the throat muscle positions for notes which I have heard and just need practice to get right everytime. Also, I have never sung before this in my life really and is there a way of knowing the absolute potential of my vocal range. meaning is there a point when i know i should stop trying to hit that one note higher and know that there is no room for practicing to make me hit that one more extra note. thank you.

Answer. You'll know you should stop trying to sing higher when your throat chokes off -- or it hurts. The reaction I'm writing about is swelling that comes from competing with loud guitars and drums -- unable to hear yourself. You have yet to road-test your technique. All that throat placement stuff for each note will go out the window when performing. Singing is reflexive. There's no need to micro-manage the mechanics of the voice. Join a band and make a song come to life!

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey mark i am just terrible at singing what can i do to get better please could you help me

Answer. I am just terrible at skiing, roller blading, hockey, playing guitar, left handed lay-ups, riding a unicycle, juggling and riding a unicycle while juggling. I was terrible at singing, playing drums, piano, song writing, drawing, right handed lay-ups, building furniture, painting and sailing. Guess what I did with the second list that I have yet to do with the first?

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey Mark. Up until I was 14, I was a pretty good singer. I could hit a lot of high notes. However, my voice started changing...and now I don't sing very well. I can't hit high notes any more. If I try, my voice cracks, and I'm so frustrated. I record my singing on a computer microphone, and it sounds horrible, but maybe it's just the quality of the software (that's what I would like to believe). I've always dreamed of becoming a singer, but now people are saying I need to find a new dream. But I'm not giving up. I'm 15 now, and I want to start getting parts in musicals again. What do you suggest me to do? Is there any chance at all I will ever hit those high notes again like i used to? Please help!

Answer. You may never hit those high notes again because you're growing -- but that certainly doesn't mean you can't sing any more. You can't roll up into a little ball like you used to either. It's time to start exploring what you can do with your voice. Keep singing. The cracks are only coordination problems which you need to work through -- not run away from.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi Mark, firstly id like to thank you for providing an opportunity for us to ask you questions regarding our voice. My name is Mattew and im currently 15 years old (male) i have been singing since i was 10 and i have had no problems what so ever until i turned 14 i had a few difficulties with singing that i didn't use to have. for example..i cant hit high notes(when i do i feel dizy and after i sing the note my throat tightens) i cant do long notes (same reason as high notes). ive never had lessons, nor problems..and since last year it gets worse and worse. ive purchased a few books and cds recently with vocal tec. on them and i haven't improved. the only time i sound good is when i sing along to my favourite cds, but when i record it i sound too shaky! it would be great if you can provide me with a few warm ups or vocal tec. that i may use which may resolve this problem. p.s ive entered many completions before and have made it atleast past the auditons, but 3 weeks ago when i entered a competition i was told that my voice is too stiff! and it sounds like I'm pushing too hard to let it out. thankyou

Answer. You've got to work through this period Mattew. You're going through puberty and things are changing rapidly inside you. The nigh notes that were available were because your larynx was small. It has grown quite a bit in the last year and you need to adjust yourself accordingly. Just purchasing a few books and CD's isn't enough -- you need to actually work the exercises for a long time. I think you bailed out on them too soon. There are good tips on my site, especially the warm up lesson named K.I.S.S. <http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/kiss.htm>
That would be a good place to start.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark,I've got TMJ ,are there any restrictions for singing?is it safe to sing ?if my ear hurts wheni sing,is there any treatment you can recommend me? Thanks. Trevor.

Answer. I had TMJ syndrome when I was in my late teens and early twenties. I went to every imaginable professional and found the best relief was vocal exercises. Singing is too performance related -- so we tend to turn on too many muscles. This irritates TMJS. But vocalizing is placing the focus on releasing muscles while making sounds which encourages the jaw and tongue to release. It's helped me tremendously. I recommend starting with the warm up routine I've outlined on my site: http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/kiss.htm and then perhaps taking a video lesson or two so I can show you what I'm talking about.

Mark

Back to top

Question. my question mark is to how to not tighten my throat and to just let it all come out. im 17 years old and I've been trying to sing for not even a year yet. everyone says that i have a good voice and if i got singing lessons then i would be good. i play the acoustic guitar too. yes i can play and sing at the same time. and that's good. i just wish that i could sing better and get higher. my voice i think is fine its just that i need to let everything loose but i need to know how to. i listen to a guy named howie day and he sings and play guitar too. if you want to know how i would like to sing just go to vh1.com and type in howie day. he is an artist that is great. and then click on more videos and click on... she says live@vh1.com its really good. well I'll let you go and hopefully you can help me out. thank you mark. -mike-

Answer. You already know how to relax your throat Michael --you doing it right now as you read this. The problem is that you taught those throat muscles to get involved whenever there was a chance your voice would slip or lose control. It's the same reason why you used to squeeze the pick too hard when you first started playing guitar. How did you learn to let your hand relax? The answer is that you trusted that the pick wouldn't fall out and as you relaxed your playing sounded better. When you release your throat and sing your voice will sound out of control -- and that's not a bad thing. Let it. Get used to singing with a loose throat no matter how bad you sound (not for others of course). In a short time you will start sounding better. You have not been at it very long at all -- give it time and let it suck. You'll be better faster.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Dear mark, im an 18 year old guy and i love singing, mostly to mariah carey, whitney houston, aretha franklin, you know..the divas of music! i sing ALL THE TIME, and i mean everywhere and anytime..my friends say i have an OK voice but they are just saying that..i mean my family tells me to shut up when i sing but anyway, whenever i listen to myself singing i sound as if ive got a blocked nose when i actually don't! and its really hard for me to hold my breath to a song like "i will always love you", what shall i do to improve my voice? because i know that if i do then i can accomplish alot! please help me!

Answer. First of all start singing songs by guys -- or at least Clay Akin (just kidding Clay-mates). You are always pushing the limits of your range and developing bad habits in the process. The only way to really establish what your instrument can do is to step away from the performance mentality and sing some exercises to develop better coordination. You should also consider changing the keys of the songs you're singing. All this and much more is explained and demonstrated in my new CD, "Sing Like an Idol." I think it would help you a lot.

Mark

Back to top

Question. well i had just turned 15 and i am training my own voice for opera... at first i didn't know what my voice was meant to sing...first i tried kelly clarkson..then i tried Amy Lee's voice from evanescence, which sounded better, now, after i heard Emmy Rossum's voice from phantom of the opera, I've been focusing on singing the high soprano notes Emmy Rossum sings (i am also a soprano in my choir). in every song i can hit all the high notes.... all except one song...the song the phantom of the opera...at the very end where the phantom says "sing my angel of music" and she sings a higher note after he says it...well...i can sing the first two notes okay...not great but okay..then the rest...i can sing them but my voice starts to get " tinier" and i know i strain it...once an ex opera singer who had thought our class one day said the higher the notes to sing the less air you need because too much air makes it crack...but the thing is if i breathe in less air...the shorter the note i sing goes because then im straining my voice to do it...how can i sing those higher notes stronger and sound more like my idol Emmy Rossum?

Answer. That opera singer didn't mean take a smaller breath for higher notes, she meant use less to sing them. Take in the same big breath but hold most of it back -- not against the throat. Your folds need to thin down to sing high and they can't if the pressure is too strong underneath them. You are very young so your voice is not even close to developed yet for opera. You've got a good ten years of training ahead of you. The rules are completely different for classical singing. I strongly recommend you get signed on with a teacher who specializes in classical technique.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey Mark I've no trouble singing aretha franklin style but when it comes to the rougher soul music, I just cant get the sound i want. Im trying to sing with a hoarse quality, like grunting and growling, kind of like 'gravel'- eg 'I'll take you there' by the Staple Sisters. I realize by doing this I can cause damage, but I don't want to sing like that all the time, and regardless- I'd still like to be able to do it. Can you help me out? thanks

Answer. Hey -- love your name! A gospel choir always has a clear voice belter, a raspy voiced powerhouse, a riff machine and then everybody else. Mamma Staple couldn't sing with any other voice but that deep throated rasp if her life depended on it. You can visit a raspy sound but it won't be as authentic as the real deal. Those that sing with husk have conditions which don't allow them to sing clear. You can practice by gradually increasing the volume of your voice on a single pitch (AH vowel). Once you get loud start pushing down inside you tummy area (like you're going to the bathroom) The extra pressure will distort the sound while leaving the throat open. The clock is ticking when you do this. Sing too hard too long and the area will swell up. It's not permanent but it will change tings for the rest of the night. A thorough warm up and warm down are essential when flirting with this threshold. Make sure you're completely hydrated as well.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello. I have just within the past couple of years had a new problem with my singing voice. It cracks. It's not the normal crack that may happen if my voice is dry and I go for a high sustained note, and it doesn't happen in any particular range, like on my break. It just happens whenever and wherever, and I seem to have no control over it whatsoever. I can usually tell when a normal crack is coming if even a millisecond before it happens, but this new phenomenon is completely without warning. I almost want to call it a glitch instead of a crack. I thought at first it was related to stage jitters as I hadn't performed for a few years, but it happens even while practicing by myself at home. Also, I have this persistent mucous in my throat that I often have to sing very loud to break up. It can sit in my throat during an entire performance while I am trying to somehow "sing around it literally". These are both new problems and I don't know how to deal with them. Please help. Also, one more thing, when singing live my throat and mouth get so dry that I have to drink water between every song. It becomes a little awkward sometimes for the flow of my set.

Answer. Things change as we age -- especially after time off singing. Extend your warm up. You may have to give yourself an extra hour to deal with the rigidity and mucous in the area. The tension you're using from singing before you are properly warmed up is causing your glitches and the dryness.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Lately I have been listening to a lot of Faith no More. The vocalist, Mike Patton, will usually hold back, but sometimes he will let out these beautiful parts. You can tell that they are felt, such conviction is behind it. I really, really want to be able to do this. My question is: How do you push your voice like this? (not screaming) I have heard things about singing from the diaphragm making a more powerful tone, but when I have tried to I only end up singing from my throat. If you have some advice, I would really appreciate it. Thanks

Answer. To sound like Mike, over-articulate your words. Open your mouth as wide as you can and spit (literally) out your words. He also has a very staccato delivery in the verses, which means cut the lengths of the words really short.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey mark, how r u? me I'm fine. well the thing is that i can sing, but when i get around people i get to self conscious, as, is my voice going to crack, what r they gonna think. but the thing is i can hit high notes all the time when I'm by myself. i only feel comfortable around my friends, sometimes my boyfriend.but my family-thats another story they always want me to sing for them everytime we get around each other, but i back out b/c I'm afraid i might mess up. how do i overcome that knowin down deep inside i got what it takes to sing, and that i can see my self a big time singer.i guess i feel like i got something missing to make my voice a whole lot better. i really wish i could find someone who could put me in the right direction with my voice so i can get more confident in public. I've had people tell me that i have a good, beautiful voice, but i just get shy. I've performed in school talent shows b4, but i was with friends, I've never really performed by myself persay, but thats what i dreamed of all my life. what can i do to improve my voice and self? thank u for ur time and i hope to hear from u soon. nicole-

Answer. Having a beautiful voice (which you do) is like having a beautiful guitar. What matters is your ability to play it when the pressure is on. That's what divides the pros from the amateurs. That's why there are plenty of famous singers that don't sing all that well. They're famous because they're not afraid to risk everything. That's their talent -- not singing. I work with countless singers everyday who have much better voices then half the singers on the radio. The difference is that, like you, they hold back when people are listening because of fears. So if you really want to hit the stage and be famous, force yourself to sing in front of anyone and everyone. You don't have to fix your shyness -- that's who you are -- but you don't have to let that run your life. Be brave.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Mark I love what you're doing, I've looked for singing advice free of charge, and you've been my only find I can sing, not exceptionally, but well enough that people enjoy listening to it. I've had no singing training, and I have no idea about the concepts about "pushing from your stomach" or what have you (I learned to sing by first mimicking other singers). Now I've turned to Screaming, because I'm a metalhead, and I'm not too bad at that, but my throat really really hurts afterwards. Please, how can I perfect my scream, and please describe it in terms that I can understand :) I also love old 80's pop bands like Simple Minds, Spandau Ballet, Ultravox, ect. and I would LOVE to be able to sing like that ! The big thing is, I know you say to everyone "warm and practices the exercises"...the thing is, I don't know how to warm up or any exercises !! My parents don't wanna buy me the book, and they don't want me to buy it, but I'll get my hands on it somehow eventually...Is there anything you could send me in the meantime just to get me started please? Singing (if not guitar) will be my career list as music is my passion and I'm already in a few bands...please help me get started Cheers, Geoff

Answer. Hey Geoff,

How is it you can afford a guitar but not a book? I'm not saying you're being cheap -- you could ask you local library to order the book -- I'm saying you're not be industrious. I have free lessons posted at <http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/free_lessons.htm>. Read through them. That will set you on a good path. It's gonna take a lot of practice and patience.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey Mark i was wondering if u could help me? im a good singer but sometime i get kinda nasally when i sing but i cant tell i try so hard to keep my throat open and tongue out of the way but now im scared to sing in my real voice so i just stick to soprano but i love to belt out notes please help me i need to know what to do to keep myself from singing through my nose thank you very much

Answer. You've got to let yourself sound bad as you experiment. It doesn't hurt your voice to crack and let the pitches wobble -- it just hurts our pride. What's keeping you tensed when you belt is the desire to control the sound. Let that go and you'll sound bad for just a little while but you'll also discover a much better way to sing. Loose and loud!

Mark

Back to top

Question. how much do singing lessons cost gimme a price range

Answer. Anywhere from $20 to $200 an hour

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi,im 15 years old and after singing for all my life without voice training, i would like to start but recently ive been getting alot of mucus in my throat, which gets me worried, and i drink alot of water, but how do i keep my voice healthy and what things disturb the voice to produce mucus. can you help me please email back please

Answer. There are many many things that can start to produce mucous as we age. The first things to cut out are dairy, sugar, coffee and spicy foods -- which for most people is everything they eat! So it's really a matter of subtracting one suspect for a week and see if things change for the better.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I've been singing Elvis songs all of my life along with Bon Jovi songs, poison songs, B.B king songs,Eric Clapton songs, Styx songs, and lynard skynard songs because these bands are within my reach but my band wants me to cover more modern day rock bands such as hawthorn heights,green day, and nirvana, i can sing these bands songs fine but feel like i don't have the same type of screams, I'm hitting the right notes but sound more like the old artist i covered, so i guess my question is should i continue with the way I'm singing and not worry about sounding just like these newer bands or try to change my voice to sound just like these newer day bands

Answer. I wouldn't worry about trying to cop the exact sounds of the new artists you're covering. You'll just hurt yourself. Since you came of age in the 80's you won't have the conviction in your voice for the newer stuff. You gotta mean it when you scream or it just calls attention to what you can't do. If the band is good, all you need is to get close to the singer's sound and the audience will take it the rest of the way in their heads.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I'm ten turning 11 and me and my friend have been in professional singing competitions and we REALLY WANT A SINGING CARER but... we need a manager and the other stuff. please help us

Answer. Hey -- I need a manager too. Maybe we can go halfzees on one. Then we'll only get ripped off half as much! Just kidding. Keep entering the competitions and getting heard. If you're good managers will find you. Anyone you have to ask to manage you will not work as hard as someone who approaches you.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey Mark, I'm a guitar player who does a lot of backup vocals. By far my alltime favourite musician is Richie Sambora, as hes an amazing guitar player and also a very good singer, both with backup harmonies and in a lead capacity. When I try and do backup vocals like Richie does them however, I have a lot of trouble. Whereas Richie can sing at a higher pitch than Jon Bon Jovi to harmonize, without braking into an ultra high pitch, I have trouble doing that. I can sing the same notes, but they come out too high. I cant seem to find that "spot" thats above the lead, but without sounding too high pitched. Any tips on how to keep my voice from going up to high when doing backup vocals? Thanks Ryan

Answer. I'm glad somebody recognizes that Richie sings better than Jon. Back in the day we use to play the same clubs and he used to sit in with my band a lot. I tried to talk Richie out of joining Bon Jovi. I told him he'd do much better on his own! And to think I get paid for giving people advice!

Anyway, you should shoot for the 3rd above the lead line. That is the closest interval and usually where Richie hangs around when he's singing in that band that's never going to amount to anything.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am 15. I have been trying to get good at singing, for about 4-5 months, to me it has worked some, but not extremely well. Some of the high notes that i can hit people say sound bad, but others are saying that i am better being a higher singer. I am starting a band and want to get better. I am extremely dedicated to getting good, but i also want it to happen fast. Many people say i suck, even friends and family, they may just say. "Don't sing ever again." I listen to a yellowcard and noticed he's not anything amazing, but has been very sucessful, and people say he's good. What is the big boundry between me and him. I listened to myself and do not hit the wrong notes anymore then he does. Sometimes i am called good, but i don't even know if they are telling the truth. I know how i sound from countless recordings ive done everyday. Please help me. I play guitar around 3 hours a day for the last 3 months, when i got it. If i could email you a recording of me i would be extremely thankful, however i realize the countless reasons why you wouldn't want me to. I am trying to get my voice more powerful and increase my range to where i'm comfortable singing high notes. The amount i've been singing i think made me sound a lot better, but everyone else disagrees. There is nothing else i'd be satisfied doing for life. I can see you were in almost the same position before, how did you do it, because it all is starting to seem hopeless to me. Is anyone honestly born with natural talent above others in their singing, because my sister is very good and has sang for her school graduation,small contests, or even an american idol audition when they visited here , but i don't remember her putting much effort forth like me. I just really want my effort to pay off. I feel like i'm giving it everything in vein. This is my first attempt to ask someone else for help who would know what they're talking about.

Answer. Yes I was in the same position as you. How I did it was by not getting restless after 4-5 months. Not even after 4-5 years. I stuck with it until I could sing the way I always wanted to sing. It took a long, long time. There's nothing more I can do for you but what's already written in this section. Take a step back for yourself and make a decision that you will stick with this for the long run.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Every time i start singing ..it sounds different but when i record my singing, my voice sounds so much different,why does that happen? What's your opinion on the best way to concentrate while you are singing?

Answer. Your voice sounds different to YOU when you record because you're used to hearing an internal vibration along with what's leaving your mouth. The rest of the world only hears what's leaving your mouth -- so the recorded voice is really what you sound like. That's why the best thing to concentrate on when singing is the lyrics and what they mean to you. Then your sound will always be heartfelt.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi,I used to be able to sing quite high and comfortable, but for years never bothered much.Now with playing guitar I have started to sing again, but find That notes around E,F,G, above middle C are thin and sometimes I do not reach them. I have read the Q&A on this website about regaining flexibility in the vocal cords, but at over 50 is it to late to regain my former range?. If not your advice on how to proceed would be most welcome.

Answer. It's not your age as much as the years of non-use. Those that practice yoga in their twenties stay flexible through their eighties as long as they stick with it. You've got nothing to loose by trying to regain that elasticity. A warm up routine like the one outlined on my site http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/kiss.htm would be the best place to start.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Well, I am now 16 and I have saved this email to look at when I do get discouraged. Right now, I am not really discouraged, but I don't know how to sound natural. How do I sing my own way. I try to mimic their voices. I try to sing like all of my country music favorites. I want to sing professionally, and I can't do that if I am trying to sound like someone else. What is your advice?

Answer. Stop listening and start writing your own songs. Turn off your radio -- hide your CD's. It's time to show the world what the "new" country music is gonna sound like -- the Rob Meyer sound.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am a 15 year old male, and I have always loved to sing. When I was little it sounded bad, but around 10 or 12 years old, it started to sound good. However, I can only sing like the professional who makes the song. I try to sing like them. It works for a while, but then it starts sounding bad. I am a huge Clay Walker fan, and I do some of his songs well, but it still sort of sucks. I want to go professional in Country music, but I have a social anxiety, and I question whether I sound good. What should I do, because I get discouraged, and it sends me into a depression?

Answer. Don't get bummed out Rob. The thing that's hard to realize when you're 15 is that Clay Walker also sounded bad when he was 15. He went through some bad times where he doubted his ability and still doesn't think he is as good as you think he is. If you keep singing, whether you think your good or not you will develop into a singer. People assume that every professional singer out there think's they're good. They don't. They sing because they love to sing -- not because they think they're great. And should you pick up some fans along the way . . . well that's just a nice bonus to what you would be doing anyway.

Mark

Back to top

Question. is it true that honey can improve your vocal's when you sing ?

Answer. No. Honey just coats your throat and you don't sing with your throat -- you sing through your throat. Regards, Mark Baxter

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi ya mark, so heres my problem, i really really love singing but i don't know weather i can actually sing. i don't think i have a particularly bad singing voice, and singing is the only thing that im really interested in. im only 15 so it's hard to be noticed and i was wondering if you had any tips on how i could be? also im really self conscience and i don't like to sing in front of people that i know, like family, because im afraid that they will think i sound awful. please please help me, thanks alot lucy xxxx

Answer. Yes you do have a problem Lucy. Not with singing, that just takes work. The problem is that countless 15 year-olds have the same desire as you and some are way more forward about it. So naturally they will find opportunities and take advantage of them where you would let them slip by. My advice is to work on your voice. You can't just turn on a different personality and become out-going but you can become such an incredible singer that people will push you out in front of others. Start working on that voice. Let it take you to places you would be too afraid to venture on your own.

Mark

Back to top

Question. My dream is to really want to impress people when I sing and get them to a complete silence and listen intently. That is along way away I know but my question is: i feel kind of embarrassed to have singing lessons because I can't really pronounce my "r's" to well therefore they come out in a "w" sound when i say them. When i usually sing covers i just change the words and no one notices, so that isn't a factor but what would a vocal teacher say?

Answer. A teacher would say, "Welcome to your first voice lesson." Fixing problems is what voice teachers do. No need to feel that you need to perform for your teacher -- what would the point be of taking lessons if you were already good. Sign up and fix those R's. www.voicelesson.com

Mark

Back to top

Question. Dear, Mr. Baxter I've been having trouble with my diaphragm breathing as well as singing with a clear, speaking-like voice. It often sounds more like I'm whispering. But when I sing "clearly", I completely loose control over my voice. Is this just something that will take a long time to overcome? Also, I've read many websites on diaphragm breathing and how to do this. I understand how to do this, and have done it, but unless I strain, I can only release air for 6 seconds. I don't feel like I can take much air into it at all. Is there something wrong with my diaphragm or is that also something that time and practice has to do with? Thank you for your time and help! -Bonnie

Answer. The problem is never JUST the diaphragm. Your breathy sound comes from the vocal folds not closing properly. It is perfectly fine for you to loose control while exploring new behaviors. People are usually way too impatient and don't develop good coordination because they sound bad in the process. The goal for the released hiss should be at least 30 seconds (I make people do 60). Your diaphragm is just underdeveloped -- it has nothing to do with taking in a bigger breath. You should be able to hold your breath for a minute. If that's so, then you should be able to release it slowly for the same length of time.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am 28 years old and an elementary school teacher. I have been singing on and off for 6 years. I had a really critical voice instructor in college and every time I sing I hear his negative comments in my head. He criticized my breathing technique. How do you become a tough SOB? How can I improve my breathe support? I think I am finally ready to stick my neck out and take a chance on a side career. I have to keep my other job too. I have taken voice lessons but I still have horrible breathing technique. I The artist I most sound like is Jewel. I have a deviated septum and was wondering if that would help my breathing? Also, I am terrified to sing without a mic or audition for anything because of my breathing. I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you may have. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer. Your first question is address to the wrong person! I had the same professor in college and I think that's why I became a teacher -- just to counter the SOB's out there. Your professor was a bitter and jaded ol' fool who takes out the frustration of not becoming the celebrated singer he dreamed he'd be on poor students. He is forcing the same antiquated breathing technique on you that was forced on him. Classical breathing methods are for classical singing only. You don't sing classical music so you have no business evoking those behaviors. They will only make you sound contrived -- just like he does when he sings. Your deviated septum is not affecting your breathing but is a part of your sound. Unless it robs you of sleep and fosters infections I would leave it alone. I recommend you pick up a book or video that focuses on contemporary singing. The breathing is far more reflexive and conversational. No one in the popular music audience gives a hoot about your breathing. All they care about is how you feel. They want to know what you're thinking, and if all you're thinking about is breathing while you're singing some sad love song the signals will be very confusing. So take a deep breath (any ol' way you want) and notice that professor is not around anymore. You're free. Sing like you want.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Well ive been singing for just over a year now im 17 years old i tend to sing along to linkin park and green day but the problem is that when i sing along my voice doesn't seem as clear as there's are and ive tried clearing mucus also i don't really understand what is meant when you say = back off with air pressure on higher notes. A small problem really i recently went to an audition recently and i got there and tried to sing my heart out but what happened was i didn't get the notes i can normally hit with ease and my voice was in a constant unwanted vibrato can you help?

Answer. When you're riding a bicycle too fast and loosing control the first thing you should do is back off the pressure on the pedals right? Well that's the same thing when singing high notes. Back off the push until you regain control. If it's not loud enough for you then practice until you can do it. The same solution is the answer for your audition mishap. You'll need to audition more so you don't freak when people are listening critically. I know you're saying to yourself that you weren't nervous but that just denial. The goal is to audition as many times as it takes until you feel no different whether you're alone or in front of people. It took about 5 or 6 auditions for me to get into my first band.

Mark

Back to top

Question. what is the basics for singing harmony with another person? do you use thirds or fifths?

Answer. Thirds are the best place to start. If that sounds to happy or just wrong for the song, move to fifths.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
Hey man what can I expect from my first singing lesson?

Answer.
A change of perspective mostly. Like your first day in the gym, you'll discover a lot of things that you can't do very well. Don't get discouraged. If you did everything great at your first lesson you wouldn't need lessons. Keep an open mind. Sometimes the ideas laid out won't seem like they apply to you or your kind of singing. You don't have to use everything you get at lessons, but the knowledge will allow you to make choices later on.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey, i am trying to become a kid singer with a cd or my own. my dad said that i need lessons because i make up my own songs but i don't have a good voice. what should i do?

Answer. Tell your father you think he's right . . . and then ask him to hook you up with a teacher.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Is singing dangerous can you have an esophagus seizure or have the throat close all the way shut or am I just the victim of an over active imagination, I have been feeling a little edgy since the tsunami warnings.

Answer. A tsunamis is a terrible natural disaster. A throat seizure is a terrible health disaster. The likelihood of either occurring is incredibly remote. Singing will not trigger either to happen -- so sing and keep that overactive imagination focused on something more productive.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have no clue what a vibrato is could you explain it to me please?

Answer. Read my free lesson entitled "Vibrato." http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/free_lessons_07.htm

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am a vocal coach. One of the children I teach can not seem to find the center of the pitch when she goes down. She is find when she moves up but always misses it when she goes down whether she is flat of sharp. Do you have any exercises besides intervals that I could use to help her re-center her tone when coming down? THank You, CJ

Answer. Have her prefix the notes with an S. It will help coordinate the airflow which could be the culprit. If there still is an issue, have her play piano along with singing the notes. Even the most rudimentary scales and piano skills will make a connection in the brain.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello I've been reading your question and answers and I want to learn to scream sing I know anyone can learn to sing and I know anyone can scream but I have tonsillitis and it affects my voice causing it to almost crack and/or cease at times how badly will this affect my screaming? and also could you kinda explain how exactly to scream vie read so many diff ways and I don't know witch is best thanx for taking your time to read and answer my questions (as stupid and lame as they may be) it means alot Josh

Answer. Don't scream with tonsillitis, laryngitis or any other "itis" ailment. It's like running on a swollen ankle. Things just get worse. There's no best way to scream. You can read all kinds of things where singers try to describe what they do to get certain sounds -- but the bottom line is: they do what they do because they can't do it any other way. The key for you to survive a career based on screaming is minimizing the friction. That means get the most aggressive sound you can with the least amount of physical effort. Most people will just throw everything they have at their throat figuring it's necessary for a cool sound. It's not.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Dear mark I have always wanted to sing but no one seems to want me to sing its not that I sing off key but my voice they say isn't natural but sounds squeaky and too soft how to I project my voice so that it is much stronger and how do I know if its natural

Answer. Stand in your bedroom closet when no one is home and make the loudest sounds you can. You don't have to scream, but imagine you are trapped inside and need to yell for help so someone can hear you outside. If that were a true situation the volume you would produce would be very natural but because you're shy you think it's bad to be that loud around others. Get used to it at home and then one day you'll come out of the closet . . . vocally speaking.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi, I'm having real trouble fighting through the break in my voice. im finding it hard to sing along with bands like funeral for a friend because of this, can you help?

Answer. Stop singing along with CD's and start exercising your voice. Singing songs is not a good way to develop your voice. Too much emotion can complicate the mechanical issues. Just sing a scale on a plain AH vowel sound through that cracky area and look for the air flow to remain the same. Keep your face, neck and jaw real loose. It will still break up for a while -- allow it to sound bad. Remember what you're looking for is to coordinate the air through that area. It's too hard to concentrate on that when rocking out to a song.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am 16 years old and I guess my voice is still changing... but anyway I love singing but I have a baritone singing voice and I want to hit = those high notes from the first F to B above middle C easily or unstrained at least like many male stars do like USHER, CLAY AIKEN, and JOSH GRABAN. I really like singing but I am discouraged because my range is not like I want. I can hit the G# above middle C every blue moon, but it is still strained. But recently I've heard that as long as you don't = strain to the point where it hurts, that the strain is actually like picking up something heavy, the more you pick it up the easier it will become. Is that true? Thanks alot if you are able to help me because I have been singing for 2 years now and I am starting to think I am at my peak and therefore I am getting discouraged. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE ME AN ANSWER THAT JUST SUGGEST THAT I GET A VOCAL COACH because I will I just want something to do at home right now. Thanks again.

Answer. I've been singing for 38 years and I think I'm just reaching my peak so you have a little ways to go Ryan. I won't suggest you go to a vocal coach but I'll just causally mention that WORKING WITH A VOCAL COACH IS THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR SINGING. Next best way is with some instructional materials. I do suggest you pick up my new CD, "Sing Like an Idol," because it has everything you want in one package. If that's not an option for you right now then read through my free = lessons at http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/free_lessons.htm. There's one entitled, "Maximum Range" that's all about raising your high notes. http://www.stagepass.com/markbaxter/

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am a kid and my life long dream is to sing! Can someone sing at different tones I 1 song?

Answer. You can only sing one note at a time. There are monks in the hills that can sing harmony with themselves -- but they're monks.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I experience constant blockage in my throat when I'm singing as if I've got cold I've tried using ginger and warm water but yet it wont clear. what do I do?

Answer. See a doctor to get a definite answer that there is nothing blocking your throat. Sometimes it feels that way when it's just muscle tension. Once you really know what's going on -- you can exercise the tension away.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am from Africa..Nigeria actually. Right from my primary school days every believe that I have a very good voice, but my problem now is that I want to improve my voice (I will love to start as a starter). Secondly most times when I sing phlem or saliva makes me not to sing well.

Answer. You become the best by exercising your voice along with singing songs. There is a good program for this on my new instructional CD, "Sing Like an Idol." You can also read over my free lessons. http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/free_lessons.htm

Mark

Back to top

Question. My name is Ray and I am very interested in learning how to sing. I guess you could say my voice is pretty normal, but I believe with work I can make it much better. That is my problem though... I don't know were I should start. The problem I have is I have no money to get lessons or books or things like that. If you could give me some references to places with free information on how to learn to sing I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

Answer.
You definitely can improve with practice. I would suggest to keep singing and surf the web for tidbits of info. My site (www.voicelesson.com) has quite a bit of free info and I know there must be other sites as well.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
I really want to be able singing these high notes as Ian Gillian, Robert Plant and Ronnie Dio do. But it doesn´t seem to fit my voice very well´.When I first started singing I could sing an A note, and know when I´ve practise song in three months I´m only able to sing the B note.How many notes can a normal person get out from exercise?Can I blend in my falsetto with my regular voice? I only got three notes to Led Zeppelins Black dog(high E) !!! Do you think I can do it with alot of practise?

Answer.
Ian Gillian never blended registers. His high screams were always all falsetto. Plant didn't need to and Dio mixes a little to keep those high notes thick. None of these guys are thinking about this stuff when they're singing. They're just singing the best they can . . . and so should you. Practice will make you a better singer -- that's for sure. But better doesn't mean higher. Singing is not a sporting event. Each one of the singers you mention sounds great but none of them sound like the other. What you can do has yet to be discovered.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey mark, thanks for doing the site im pleased I found you. im 23 years old and have been singing all my life, in secret!!! my parents and two select friends had been privy to hear my capabilities until such a day that they dragged me kiking and screaming to a local beach bar where a live band, shack attack were playing. pleaded with the band and condemned me to sing! nervous and shaking I took to the stage and was amazed not only by the reactions of the crowd but the band too. they really did enjoy it so I carried on song after song. I do feel I have a good vocal range growing up hearing led zeppelin and rock legends to my own love of soulful low tones yet im comfortable hitting the high notes aswell. my problem is being heard. how do I find out if I really am any good? please, what do I do

Answer. You already found out. You're good. Now you'll have to stand in line with everyone else who wants to be on stage. If you want it bad enough -- you'll be up there. If you don't -- there's nothing wrong with singing for your own enjoyment.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Im trying to find out the correct answer to Mariah Careys true vocal range. Speculations are all the way up to 7 octaves. Would you be able to help me clarify this? Here is a link to where someone sounds like they know what they are talking about. http://popdirt.com/article17793.html Is this person correct?

Answer. I was on that MTV show, "The 22 Greatest Singers," talking about Mariah. The guy in the popdirt article is correct, they did show her singing that high note in Emotions. I agree with his assessment of her range except I have heard her sing above the piano (C8) -- so I would put her range at a full 5 octaves rather than four and four notes.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
HI, I sing alto in the keys of Linda Ronstadt, Shania Twain and Patsy Cline. I recently joined my church choir (only 3 of us) The leader sings in a high soprano and the keys of all the songs are in her key. I don't even know what key I sing in, yet she keeps saying I'm not blending and I sing well if I was "solo", but in a group I need to blend. I'm starting to sing higher and I don't like it and my voice is getting sore. Is this going to ruin my voice and my singing ability? I have won contests and sing fairly well. I've never had a lesson, and have no clue how to "blend" with those high notes. Help!!!!

Answer.
Welcome to choir politics 101. When your leader says, "blend," what she really means is, "Sing like me." If you want to continue in this choir just listen to her voice and imitate her sound. You'll get a nod that you're doing better. It doesn't seem like a good situation for you though. Singing this way won't harm your voice -- just your ego.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have two questions. first of all, my band has recently changed our style of music to a more metal genre and I want to be able to scream like underoath, atreyu, unearth etc.... I've tried to callous my throat be screaming until I lost my voice but I still am not getting the raspy sound I want. how can I learn to scream???? also I would rather be able to scream in the higher pitches but it seems easier for me to do it lower. how could I change that?????? thanks and please answer!!

Answer.
I don't recommend trying to beat your throat up until it's raspy -- that's why you can't sing high pitches. To scream with control it's going to take some skill. A good place to begin is by reading through this article, http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/screaming.htm

Mark

Back to top

Question. Mark I need to know how to breath when singing I am in the choir at my church but I don't know how to sing from my stomach and not my head please can you help me.

Answer.

There is a whole chapter dedicated to this in my book. I recommend you pick it up.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
I use to be a great singer. now I can still sing but it's not as good as it was. I don't scream either. Do you have any idea y this happens?

Answer.
This happens because you were expecting to be able to sing rather than thankful. Now you're going to have to work for it. Are you still interested in singing? If so, there's plenty you can do to get your voice back but it starts with dedicating yourself.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark!I seem to be having recording in the studio as I'm under the impression that I'm not producing enough vibrato and become more nervous.Please help.

Answer. That's kind of like saying that you're not wearing enough denim. How you stylize your singing is just as personal as how you stylize your wardrobe. You don't seem to be sure what you want -- which is the first thing you need to know when heading into the studio.

Mark

Back to top

Question. when I sing in pubs on the karaoke I can't hold the high notes is there something I,m doing wrong please help me

Answer. You are definitely getting tangled up when singing. I recommend you purchase my new instructional CD, "Sing Like an Idol." It will help you sort out the issues that are getting in your way

Mark

Back to top

Question.
Hey Mark. I was wondering if there is some material you could give me to work on my pitch, tone and overall sound. When I sing it sounds off and terrible, I haven't had any practice singing. Do you have any recommendations or movies or books on how I could improve everything? thanks alot

Answer.
Start with the warm up routine outlined on my site (www.voicelesson.com) called K.I.S.S. After that I would buy a tuner (for guitars) and sing into it so you can "see" your pitch.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey Mark, I'm 19 and I write my own songs. My singing voice is mono tone and dull. I was wondering if there was a way I could sure this?

Answer. I don't know what you mean by "sure this" I assuming you mean make your voice dynamic and exciting. The first question you should ask yourself is if you are a dynamic and exciting person. If not, then it would benefit you to write a dynamic and exciting song. Something with big sweeping vocal melodies to bring you out of your shell. The other option is to write lyrics that challenge you emotionally. Reveal a secret you don't want anyone to know and you'll sing it with a different approach then just any ol' lyrics.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am an aspiring singer who regularly sings karoake for fun, I sing at church and also have sang a few times with different bands. I have a wonderful higher range but I struggle a bit at the lower octaves. Is this normal? What do you recommend for me to do in order to open up this range? Thanks in advance.....I appreciate the info! Nicole

Answer. It's normal for people with high voices. Where your voice sounds wonderful is where you should be singing. No one gets all the notes. What great singers do is make sure the songs they sing stay in their strong range. That way they always sound great.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
Hey Mark. I was just wondering if you could give me vocal techniques for singing high. I practice everyday and keep drinking water between signing but I still crack out.

Answer.
Back off the volume and make sure your neck and jaw stay loose. Just like playing fast rolls on the drums, high notes require freedom. Most people tense up and squeeze the sticks while good drummers know to loosen their grip on the sticks. Same is true for the voice. Loosen your throat and jaw when singing up.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I really really love singing but I am very nervous and worried about what people think of me so I don sing in public please help im scared that if I tried then I would get stage fright or something

Answer. Start singing where you know people can hear you but you don't have to see them, like they're in the next room or something. You should also join the choir at school. If you're nervous to sing for other people, then you should sing with other people

Mark

Back to top

Question. Im 14 years old and I have been in a choir for 3 years. I've always wanted to enter our schools talent show and people tell me I can sing but im not comfortable because I don't think I sound good. MY main problem is that when I hit the high notes I scream them there is no control. THe also say my voice is too "raw" and doesn't sound smooth. What to do?

Answer. Keep practicing. It takes time to smooth things out. Voice lessons will speed up your development but sometimes they are too expensive. Ask the choir director for some pointers. Ask if you can sing a solo. Don't worry about the talent show. It doesn't seem like you're ready yet. You have plenty of time.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
Hi Mark. I am 13 years old and I have always had a dream to be able to sing. My whole family thinks I'm well on my way but we don't have enough money to pay for lessons. I was wondering if you had any ideas of how I could teach my self just off the internet without it costing money? Thank you so much Mark... Tonia

Answer.
Sure you can. It's the hard way to go about it, but if that's what it has to be then that's what it is. I recommend reading through the free lessons on my site for starters and then surf the web for more.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey,im a 14 yr old in a rock band.We have been looking for a singer in the eband for a long time and I have decided to give it a go.we have a big gig coming up in june and I need to learn to sing better!please help!I am thinking of buying you're book.does it really work?? Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer peoples questions. Mike smith:)

Answer. Do you think you could learn to play guitar or drums by June? Nothing will make the dramatic changes you're dreaming about by June. So stop dreaming and get to work. I'm assuming you're planning on doing more shows than one. So buy the book, or don't, but start taking singing seriously and you'll get a little better every day.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I'm in a band and I think we produce decent music, but I think that my vocals are killing my sound. My friends say that my vocals sound fine and point out that "everybody hates their own voice". I listened to one of our songs, and needless to say I hated my voice. I was on key the majority of the time (it's a demo so there are a couple of mess ups) but there was some thing about my voice that just drove me crazy! Maybe I sound too nasal, maybe I'm not projecting enough, or maybe I just haven't hit my personal "sound" that I'm capable of. Could you please go to www.myspace.com/thesuitors , listen to "Jeremy", and tell me what you think I could change about my vocals? And does everybody really hate their own voice?

Answer.
It doesn't matter what I think of your voice -- or any one else for that matter. If you don't like the sound of your voice then you should work to improve it. The only thing that matters is that you are able to sing with the sound you intended. That way if anybody ever says you suck you can brush it off. You can change a lot about the sound of you voice. I recommend looking into lessons or checking out my book

Mark

Back to top

Question.
Hi Mark, love the site - have enjoyed reading all the questions and tips! Feel like I'm not alone in my vocal journey! My question is: I have been singing for 16 years, from Gospel choir to classical training so I could do competitions in "opera" style singing etc. Getting over my fears and joining a band to sing modern/rock music was my goal as I entered my 20's and now that I'm in my late 20's I am still on that side of the path. I started going to a vocal school and they told me the classical training I have is in the way for the "pop" sound and I have to "belt" my chest voice to get that middle sound that ALL singers have. Now, I'm no idiot and have been singing for long enough to know that not ALL singers do any one thing - but after going for that stronger middle range sound with belting, I keep losing my voice often now, even when not singing - ahhh! Never happened while I was singing classical and now I seem to not use my soprano at all and mostly stay in the "pop" range of lower to middle voice. I used do Tori Amos and Bjork covers, now I feel stuck in the Melissa Etheridge range - can I do both without losing the strength in the higher or lower areas? I am learning to thicken the folds to get that belting sound, but will it weaken the lovely higher voice I love to sing with as well? I have a fantastic holistic vocal teacher I see - but being more technical I was wondering if I can do the fun diva singing of Emotion like Beyounce as well as the grittier sound of rock chick (like Shirley Manson)? Thanks for your response!

Answer.
There's a reason why you have to name different singers as examples of different vocal styles. No one can do everything well. Driving the voice hard will thicken your folds and make them less flexible. BUT, you don't have to sacrifice one for the other. If you want multiple styles you certainly can retain enough flexibility to sing your soprano stuff. Just know that singers on a professional level have to choose a single style and develop it into their identity. Focus and excel in one category. Otherwise you'll seem like a vocal schizophrenic.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark. I am 19 years old and have had prior experience singing Jazz, and I have noticed lately that when I try to sing louder, I get a tingle in my throat and start to cough so hard I almost gag. . . I was just wondering what I could do to prevent this, and also was wondering why this is happening. If you could get back to me that would be great :). thanx. - Rachael

Answer.
The muscles just above your larynx are tight to begin with. Your gag reflex resides in these muscles. When you attempt to sing loud you drive your air harder and so the muscles brace and tighten even more against the pressure. The tension restricts the saliva glands which are responsible for lubricating the vocal folds. It only takes a few seconds for the folds to dry out. It's the same as not being able to blink your eye. The solution is to relax your throat and practice keeping those muscles independent of singing. At first this means you will loose some control. However, in the end it means having dynamic control separate from pitch and tone -- a huge benefit for expressing yourself.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting more than once. On recordings I often here professional metal singers produce a kind of "vibrato" while screaming (that's the less aggressive on pitch scream, not the atonal hardcore stuff). Is this a purely faked thing? Or is there a way to pull off a true vibrato while singing like this? Thank you

Answer. It's faking by classical standards -- but who cares about classical standards. Any movement during a scream is a good thing. It's when we lock it up tight and push a rigid note out that things get beat up inside.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
Hi, I have just started singing but I have a big problem, when I sing it feels like I'm afraid of anyone hearing me especially if I hit the wrong note; how can I break out of this habit? and is it normal for your stomach muscles to feel sore when you first start singing? Thank you for your time.

Answer.
Lots and lots of people go through this Marissa. Of course we would all sing out if we knew that it would sound good. The problem is most of us don't sound good right off the bat -- we need training. In time you will be less afraid of wrong notes and people hearing you. Just think back to when you were afraid to go to school. I'm sure that seems silly to you now. You would also be much better off if you took some lessons. Your stomach shouldn't be hurting.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have been singing since I was about 5 in church. I still sing today and have watched my voice change over the years. My most recent change came after a long bout of coughing associated with a severe cold. Prior to this particular cold I had a fairly large voice range. I could hit high, middle and low keys and seemed to feel comfortable with any song. After the coughing, I believe I injured my vocal chords because for weeks/months after I could hit nothing very well. I began to worry and purchased a voice tape and did it in my car on the way to work. I noticed my voice became stronger but seemed to have a different range, more toward middle-low. Although this eliminated many of my songs, I felt comfortable singing and didn\'t feel tired or have a sore throat after singing. Lately I find myself struggling once more and even spoke to a doctor about my vocal chords. He was willing to examine them but advised I try other alternatives first. What went wrong? I am very hoarse, even when I talk, and my throat is always dry and hurts on each side up to my ears. I have taken antibiotics but have had no relief. Is it just a matter of conditioning or could there be something wrong with my vocal chords?

Answer.
I am very surprised the doctor suggested alternatives before looking at your chords. The visual observation from a doctor is the best way to know what course of action to take. He can (and should) look down and see if there is anything wrong. I doubt there is damage but it would be so simple for him to look and confirm.

After the doctor says there's no damage, there can be many causes for the issues you're struggling with. The coughing most likely set a series of events in play. Due to the swelling from coughing, you started pushing a little more air pressure to sing. This extra pressure tightens muscles around the larynx and denies high notes. Instead of reducing the pressure you settled for lower notes -- never really addressing the underlying issue. This extra tension has now worked its way into your speech and is cause irritation there as well.

There are plenty of exercises specifically for tension around the larynx. My book and video are filled with them. But first I would go back to the doctor to get scoped -- arm yourself with the facts.

Mark

Back to top

Question. HI MARK. I HAVE BEEN SINGING FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS;AND EVERY THING IN YOUR BOOK I HAVE LIVED THROUGH AT LEAST ONCE OR TWICE.YOUR BOOK MADE ME REALISE I AM NOT CRAZY. THE LAST FEW YEARS IT SEEMS MY SINISES HAVE BEEN GETTING WORSE.WHEN I AM OUT IN THE COLD AL DAY,I LAY BRICK FOR A DAY JOB I HAVE BEEN DO THAT AS LONG AS I HAVE BEEN SINGING I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM SINGING THROUGH MY BREAKS INTO MY FALSESETTO.THE THROAT DOCTOR SAID MY PROBLEM IS THIS THE SINISES ARE DRAINING BACK ON TO MY VOCAL CHORDS AND THE MUCUS IS CAUSING ME TO PUSH HARDER CAUSING A LITTLE SWELLING ON MY VOCAL CORD. THE DOCTOR HAS GIVEIN ME A INHALER CALLED QVAR-80.MY QUESTION IS DO YOU KNOW ANY OTHER WAY I CAN GET THROUGH THIS WITHOUT ANY KIND OF DRUG USE, THE DOCTOR SAYS ITS NOT A BIG PROBLEM.BUT ERVERY TIME I GO TO SEE HIM IT COST ME MONEY.THANK YOU FOR YOUR GOOD WORK KEEP IT UP SEAN FINLEY

Answer. You can do this without meds. Make sure you're drinking 2 liters of water per day. Start honoring a warm up before singing. Try the one on my site (Free lesson: K.I.S.S.) www.voicelesson.com or any other you know about. You've got to get the chords thin before singing. It doesn't matter why their thick, singing very low volume higher notes on an EE vowel will help thin them down. Don't push as you warm up -- even if nothing comes out at first. It's just like working through a stiff shoulder. Easy does it.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
Mark - I bought both the book and video and they are great. I don't ding much rock, mainly old music at nursing homes, but it's really helping me improve. Thank you. The main reason I'm writing is to ask about harmonizing. I've never given much thought to this, but I'd like to record some harmonies on a couple of bluegrass backing tracks I use. I'm finding it more difficult than I'd have expected. Can you recommend any good instructional books, cd's, and/or videos on how to develop harmonization? Thanks much, Brad Richard

Answer.
I don't have a copy of it, but Harmony Singing and Background Vocal Arranging, Vol 1, seems to have what you're looking for. Available at www.pennynichols.com or from Stagepass.com The Nashville Bluegrass Band - Vocal Harmony Workshop Homespun Tapes / $29.95 U.S. / BUY Published by: Homespun Video Video. Width: 4" Length: 7" #641160. Click to see more...

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi there. I was wondering is it possible to learn how to have a voice like freddie mercury's? Can anyone sing or is it a natural ability? And also is recording your voice on a tape/minidisc a good idea, does it playback accurately? Thanks

Answer. Your question is like asking if it's possible to play basketball like Michael Jordan. Yes it's perfectly possible to play the game but comparing yourself to the best is a sure way to become disheartened. Why let everyone else have all the fun? Sing with the best of your ability and work on your skills. You'll get better every time you sing.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, I have your book and I think it is wonderful. One (of the many) problems I have while singing is I have no vibrato. I don't understand how it works and therefore I cannot create it. I don't recall seeing much in your book on this. Can you help? A Fan, Jim Ouellette

Answer. Hey Jim, You problem is that you are looking to create vibrato when it is an automatic result of natural fluctuations. You are tight and driving the air too hard when you sing so the change of vibrato occurring is snuffed. Vocalize at incredibly low volumes and read the free lesson on my site by using this link: http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/free_lessons_07.htm

Mark

Back to top

Question.
I feel that one of the strong points of my voice is my control of vibrato, though I use my diaphragm and not my throat, is this right or wrong?

Answer.
If you feel your vibrato is a strong point than it's right for you to sing that way. Singing is an art form -- there is no right or wrong. The techniques that teachers like me offer are suggestion to help you coordinate your behaviors so you can sing the way you want. If you like something about your voice -- there's no need to question it.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi mark, I love your site and have your book and video. my question is that I am a harmonica player and singer! I get alot of throat tension when I play harp and then sing, any suggestions. thanks.

Answer. Stop blowing your voice like it's a harp. I know it seems like a close relationship, but the influence of your mouth, tongue and air pressure are very different for a harp. Think of singing like you swallowed your harp. Now you can't push against the pitches -- everything is before the mouth and tongue.

Mark

Back to top

Question. how do I sing the "ry" in "glory" in the high A. I have a really hard time with singing "ry" I don't know how I can relax my throat, to sing it. my throat feels like closing. Is there another sound I can make in this kinda choir music that sounds like I'm sing "ry". before that I have to sing "glo" in D and then G.

Answer. If your throat is closing it's because you are denying a register change. Let things go to the point where your voice is cracking and shaking in order to get things released first. Then look for a lighter register that allows the note without the strain. In time, you can raise the volume up to performance level. It all comes down to focusing on the overall sound you're looking for rather than a register.

Mark

Back to top

Question.
(1) In Hapkido class that I just took up over the summer they teach you to concentrate on the abdominals hardening and chest expanding while breathing in through the nose, on the exhale they teach you to hold and let your weight drop to your abdomen (which I figure is no good because that probably causes glottal shock) and out flowing through the mouth, is that helpful at all for singing?
(2) I've been practicing using their inhale advice, and just thinking of the air flowing out my nose on the exhale, I don't hear the breathing at all which is good. Other times I just close my eyes and think about releasing. One problem I have is lack of sleep just because I can't, I have too much running through my head. Lack of sleep can leave my voice tired sounding. I feel like I have some obstruction in my adam's apple sometimes. Sometimes my voice naturally shouts out. I'm having trouble with my breaks on glisses not so much on scales and occasional breathiness which really messes with my falsetto. My speaking voice also has an irritated tone to it alot of the time which I'm not sure is healthy for my voice.

Answer.
(1) Not at all.
(2) Your larynx (Adam's apple) and throat muscles are simply reflecting the irregular nature of your air flow. The breath should act reflexively to the needs of the larynx -- not the other way around.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello, I am 18 and have been singing in musical theatre and in choirs for a couple of years now and am interested in developing a broader range and more powerful sound. My singing voice from middle c upwards is quite powerful, with fair amount of vibrato and a classical sound. I am about 4 notes off the top soprano note. My trouble lately has been that my lower range is weak and breathy with almost no vibrato or power. I have been seeing a contemporary voice coach for a month to try to overcome this problem. He has started teaching me to sing from the phalanx in the low range and while my voice is significantly more powerful in this style, I lose the quality in tone. Not to mention when I come home from my lessons my voice feels strained and cracked. I just wanted to know if this is normal or should I look into more classical training? I want to stretch my powerful upper range across my entire range but I don't know which way to go? Is this a problem I can remedy myself without training? Thanks for your time Angela

Answer. Classical singing is very different from contemporary. So you have to decide which way you want to go. That said, you are overcompensating when singing low and engaging more muscles than necessary. You're looking for change too quickly and stressing your voice. It's not permanent, but it will not lead you to anything you'll be able to rely on.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, how are you. I was just wondering, everytime I sing for a while or like everyday, I get a weird tickle in my throat, like that feeling you get before you get a sore throat, what gives? It just tickles and it is difficult to swallow. I practice for about 40 minutes a day everyday. Is it something I am doing like putting stress on my voice?!?

Answer.

The tickle is stress related. You are lifting your larynx when singing high notes and that tenses the muscles in the throat. It's like lifting your shoulders to play piano -- it would hurt after 40 minutes. Since the throat is tight swallowing is affected. It would be a good idea to explore some warm up and vocalizing routines to create some freedom in your singing. My book is a good place to start.

Mark

Mark

Back to top

Question.
(1) To expand the range means that I can go from being an alto to a mezzo?
(2) the exercise you recommend consists of singing higher notes in falsetto, for a period of time, every day?
(3) How can I link that head voice with my chest?

Answer.
(1) That would depend on your genetic code and how much tension is presently restricting your voice.
(2) Sure. Why not?
(3) By selecting a single volume and exercising through the change. It will be awkward at first, which is when most people overcompensate the adjustment. It takes time to coordinate through the break, but your reflexes will make the switch perfectly if you let them.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi im 16 years old and I want to start singing for my band. anyway I find that I can hit really high notes like justin hawkins from the darkness and I can sign normally at an average sort of pitch but when I try going from low to high there's like a note which I cant hit and my voice breaks, how can I hit that note because I find that its the note that all my favourite bands sing in

Answer. Everybody has to deal with that stinking middle note. The problem is you are pushing too hard when you're singing below it or above it -- yet those areas sound good. So nobody ever backs off and then cracks when they hit the middle. If you were to sing with a little less push you would smooth out the middle. After that, you could develop more power throughout the voice by practicing exercises to keep you consistent.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I've had classical Indian vocal training for about 3 years about 6 years ago. About 6 months ago, I started singing rock and figured I was really good at it. Recently , I've restarted my singing and have been practicing stuff like Iron Maiden and Van Halen. Now about 2 days before ,I had a hard hour and a half of practice. The next day I found my voice was more rigid around the low notes and I simply could not hit the high notes and worse of all I couldn't even go into my falsetto. All that came out was a low audible squeal-scream. However , yesterday and today I found I could go higher (although not as high as I could go before) but I felt that my throat was much stronger than before.Does this mean in a couple of days I will regain my original range with a the ability to sing with lesser effort and more volume? I must clarify that I'm 17 years old and I take singing lessons. I really feel that my voice has improved dramatically since this has happened. I would like your opinion on this matter.

Answer. You irritated your vocal folds when you sang hard at practice. They swelled up as a result and muscles surrounding the larynx became stiff. Because of that condition, high notes were not available next day. High notes, especially falsetto requires your folds be thin and flexible. A few days later your vocal folds were still a little swollen but the surrounding area had relaxed. That's what allowed you the high notes again but it is the swelling (thicker folds) which gave you the sensation of strength. It's also why you couldn't sing quite as high as before. This is not a good strength building routine. Let your teacher show you how to build that strength without the stress.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am just starting out and my parents wont pay for me to take lessons. I am only 15 years old so I dont have a job. I would like to know if you have any pointers for me to start off on the right foot? P.S. I am not a very strong singer!

Answer. Don't worry about singing strong yet. Keep your neck and jaw as relaxed as possible when you sing. Get used to things feeling very easy. Trying to sing strong before your body is ready will only cause bad behaviors to start. Strength comes when things are coordinated -- not from pushing.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi, I just thought to tell you - I went to a masterclass for Mamma Mia here in the West End London, fantastic - loved every grueling minute of it! - I got a chance to work with the musical director who helped me as I didn't have much voice as I had exhausted it before hand doing warm ups etc the day before - well I went to see a throat dr. he recommended and got to learn there is such a thing as a warm-down - never in all my years heard of that, other than to just relax and be done singing and drink some water or tea- anyway I'm off to the next phase as I see an Osteopath to show me how to relax the throat and do a warm-down. It appears as though they have worked on a technique to help singers/voice with these problems of overworking/exhaustion and tension. Have you heard of this therapy? After a couple sessions with the osteopath, I will visit a speech/voice coach to help me with my placement to avoid strain. So if nothing else comes from this, I will have learned a whole lot more about the voice as seems to be an ongoing study as I aspire to be a singer!

Answer. Did I know? Uh . . . what you are describing is exactly what I've been doing for the last 23 years. I'm glad you know, though. No more blown voices for you!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Dear Mark: Congratulations. You are an excellent teacher. After reading your book and your website and think I understand why your voice cracks however it is still unclear to me as how to prevent it. Thank you very much for your help. You are an inspiration to all singers!

Answer. Allowing your reflexes to adjust the air pressure is the surest way to prevent cracking. There are a multitude of calibrations that need to be made every split second we're singing. Anticipation and muscle tensions deny the reflexes a free environment to make the subtle changes necessary. The down side of this answer is that you have to allow yourself to crack to discover what I'm describing. Freedom first.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello Mark, Cheers on the informative site. I have long admired and tried to replicate vocalists associated with the heavier fields of music (Black, Death, Melodic Death, and Gothic) And by far the most common method of vocalizing used by these artists is "grunting" or "screaming". I have recently started singing and exercising my voice in hopes of producing the aforementioned styles of vocals, and feel I have become marginally good at it. I have in particular a favorite vocalist by the name of Stian Thorensen (Shagrath) of the band Dimmu Borgir which I feel I can effectively replicate while staying in my comfort zone. I have read through your site and while finding some references to some semi-metal artists (Linkin' park, Disturbed) was wondering if you could impart some information on these truly darker styles of singing as I wonder what's going on physically when people sing that way, are they are in reality a healthy means of vocalizing, and are there some/any proper methods for achieving similar styles. Apologies for the massive, multi-faceted question, but the net just can't cure my curiosity , Thanks Paul

Answer. It's not what's going on physically that matters -- it's what's going on mentally. The singers you are inspired by, or any singer that's made it to a professional level, is more focused on creating a vocal identity. It's a crowded field so anything to distinguish you from the pack helps. What usually makes a singer unique is genetics. We all have a fair amount of imitation in our singing, but it usually doesn't sound like the guy we're thinking about because we don't have the same size or shape to our instrument. Even if you did exactly the same thing these guys are doing you wouldn't be satisfied -- because it would still sound like you. There is no harmless way to grunt or scream. All things being proportionate though, your body can take a fair amount of abuse -- especially when you're young. Every singer that incorporates these sounds has found a way to survive by either reducing the push to a minimum, reducing the volume and sucking on the microphone, using the throat just above the larynx like a constant clearing motion, or just blast through and deal with the repercussions.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Im 17, and I used to do vocals for a few of my friend's bands, they were mostly punk, or classic metal. Lately ive been working on some of my own stuff in the Sythnpop/Darkwave style but im having trouble singing low notes. Is there anything I can do to be able to hit the lower notes?

Answer. Your range is determine by genetics. How big your hand, your head, your larynx, etc. will be as an adult is already mapped out at birth. You can encourage more range by developing more independence. Relaxing your throat would be key for accessing low notes.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Since I started trying singing at High C6 more frequently ,I am having trouble flowing into F5, G5, and A6 but I can easily jump to B6 also I cant sing words with B6 is that normal ? and what can I do to hit the G5 and A6 as easily as the B6 I am scared that I am ruining my head voice and my singing ego is kind of suffering cause I feel like the bad soprano in my school choir. Can you please help ?

Answer. Your body does not approach singing in the same way you have mapped out your voice. It's just vibrations. We use a Western tonal scale in the US but not because the body is set up that way. Every pitch requires a separate relationship between your air and larynx. If the relationship is balanced the note sounds fine. If it isn't there can be lots of issues -- but the bottom line is still a bad relationship between forces. It would be better for you to train with glissandos (slides of pitch) rather than stepwise scales. You are too focused on the pitch and not enough on the relationship creating it. Keep the feeling consistent as you rise through your range and you will notice areas of change. These are natural points where the body should re calibrate the relationship. Your reflexes can do a much better job of this then your conscious mind. Stop targeting pitches. Instead, create a reflexive environment that self regulates throughout your range.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I HAVE A 9 YEAR OLD SON AND A 13 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THEY BOTH HAVE A GREAT SINGING VOICE BUT I'M NOT SURE WHERE TO GO FROM HERE TO FURTHER THEIR TALENT. CAN YOU HELP THANK YOU LAURA

Answer. The best thing you can do for their talent is to allow them to sing and explore their voices without pressure or criticism. They are both too young to really develop their voices. 15 years old is a good time to start with lessons if they beg for them. Otherwise, leave them alone. The love of singing does not have to lead to anything. If they want to pursue something in the entertainment field they should announce their desire and you should be a supportive parent but not a manager. I'm assuming you would not usher them willingly into a traveling circus if they showed a talent for juggling -- because that's exactly what a career in the music industry is like!

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have a deviated septum and chronic sinusitis. do they interfere with high-pitch singing?

Answer. Yes. When we sing higher, the smaller resonating cavities in the head need to contribute. These are blocked for you and so the higher pitches won't be as resonate. This doesn't mean you can't sing high, which is the result of the vocal folds stretching, it means the sound won't be as bright. You also should be watchful that you don't drive the air too hard due to the blockage above.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey Mark, I'm a 14 year old female, and I was wondering how I could make my voice really mature, so that it sounds strong and powerful, I.e. JOJO & xtina Aguilera.If I can't take lessons is there any way I can make this happen?

Answer. There are natural factors at play with what makes a mature sound. When you're young the larynx sits high in the throat, so there is less space to resonate. As we age the larynx sinks down and provides more space for a richer tone. Both singers you mentioned sound young to me, so I think what you are hearing as "mature" is their control . . . and that comes from practice, practice, practice!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Can large tonsils affect your singing?

Answer. Not if they have always been large. However, if they become swollen due to infection then the area will be affected by the activity. Mark

Mark

Back to top

Question. first off, I have an ok voice. I can hit notes, but theres no volume behind it. alot has to do with learning the correct breathing. so even though I can hit notes, they waver a bit and are not smooth. so singing alone or with an instrument sounds horrible, but to the radio its ok cause the voice on the radio has the volume and power behind it. however, whenever I sing, my nose tends to start getting stuffy. I wanted to know whether this will still be a problem after learning how to breath. thanks scott

Answer. No it will not be a problem. The stuffiness is a reaction to air pressure.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi, I've been asked to sing in a band, a rock band believe it or not. I sing very well at home and along with CD's, but that's about it. I understand that I'll need more volume and power when singing with a band. Is it pumping out more air, or using your throat that gives volume? I will sing with them for a good year or so before I play a gig. I can sing Chris Cornell stuff at home, but in a mic, hmmmmmm. I'm not after range (for a while), just from home volume to reasonable practice room volume (I can't buy your book, I don't generally have money, sorry).

Answer. The problem with volume is thinking about it. People tense up in anticipation of making the voice louder. As you practice with the band you will automatically respond to the need for more volume. The real challenge is staying loose and not over working muscles to the point you get headaches and blow the voice out. Over-compensating is way more of a problem then under. I would show up at the first rehearsal and just sing the way you normally do. Over the next year you'll develop more volume. Your job will be to maintain control.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have two questions: 1--I have a good, on-pitch singing voice, but I find there is a nasal quality to it--how do I get rid of that? 2--How do I develop more power? I'm on key when I sing at a normal volume, but when I try to put any power behind my voice, I can't make certain notes, particularly in the higher range. How can I improve this? Thank you! Tara

Answer. To reduce nasality you must release and open your jaw when singing. You are channeling air pressure up into your nose (ironically to help control pitch) and closing up the jaw allows you to do that. Place a finger on your tongue and sing AH. Practice until your tongue remains absolutely still throughout your range. This is also a good exercise for power. It will take lots of practice, but a powerful sound is a combination of a relaxed throat and jaw along with the increase of air pressure. You are pushing too much on those high notes that cut out. The practice is to find the balance.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Ive been reading all the FAQs on you site and they all seem pretty helpful and I think its great you spend you time trying to help people. Ive always wanted to be able to sing properly, just so it sounds good but I cant seem to do it and I listen to my friends and their all good at singing. Im 14 and have quite a deep voice for a girl and I want to be able to sing high and low but my voice always sounds strained and sore. I wondered if there is anything I can do to be able to sing how I want. Could you help please?

Answer. Generally we all want what other people have. The trick in life is to appear like you're happy with what you've got. Then other people will want what you've got and you'll be cool. Every popular singer has learned this trick. No one can sing everything great. What great singers do is let you hear just what they do well. That way, it seems like everything they do is great. You're very young and can open your voice up quite a bit but it would really help if you didn't target things that were outside your immediate ability. Make lots of small steps inside of wishing for giant leaps.

Mark

Question. Hi Mark! I seem to be having trouble with my vibrato.I have a fairly good one but I want to increase the speed and get it going at any part of the song or a word in the song . Is this possible?I'm at present under the impression that vocalists who have more vibrato sounds more impressive and distinguished.How important is incorporating vibrato into a song?By the way I sing rock.Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer. Vibrato is the result of a free environment around the larynx. The more you think about it the harder it is to control. I recommend you do some vocal exercises for flexibility. There's an outline of some good ones in my free lesson called, "Vibrato." You can find it on my site. www.voicelesson.com

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey, just like to start off by saying great site and great FAQ section, your answers to other people have helped me along way as well! Anyway my question is this...when I sing in my head voice it seems very weak, not airy but it doesn't sound like Steve Tyler's head voice (eg) Im not sure if you know what I mean but say for instance you turn the tone knob half way down on an electric guitar...the sound is er more thicker than with the tone on full. if you understand. And after a while my voice seems to go really quickly, and the tone keeps getting thicker (in terms of turning the tone knob on a guitar). I\'ve only been singing for a short while so is this due to my voice not being strong enough? I\'ve been told I strain my voice aswell because im trying to get an Axl/Steve tyler type sound out of it. Any help is much appreciated if you have any idea what im talking about! Cheers bud...Chrisi Stradlin\'

Answer. To continue with your guitar analogy, think of vocal folds as guitar strings. (the throat and mouth are more like the tone knob) If you use super slinky strings, they are easy to bend a play but don't offer much sound. If you use a thick gage they sound great but take real finger strength to play. In order to hit those high notes your folds must thin down -- in order to have a beefy sound they need to be thick. See the problem? One goal counters the other. Keep singing and you'll develop more strength which will allow you to thicken up your folds and still stretch them for high notes. Cheers

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, First of all I'd like to say thanks for offering the FAQ. I have learned a great deal of information from it. I am a serious amateur/pro pop piano player and tried to start singing 6 months ago. I began taking 1 hour per week lessons and practiced between 30 minutes and 3 hours per day. My goal was to do billy joel songs and accompany myself. I improved alot and after a while, my teacher said he thought I was ready to do a vocal demo to hand out to restaurants and bars to market myself vocally. Mark, the resulting cd was horrifying. I simply could not believe that I had studied music my whole life and could not sing in tune. Don't get me wrong, it was 80% on, but my 'good ears' make me very sensitive to the tiniest pitch miscalculations and they are numerous. I can sing down to a low e or so but the songs I was singing, New York State of mind for example, sounded comical, almost like a woman. As I began analyzing this disaster I wondered if I was singing too high for my range. I can certainly hit a high G without too much of a problem but it just sounds bad if the song hangs around it, which alot of Billy Joel songs do, or even higher... . My best analogy is playing a standard bowed contra bass but notes waaaay up on the fingerboard, yes, the high notes are there but it doesn't sound good. I transposed the song 5 half steps ( a minor 3rd) and my intonation improved by about 35% AND it sounds much more relaxed, more like my speaking voice pitch. Thanks for any insight, I would be happy to send you an mp3 clip of myself doing New York State of Mind if you promise not to laugh. Believe it or not, it sounds better I think anyway, when I transpose it down.

Answer. You simply have too many muscles involved when singing around that G. So did Billy in his early years. Just listen to early albums compared to later. I think you're transposing down too far. As soon as you start performing, you're going to wish the key were higher. Each step in a performers career takes practice. Yes you can sing but singing in the studio requires practice -- meaning go back in there and record again. That's what Billy and everybody else does. The same thing will occur once you start gigging. You're bound to get a few train wreck gigs in the beginning stages. Being a pro means nothing more than learning how to smile when you think you sound horrible!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Dear mark, I am a soprano singer, I'm alright I guess. but I just wanna know how I can sing real high without straining my voice. I wanna be able to sing a solo whether high or not and feel that am really singing. I sing in the choir, and my teacher just gave me a song to learn, which we will be singing very soon. The lady on the cd's voice is so lovely. She is singing on a high pitch but I can hear that she sings "naturally" unlike me sometimes. How can I sing on a high pitch without "cracking" my voice? thanks.

Answer. If you're straining on the high notes than you may not be a soprano. If you stick with singing as long as that lady on the CD has been at it, chances are very good you'll sing like that, too. The cracking is a signal that your air is not coordinated. The lady on the CD is relaxing her throat as she sings and you should too. Only when you do it these days your voice cracks. That doesn't mean you should tense your throat -- it means you should practice keeping things loose while you're cracking and looking for the right coordination. It's hard to work that way because you'll sound horrible for a little while -- but it's the quickest way to get where you want to be.

Mark

Back to top

Question. dear mark I am a male singer and have tried to improve my voice all these while and there have been tremendous improvement and I have come to discover that I can sing a soprano voice which gives me alot of joy but I have come to discover that each time I sing with the soprano my male treble voice cracks I find it difficult to sing with it but after resting the voice for a few days the male treble voice returns and the soprano disappears unless I force it out after which the male treble cracks could you tell me what is responsible and what I can do to overcome this I like the two of them thanks from canice

Answer. Tension and air pressure are responsible for the cracking and the disappearing. You are driving too hard to access those female high notes. If it gives you joy then that's cool but it makes singing more of an athletic event instead of an artistic one. Your body has a genetic code which determines how big your vocal folds are. Their size determines what area of pitch is comfortable to sing. Higher is not better; it's just higher.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey, im a 14 yr old male, almost 15, I was wondering if you could help. I cant do falsetto. I try but nothing comes out or I get a huge crack in my voice, People try to explain how they do falsetto but I just cant do it. I was wondering if it is my age? perhaps cause my voice broke recently its stopping me from doing falsetto temporarily. thanks for your help

Answer. It's a strange period you're in for the voice. Growth spurts occur overnight and change things dramatically. Depending on how big your genetic code says your larynx will grow, you probably have the ability for falsetto hidden underneath a lot of awkward behavior right now. It's okay if your voice cracks and cuts out. Don't push to make the notes come out. Instead, play around with sea gull sounds or pretend you're a kitty cat. Random noises like those are more likely to let you slip into falsetto as opposed to higher notes that have a lot of push and tension behind them. Keep messing around. You'll stumble into falsetto by accident.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, sometimes when I vocalize, I activate my gag reflex! what am I doing wrong and how do I correct it?

Answer. You aren't doing anything wrong, you're just tight. The gag comes from extremely protective muscles that line the upper throat area. They are the same ones that rob us of tone and flexibility. When you trigger a gag reflex, it means you are trespassing into that area with your singing behaviors. It's best to continue challenging those muscles by backing off slightly. Hover around the area without triggering another gag. The more you visit there, the more permission you will gain to release the throat. Better tone and flexibility await.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey im a 24 year old male ive been playin guitar about 10 years ive been trying to learn to sing but I feel like it doesn't sound well my greatest influence is kurt cobain if only I could sing his notes my voice is middle range not high or low either when I try to sing some of his screaming song it hurts and I know that isn't good how could I get my voice close to his what exercises do I need to try I am clueless at singing I just want my voice to sound good where I could sing in a small band just a good all around voice like pearl jam, nirvana , creed singers of that nature if u have any suggestions please write me back Robby

Answer. Dear Robby, First off: How 'bout throwing me an occasional period or question mark -- okay pal? Second off: What makes you think Kurt wasn't hurting when he screamed? That was the whole point. Notice, though, that Scott and Eddie get their point across just fine without torching their throats. It's really all about honesty -- especially for rock. You should exercise your voice so it becomes a stronger instrument and then sing from your heart. A good start would be the stuff in my book. Please be aware, though, there's nothing in there about how to scream -- just how to survive it.

Mark

Back to top

Question. first off I would like to say your website is great!!!! you can bet I will recommend this to friends. well my question is I now that I have singing capabilities, but the problem is I cant keep enough air in my lungs. I am a female and ii smoke. also when I sing my abs hurt and my neck and head feels like it has alot of tension. please help me im working on my chest voice right now, but I can seem to keep air flowing so my voice can vibrato?....right? I am recently starting to get back into singing again . I am 19 yrs and I have not sang seriously in about 4 1/2 yrs not to mention I smoked at that time but I have QUIT! . Please give me some tips on rejuvenating my voice, but there is one other problem im having a problem finding my correct pitch. Because I can sing Shania twain but at the same time I can sin Alicia keys (on my good days) . please help me figure out where I can start and who to use as a guide.

Answer. It not that you need a lot of air in your lungs to sing, it's that you need to be able to hold on to what you have. Your abs are getting tight because you are dumping all your air out too quickly when singing. Part of that is due to poor singing habits but mostly it's because your body is not getting enough oxygen out of the air in your lungs. Years of smoking have damaged the ability for the lungs to transfer oxygen into the blood stream. The result is that you need to take many short breaths to equal what a non smoker gets when breathing slowly. I recommend you start a program of cardiovascular exercise (running, aerobics, swimming, etc.) Do it slowly and build up to more vigorous work outs. This will encourage a healthier relationship between heart and lungs. Then you can "barrow" the lungs for singing. The question about singing on pitch is tangled with the breathing issue. So any vocal tips will not be effective until your aerobic capacity improves. You are young enough to completely turn both your health and your voice around. Get busy!!

Mark

Back to top

Question. I just found your site and I think that it is awesome. Do you offer any music lessons and where do you live? Anyways...my question is that I am into bands like Mae (www.purevolume.com/mae) and I want to sing like the vocalist but I can't find a way to sing like him. If you could help, it would be a big help. I am not that good at singing but I always try to improve by looking at tips on the internet. I try singing high notes but it seems to sound like a girl that is singing bad. If you can help, once again...thanks. ...sorry if I'm asking too much but is it possible if I can maybe send you how my voice currently sounds like and you can tell me how to improve. If that's possible...thanks.

Answer. It seems that you haven't built a foundation for your singing yet. Read through my warm up lesson entitled, "K.I.S.S." on my site (www.voicelesson.com) and start building up your basic skills. The high notes and drama can come much easier once that's in place.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey, I just came across your site and thought it was way cool of you to answer all of these questions but I got one of my own. Im 16yrs old, have terrible breathing problems, and I know its bad but for the last year ive been usin the Reefer. But my question is this... I have been singin my whole life and used to sing flat out like a girl in my early days and could hit any high note out there. Then the puberty monster struck me now I sing PRETTY low but can still barely manage to hit some high notes (Dave Gilmour,Layne Staley) pretty well... It takes a lot of effort though :( How can I get a more developed High Range like Chris Cornell(Audioslave)? I know this is long but I need the help man.... Any answer would be well appreciated THANKS

Answer. I have a free lesson on my site called, "Maximum Range." That would be a good place to start. www.voicelesson.com

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi mark all my family think I have a brilliant voice and want me to start having singing lessons but I don't really have loads of money and my mum cant really afford to pay im still in school at the moment im in my last year and I really would like to have singing lesson can you help at all please I would really appreciate it I having been singing at my school since I started in second year I also do kareoke for a while my dad said he would really like me to sing at his funeral when he passes away hopefully not for a long time yet so please help me I love singing all I do is sometimes I drive my mum crazy because I don't stop singing thank- you for your help

Answer. Do you want me to send you money? I don't understand how I can help you take singing lessons. I recommend you finish school and find a job and settle in. Then you will know how much time and money you have to spend on things like singing lessons. You don't need to stop singing until then -- just keep doing what you're doing. You also don't need lessons to sing at your father's funeral. He loves your voice right now. Try my free lessons on my site www.voicelesson.com

Mark

Back to top

Question. WHEN I SING MY VOICE CRACKS WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THAT? HOW CAN I HIT HIGH NOTES?

Answer. You can learn to manage your air flow better -- that will stop the cracking. There are many ways to approach high notes. It all depends on what kind of tone and power you want along with the note. All this is explained in my new CD, "Sing Like an Idol."

Mark

Back to top

Question. sorry to bother you once again. but your a great teacher and mentor. I went to a speech pathologist and singing teacher(one person) and a laryngologist. the doctor said I have very good looking vocal cords. but said im using to much muscles in my throat since im feeling a weird feeling in my right side when I sing. the pathologist singer gave me some relaxing exercises and said I do not need to stop singing at all. is this true.(back in history I was singing and heard a click in my throat and then voice quality was a bit worse that day the next even worse). also, when I do sing now I get a clicking sound in my corner of my right jaw and sometimes in my left jaw. and sometimes a weird feeling in my right ear or like soft soft sharp pain. the pathologist says this is more than likely form excessive muscle use in throat, is this true? even though my voice does sound much better, almost like a clear wind breathy breeze with easier transitions than even before I was singing. and ive only been doing the se exercises about 3-4 days, but the pathologist said it takes a while for the exercises to actually stay longer without tension. is this true also? also, sometimes when im not even talking or singin I get a tension in my throat. thanks

Answer. Your pathologist is correct. You will be fine if you stick with the exercises. The clicking and weird pain are due to muscles tensing that should be. As you become more coordinated, you will feel less of that activity.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi ! first off all I'd like to say that this site is very good for learning about singing and all , well the thing is I'm 15 years old and I'd like to start singing what are your tips for me should I do special exercises and where should I get them?? many thanks

Answer. The best place to start singing is in your school. Join the choir or drama club. The special exercises are called vocalizing and they will make it easy to control your voice. A good beginning routine is outlined on my site (www.voicelesson.com) called K.I.S.S.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I was a really good singer.I sounded like Martina McBride kinda,But now I can still sing but its not the same it's not a good as it use to.

Answer. Unless you define what it is you don't like about your voice these days you'll be running in circles. Things change as we age so you'll have to keep up the fight if you want to maintain. Just think about the body. Lots of people look fit when they're young but don't do anything physical. Then as they get older they really complain about having to work out and exercise to keep what they had. Start a vocal exercise routine, my new CD, "Sing Like an Idol" has a good one.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Mark, I love to sing and people usually say I am a good or ok singer (no ranting and raving though) however I am apparently only a mocking bird. as in I can only sing songs and vocalists I have already heard. I have no idea what my true voice is or how to just sing what I write (lyrics) without hearing music. any help??

Answer. Sing scales instead of songs for a while. Use simple vowels like EE AH and OO. The scale will tell you what notes to sing but not how to sound. After a while your "sound" will become evident. Keep in mind there's nothing to do to promote this sound. It's just the natural result of your genetics.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, I have problem with being very airy and it's very noticeable in the monitor. How do I not let so much air out when I sing? Nikki

Answer. Start by taking in smaller breaths. You'll have to train some in order to teach the folds to be more efficient. Right now you're caught in a cycle, the harder you work the breathier you'll sound. Practice sustaining a low volume hiss sound for 60 seconds.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Dear Mr. Baxter I am 16 years old, and I have not been taking voice lessons or singing for very long, but I have been making every effort to improve my voice. I practice daily, have joined school choir, and gotten a part in the school musical. I have two questions for you, the first being, how do I relax my throat? When I sing my high notes I can feel it closing up, and the note either sounds strained or flat. I know it's because I'm tensing up, but how can I stop it? My second question is about the quality of my voice. I sing soprano, and my voice has a very little-girlish quality. I was wondering if there's anything I can do to get a more mature quality to my voice, and if there is and I do it, will I lose the little girl sound? I would like to be capable of using either quality of the voice as it suits me. The key to doing this is probably experience, but I would still like to know if there is anything I can do. Thanks! -Jaz

Answer. These two questions are related. Your throat is closing up because you are lifting the larynx, tightening your jaw and then driving the air pressure underneath those high notes. To open up you've got to back off the pressure, open your mouth and let your throat feel like you're yawning. The yawn feel counters the lifting muscles. All of this will be very uncoordinated at first so you'll have to forgive yourself as you sound bad experimenting. The little girl sound comes from the same physical scenario and because . . . well, you are a little girl. An adult has a mature sound because the larynx has dropped down the throat quite a bit since the teen years. As you get older, and as you practice that yawn feel, you'll develop a richer mature sound. The good news is you'll always be able to raise your larynx, tighten that throat, and sound like a little girl again.

Mark

Back to top

Question. how does one open the I guess you say, pallet? Does this make the sound stronger?..thanks Maddi

Answer. The pallet is the name given to the roof of your mouth. There is the hard pallet up front and the soft pallet in the rear. The term open the pallet means raise the roof of your mouth in order to provide more resonating space. It makes the sound richer, brighter and more focused. Stronger would refer to the way the sound is produced at the vocal folds. I not a fan of concentrating on raising the pallet when singing. It rises naturally when you sing. If it's not it's due to tensions holding it down or lazy muscles not doing their job. Both issues are better addressed with separate exercises rather than policing them during a song.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, I found your web site and wondered if you could help me. I give hundreds of speeches each year to senior citizens and tell them about programs to help them. The problem is that after 10 minutes or so, my voice and throat gets dry and its hard to talk. Do you have any tips on how to keep the voice lubricated. I've tried water and its a short term fix. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Kris

Answer. Tension is making your throat dry. You are pushing to make your voice heard. Warm up your body with some aerobic activity before speaking. Duck out of the room and do some jumping jacks or jog in place until your heart rate elevates. Stretch out your body by bending and reaching to the ceiling. Suck on a lozenge (any kind) right up until you are speaking. When speaking wear a single ear plug to make you more aware of your internal behaviors. Oh yeah, and tell your audience to put fresh batteries in those hearing aids!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Mark, Hi! I'm forming a band with a few friends from school, and we are all really eager to get this thing going to full potential. I know singing comes along with practice, and consistency, but is there any ways to hopefully get to where I need to be the quickest way possible?(I'm the lead singer). I listen to Incubus a lot, and I love the style of vocals used by Brandon Boyd. I work hard practicing with the cd's, and there are many different scales used throughout the songs, which is sometimes challenging on the higher notes. I was just hoping you could give me some pointers, and guidance about what I can do. cheers, aaron h.

Answer. Hey Aaron, Like the rest of the guys in your band, you need to practice the basic skills required to play your instrument. That doesn't come from singing songs -- it comes from doing vocal exercises. My book and video have lots of different ways to challenge your coordination in order for your voice to develop to its full potential quickly.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I've been singing 20 years and playing 30 years. But still to this day, I get very nervous when I have to sing. Please understand: I have sung a lot, in church, in prisons, in shopping malls, at fairs, I've even done mini concerts by myself and am working on my first CD. I've also been to music school for composition and I've had 3 months of formal training (to learn proper breathing and use my diaphragm). YET!!!!! just the other nite I was asked to sing for a small group, and I was so nervous my voice became "shaky" and weak and I even lost intonation at times. Lately, it has become a real problem again and I feel like quitting altogether. Overall, people tell me I have a nice voice. When I sent a demo recently to a very active producer in the D.C. area, he said my voice was exceptionally good. BUT, I get so nervous at times, I really CAN'T sing and I ruin my performance. Is there anything I can do about this? I really need some help. I've wanted to become more of a professional but I can't count on myself. Thanks so much.

Answer. There's nothing wrong with being nervous -- it means you care! The problems we all have to deal with is short breaths and shaky breath control. Address those symptoms in your warm up by extending very long buzz sounds, hums and lip trills. Deal with the physical requirements of singing and stop trying to pretend you're not nervous!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello Mr. Baxter, I understand there is a spray that can be used to keep your vocals/larynx moist so you don't lose your voice. Is this true? If so, what is it and where can I buy it? If this is not true. Is there anything that can help? Thanks Joaquin

Answer. Thayer's makes a throat spray that moisturizes. If you are a speaker it may help you last longer. If you are a singer, there's nothing better than training for keeping the voice healthy and avoiding blow outs. I quick Google search will provide lots of outlets for the spray.

Mark

Back to top

Question. When I sing to a CD it sounds fine and then when I record it and listen to the playback it sounds different and off. Can u please help? thanks Brian

Answer. There is a false sense of ability created when singing to a CD or the radio. It's like using training wheels on a bicycle -- you're not really in charge of your balance. Continue to record your voice and work through the things you don't like. Vocalize with exercises to build and develop your instrument rather than just sing songs. There are a lot of exercises to get you started in my book, "The Rock-N-Roll Singer's Manual."

Mark

Back to top

Question. Greetings , My name is Anisha Washington but go by the stage name of Moon. I could imagine that you receive a sufficient amount of e-mails daily. If you take the time to read mine and offer your assistance I will be most grateful. I am the lead singer of an Abstract Rock band called Uninterrupted. I first read your manual last year and saw your video. My dad gave it to me after he heard my bands music. I do my best to follow the rules so that my voice is in good shape but I do not have a routine work-out for my voice. Our band manager sent me to a jazz vocal coach and she saw nothing wrong beside pronunciation of words but when the music gets going , I find myself screaming to compete with them. When I hit high notes ( if I can hit them) they are short and uneven. I move around alot onstage but at times breath control is weak . When I sing often my voice sounds tinny and thin and other times its full . Transitioning from low to high notes seems a little rough and inconsistent. When I sing songs that are slow and are meant to be soft they still sound hard. I have a problem with volume ( I am a loud singer) . I need help in remedying these issues. I know what the problems are and I hear it when I play back the tapes. But I don't know how to fix it. The problems are
1. Lack of voice Control
2. Volume
3. Breath Control
4. Transitioning in between High notes and low notes
5. Voice Fullness ( how do I get rid of the thin sound)

Thanks alot I really appreciate this.

PS. What would be a sufficient daily workout for my voice. I already work-out my physical with yoga and pilates. ( I don't drink or smoke or do drugs so I'm pretty much in good shape)

Answer. The remedy for your issues, and you have lots of them, is voice lessons. There are too many factors involved with the way you sing to target any one thing. I don't understand why the teacher you went to didn't hear these issues -- since you do. Right off the bat I would recommend wearing ear plugs when rehearsing and gigging to stop competing with the volume of the band. It feels weird at first but you'll get used to them.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark. I'm into Progressive/Power Metal -- I've played guitar for around 20 years (I'm in my early 30s now), and just started singing seriously about 3 years ago, at which time I started voice lessons with an opera singer. I don't have any problems with pitch, and I feel like my voice is much stronger and more accurate now than when I started, and I'm even developing the "tenor resonance" as my teacher called it, but my voice still sounds really thin and weak, even when I feel like I'm putting a lot of power into it. I recently posted some tracks to GarageBand.com, and while most reviewers complimented my guitar playing, they universally trashed my voice performance. Am I just working against my physiology? Some of my friends have been telling me that I "just don't have it" and that if I'm gonna sing I'll have to do it with softer music for which my weak-sounding voice is more appropriate. Maybe I have unrealistic goals, as my singing heroes are guys like Russell Allen of Symphony X and James Labrie of Dream Theater (who must have been singing since they were kids), but I'm still hanging on to the hope that with practice, one day I will have a powerful voice -- Do I just need to practice longer and/or differently? Whaddya think? Thanks, Henry

Answer. Tenor resonance vs rock music is like golf vs hockey. The power play of harmonics coming from guitars, bass and slamming drums will body slam you out of the mix like Tiger Woods on skates. Classical training is for classical music. They have separate ideals which cross over as smoothly as Tony Twist playing mini golf in full gear. Set your goals for what you want to sing like and deal with the hurdles as they come. Without hearing your singing I already know you are singing "correctly" which is why everyone is trashing you. Rock fans want you to spend more of yourself when singing. Only you can answer the question of whether it's right for you. You won't really know until you try.

Mark

Back to top

Question. first off I would like to say your website is great!!!! you can bet I will recommend this to friends. well my question is I now that I have singing capabilities, but the problem is I cant keep enough air in my lungs. I am a female and ii smoke. also when I sing my abs hurt and my neck and head feels like it has alot of tension. please help me im working on my chest voice right now, but can seem to keep air flowing so my voice can vibrato?....right? I am recently starting to get back into singing again . I am 19 yrs and I have not sang seriously in about 4 1/2 yrs not to mention I smoked at that time but I have QUIT! . Please give me some tips on rejuvenating my voice, but there is one other problem im having a problem finding my correct pitch. Because I can sing Shania twain but at the same time I can sin Alicia keys (on my good days) . please help me figure out where I can start and who to use as a guide.

Answer. It not that you need a lot of air in your lungs to sing, it's that you need to be able to hold on to what you have. Your abs are getting tight because you are dumping all your air out too quickly when singing. Part of that is due to poor singing habits but mostly it's because your body is not getting enough oxygen out of the air in your lungs. Years of smoking have damaged the ability for the lungs to transfer oxygen into the blood stream. The result is that you need to take many short breaths to equal what a non smoker gets when breathing slowly. I recommend you start a program of cardiovascular exercise (running, aerobics, swimming, etc.) Do it slowly and build up to more vigorous work outs. This will encourage a healthier relationship between heart and lungs. Then you can "barrow" the lungs for singing. The question about singing on pitch is tangled with the breathing issue. So any vocal tips will not be effective until your aerobic capacity improves. You are young enough to completely turn both your health and your voice around. Get busy!!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello Mark, My name is Valerie, and I'm a 16 year old girl. I'm not a professional singer or anything like that, and to be honest I don't really intend to become one. However, I do love to sing, and I'm in choir at school and stuff like that, and I occasionally get solos. Anyway, my question is this- some days I can sing really really good. Other days, notes that seemed easy the day before are almost impossible for me to hit. Some days I can hold notes for a fairly long time and it sounds great, while other days I can barely hold a note for 2 seconds without my voice wavering or cracking. Is there anything I can do to be more consistent in my voice? I'm a bit worried that one day I'll have a solo at a choir concert, on a day that my voice decides not to cooperate. And I also just want to keep my voice healthy. Any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance, Valerie O.

Answer. The human body is never exactly the same day after day. Little changes inside us mean a lot to the voice. Professional singers need to count on things sounding good and so they warm up and vocalize every day. The exercises allow them to reset the voice to what it was when things were sounding great. Even if you're just singing for fun, predictable results come from a good warm up every time you sing. Information on warming up is available in my video, "The Singer's Toolbox."

Mark

Back to top

Question. I've just started a band and we are trying to find a singer. I think that I could do it, but we want someone who can sing-scream. No matter how hard I try I cant go about being able to do it. Ever time I go to scream no sound comes out. Is everyone capable of singing like that? If so where does the sound come from? I also like the raspy sounding voice, I know that is the worse thing that you can do to you vocal cords but is there anyway to achieve that sound? Every time I try to scream nothing comes out. Does every one have the vocal capability to sing like that? I was wondering if its possible for everyone one to sing-scream. Because when I try to nothing ends up coming out. Where does the sound come from and how would you go about trying to develop my voice to be able to do that. I also like raspy sounding voices, and I was wondering if there is any kind of techniques to achieve that sound. I also really like the raspy type sounding voice...even though that is suppose to be the worst for your voice, is there anyway I can achieve that sound? thanks, Bre

Answer. You don't say what instrument you play but I find it interesting when absolute beginners compare their voices to singers who have years of experience. Every time I pick up a guitar it sure doesn't sound like Hendrix -- and I know exactly why. I have never spent any time to develop my guitar playing. I don't in part because I know so many great guitarist that when I listen to my pitiful attempt at playing I get frustrated and give up. Learning to sing is just like any other instrument. It takes a couple of years of basics to be able to do the fancy stuff with conviction. I'm sure you don't go mute if you're screaming at a baseball game -- you're just clamping off your throat in anticipation of the shock. Learn to sing a little first. Stay in pitch, increase the range, improve the non scream tone -- then you'll discover how to add a little edge.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark I wonder if you could answer this question for me, our band decided recently to move on from our own material and start adding covers songs to our playlist. While doing this myself and the other guitar player decided we would need to sing some songs as well, we were just backing our female lead singer up till now. Once we selected the songs we had a session to see who could sing what song the best. But a strange thing was happening in that some of the songs I felt the key was to high so we transposed it down only to find it was worse but when we transposed the key up it was more suited. Is it normal for this to happen or are we maybe getting something wrong, we normally try the songs in the original keys first but nearly always have to alter them. Is there a simple way of finding the key or is it trial and error. I have your book and I am now reading it for the second time but have not came across anything to help with the above. Thanks Again

Answer. Finding the right key is trial and error -- something which gets easier the more you do it. The only thing that doesn't matter at all is whether most people lower or raise keys. Just make em fit and start rocking.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi mark, thankyou for answering my previous question.im noticing an improvement on my vocals simply by following ur tips.my questions are, -will cheer leading once in a while and shouting damage my vocals?

Answer. Yes -- on the day you cheer lead. The damage is temporary.

Mark

Back to top

Question. -what are the effects of whispering?

Answer. Depends on how you whisper. It can be irritating if you're pushing too hard; the folds can become dry. Again this is temporary.

Mark

Back to top

Question. -how can I take caution not to damage my vocal fold now that im singing loud,im training for rock.

Answer. Warm up every time you sing. Vocalize every day and learn as much as you can about your instrument. I just so happen to have written a book that will help you in this quest. And, it just so happens to be available on this web site!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Mark, It was great to hang with you and your wife at Pete's nuptials. It is certainly a small world with our connection to the Cape. You stirred my interest in taking my act from behind the wheel of the truck to the big time. Not sure if it is a worthwhile idea - let me know the deal for your perspective. I'll look forward to hearing from you. All the best. Thanks.

Answer. Hey Buddy, Just getting back from LA, so sorry for the delayed response. Here's my perspective on going for the big time: Sell the house, leave the wife and kids, move to Allston, place ads in the Phoenix, sift through the Bozo's that respond to your ad, start a band with guys half your age, kiss ass to get gigs at local clubs, pray that people start coming out, kiss ass again so some snot nose record guys come down and check out band, get record deal so you can try and survive on 50K for a year (I'm talking split between five guys), kiss ass one more time so MTV says you're cool. Rinse and repeat if first time doesn't work.

OR:

You can start something in your basement with guys like you who just want to play some fun songs. You could book some local bars, get together once a week to practice, it would be a blast. And you get to keep the wife and kids. If I see you on MTV, I'll know which way you chose!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi mark,you are incredible in the way you answer questions. im an accounting student interested in singing.my problem is guys can't stand the noise I make when I'm practising.is there a way I can practice quietly?I dont have a place to practice plus I'm a begginer and I dont know much.please give me some opening tips.thankyou

Answer. You can practice quietly for a while. But, not being in a band means you'll have to stimulate your vocal muscles by singing loud (after warming up) at least twice a week. If you don't have a car use the closet and put a pillow over your mouth. Find out when no one is around and schedule your practices accordingly. See if there's an empty room at school to use. In general, you can't develop you voice without singing loud -- and you can't be self conscious about it. Find a place to sing horrible for a while!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi! Really helpful site... My question is how do I make my voice louder during gigs without straining myself? I can sing okay but my projection may need a little help...

Answer. Projection is based on the overtones in your voice -- not the loudness. Ironically, pushing to be loud usually cuts off the potential of the voice to carry. A very good exercise for power is included in my new CD "Sing Like an Idol."

Mark

Back to top

Question. When I sing I tend to sing out of my nose, how can I prevent that?

Answer. Close your nose off with your fingers and sing scales on an AH vowel without causing any vibration up there. Keep playing with your options until you feel nothing in the nose when you hold it. Start with a deep yawn-like sound and then try breathy if that doesn't work. Work a lot with scales before you try to apply this to songs.

Mark

Back to top

Question. im 17 years old at the moment with a bass voice in a choir. I don't have much high range, at most I can sing is high D on bass clef and usually I have to take a deep breath and think down to get it, other times my voice just breaks. is there vocal training to increase male range? or would it be just natural to switch into falsetto? I know I may be still developing, but I've been trying to train to get those high notes for a while now with some advice from my high school vocal teacher.

Answer. There's absolutely nothing wrong with switching into falsetto -- it can and should sound exactly like your chest voice. The other issue is that you may in fact be a bass. Genetics plays a role in determining range and you may just have two enormous thick vocal folds. No need to despair. You can do plenty with an instrument like that. As soon as you stop trying to sing like every one else!

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi mark, I absolutely love Karen carpenters voice. and I am trying to achieve it even if it is somewhat close. could you tell me how someone can never have a singing lesson and sound as good as she did. boy, what luck huh? I would love your insight on this. thank you

Answer. Karen had big thick vocal folds, which gave her those deep lows. She also had a very relaxed and independent approach to singing, which allowed that tone to remain consistent throughout her range. So one aspect is genetic and the other is behavior.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi mark, I'll go straight to the question. I've been singing all my life. I am now 25 years old. until like 10 years ago, I don't have any problem catching very high notes in falsetto. I can did it with no problem, anytime. I use to imitate Mariah carey's song at that time. somehow, oneday, after a long usual flu that I had, my voice didn't fully recover. I lost my falsetto! entirely. these days, I have to try really hard to sing in falsetto. anyone would see that I'm struggling with falsetto when I'm singing. can u help to find ways to have it back? I'm willing to try anything. even surgery if it's needed. this problem has always kept me from being a professional singer. thanks in advance!!!

Answer. This problem has absolutely nothing to do with you becoming a professional singer and it wasn't caused by the flu. You went through puberty a little late, that's all. Falsetto requires you to back off the air pressure -- there's no struggling involved. Explore it at the softest volume you can produce.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi Mark I'm a 20 yr girl from Boston with big dreams I taught myself how to sing but the one note that I cant always get right is the high e that u here christina and Mariah hit soo effortlessly and I was wondering if u have any tips or any advice where I should start my career

Answer. One note does not make a career . . . not even two notes. In fact, range couldn't matter less. Who is remembered is the one who captivates your imagination and emotions. Mariah and Christina do that for you and you associate their magic with that note. Yet, I could line twenty singers in front of you who could all hit that E just as effortlessly but won't move you emotionally. My advice is to forget about that note and dial in what makes you want to sing. Let that passion out in a song and others who agree with your passion will come running. And the bonus is : once you take the importance away from that note -- it comes.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hey mark awesome website. heres my question ima in a band and we've been around for a little over 5 months my troubles are with my singer. I guess ive never noticed it when we gig but we recorded a little demo and when he sings his voice sounds really deep and I know his voice is not naturally that deep . I was looking for any advice you have ..........thanx and keep rocking

Answer. My advice is to talk to him about this issue. He may like that sound and you may have what's commonly called a creative difference in your band (translation: the wrong singer). If he doesn't like the sound, then he should be the one seeking advice for change, otherwise you may have what's commonly called a lazy front man in your band (translation: the wrong singer).

Mark

Back to top

Question. I'm very shy, but I love to sing. how can I overcome my fear of singing in front of people?

Answer. Sing with people instead of in front of them. Join a choir or church group where you're not the only one singing.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I really would like vocal training. I cant afford to much. Can you help me? I really can sing, but I really want to hit notes that I am not confident in myself.

Answer. The most important ingredient for making a killer voice is patients. It takes years of practice to get things where you want them. Get what you can from the web and keep working at it. You'll gain that confidence.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am 23 years old and I sing in a heavy metal band called motograter.We have toured on ozzfest and we have played locobazooka an the U.K.'s Download festival.I used to be able to sing good but im having breathing problems from all the late night smoking.I am working on a new project called Ghost machine and the studio sessions just don't seem right.:( Is there any good exersizes you could explain to me to help me with this problem? thanks sincerly Ghost

Answer. I'm not sure what the problem is. Are you the one doing the late night smoking? If so, the solution is obvious. If others around you are smoking I would separate myself from them for a while before singing. It might be that the new material is challenging in a way the old stuff wasn't. I would recommend exploring vocal exercises in general -- just to build some foundation. My book and video would be a good place to start.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Recently, I was not accepted into an elite choir as I had intended. In order to help myself and someone else, I am currently 'coaching' a good friend of mine. He was kicked out of our Select choir because he was unable to reach the high notes. School lets out for the summer in 9 days. He has until then to impress the Choral Director in order to get a re-audition to get back into the choir. I really would like to help him sing I'm asking if you could give me some tips to help him reach his goal. He would take vocal lessons w/ me but there is not enough time and he doesn't have the money to invest. Please help me, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank-you Mike

Answer. Read through the free lesson on my site, www.voicelesson.com entitled, "Maximum Range."

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have been singing for 6 years now, and I have a broad range. I can hit high notes so I never needed to learn how to sing in falsetto. I like the way it sounds and I would like to know how it is produced and how can it be developed. Thank you.

Answer. Pretend you're a kitty cat and "meow." Make a sea gull sound. Jump up and down and wriggle your body to get real loose and then make police siren sounds. The problem is that you've been blocking off the vocal folds from thinning down. Neck muscles have been trained to deny falsetto and your air pressure has always increased to sing higher. So you're going to have to discover that register by fooling around rather than taking a serious approach. Once you let it crack out, you can develop it. But play first.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello Mark, This is James. My question has a lot of parts to it, but after reading your FAQ's you seem to have quite a bit of knowledge. In the late 80's & 90's I was a recording artist with a rock band on a major label. I had a very strong range and lots of stamina. We toured quite a bit during that time and I never had any problems with the tour schedule or losing my voice. Since then. I have not been performing on a regular basis, but for the last ten years I have noticed some very strange things going on with my voice. One thing in particular is everytime I try to sing, My chest cavity burns so bad, I have to stop. I am also feeling that the air is trapped in the chest cavity and I end up burping for hours. Now the strangest part is, I have NO air to push out any notes in the mid-range area. It feels like a wall in my chest is stopping anything from reaching my vocal chords. It is very frustrating as I cant's get to any of the midrange notes with this problem. I know my voice has fatigue because I do not use it like I use to, but I know many singers who have stopped singing, but still when asked to sing can still get through a song. It is at a point now where you would never ever know I was a professional singer and was regarded as one of the best at one time. I have been to doctors and they tell me that I do not have nodes and they really do not see anything wrong. I have also been to a Pulmonologist and everything looks good there as well. Why is it that I can't find the breath or the place where I was able to control the midrange in the voice? HELP

Answer. Seems to me like you've developed Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in the last ten years. When you sing you are compressing your digestive organs and it is putting pressure on the esophageal valves. The acid backing up the esophagus is causing the burning and burping. Takes some Tums and make and appointment with another ENT and ask if there is any evidence of GERD around your larynx.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Umm, I don't sing, I don't have a singing voice cuz I don't really sing, but, I don't wanna go get lessons, just in case I suck, I just don't wanna do this...but, I wanna try to sing, so my question is how?!?!?! I haven't ever tried to sing, well I was in choir, but I just mouthed the words, lol, but I had to sing in front of the teacher alone to get in, and I got it, but that was in elementary school, 4 years ago, so...help??? Any exercises to build my voice? :-) I'd really appreciate it!!!

Answer. It's really simple. You don't need exercises right now -- you just need a change of perspective. Your shyness is stronger than your desire to sing. When your desire to sing becomes so strong that it keeps you up at night, then you'll figure out a way to let your voice out. Some people don't overcome their shyness until they are in their forties -- that's when it hits them that it's silly to rob yourself of something you want to do because you think you'll suck. Of course you'll suck. Why wouldn't it? It takes training to organize your behaviors in the right way. So it's completely up to you -- but you can't make any progress until you are willing to suck.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark. I am 13 years old and I have always had a dream to be able to sing. My whole family thinks I'm well on my way but we don't have enough money to pay for lessons. I was wondering if you had any ideas of how I could teach my self just off the internet without it costing money? Thank you so much Mark... Tonia

Answer. Sure you can. It's the hard way to go about it, but if that's what it has to be then that's what it is. I recommend reading through the free lessons on my site for starters and then surf the web for more.

Mark

Back to top

Question. when I sing I get out of breath real easily

Answer. You're singing too breathy. Sing louder and things will clear up, which makes you more efficient with your air.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hey mark im 11 yrs old and im in grade six I think I could sing good im a fan of mariah carey but my problem is I want to know how do I sing louder im a soprano singer.

Answer. Don't try and sing louder yet -- you're too young. Just sing the way you do right now and enjoy it. As you get older you will develop more power in your voice.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Do you think its possible to learn to sing like robert plant or any other singer like him by singing along with your cd's all day every day without taking singing lessons or warming your voice up? I've been doing it for about 2 months because I'm a lazy f$%? and cant be bothered warming my voice up but I have noticed a huge improvement (eg I can sing really high and for longer periods each week) Also what would you recommend more, your book or dvd? I have no job and can only really afford to splash out on 1. I sing rock music but don't know anything bout warming up or any basics. Thanks

Answer. You've already answered your first question. I recommend the book sense you're not in a band yet.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am a classical singer. I am usually a soprano. My lately I have been singer alto or lower. What can I do to bring my voice back up.? And also, how can I improve my range of singing?

Answer. I have a free lesson posted on my site, www.voicelesson.com entitled, "Maximum Range."

Mark

Back to top

Question. do people who love to sing but just don't have the voice. do they still have a chance at singing?

Answer. Sure. What do people do who love to play guitar but just don't have a guitar? Just because you don't have a good instrument doesn't mean you will never sing. You can develop what you have if you're willing to put in the time. It's the same dedication needed to save up and buy a guitar and then learn to play.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, I'm 17 and I was wondering if there is any way to get the cracks out of my voice when I hit high notes or, is practice is enough to solve the problem? And another question if I start singing even to the radio like after 2 or 3 songs I will start yawning uncontrollably is there any way to help fix that? Thanks for your time!

Answer. To get the cracks out you have to reduce your air pressure as you sing higher. You are tensing up and pushing too hard. To solve the yawn issue you'd have to get more exercise. The yawns mean the air in your lungs has been stationary too long and singing triggers the body to try and play catch up. Run around the block a few times before you sing.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Mark, I am having trouble with my posture how exactly am I supposed to stand while singing? I am scheduled to sing in about five weeks at my high school graduation and I have just had an epiphany where I've realized I don't know how to sing the proper way I can do some crazy voice crescendos that sound great, but I never actually learned the proper way to sing. Can you just give me the basics... Breathing, Posture, etc.

Answer. The best advice I can give you to sing in five weeks is to remember that you were asked for a reason . . . because you can do it. Your epiphany is called stage fright and it's extremely common. Now you're doubting every thing about your singing. Don't. Just stand the way you normally do and breath the way you normally breath. Read through my site for some quick tips but basically anything you try to change will be for future singing engagements. Be brave. Be bold. Be the singer at your graduation. You'll be so glad you did when it's over.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi. I sing in two bands. One band is mainly heavy metal with "normal" vocals, higher parts and lots of melodies. The other is a genuine deathmetal band where I have to "grunt". Where in the first band I manage considerably well, without having a sore throat or losing my voice after practice or concerts, in the second band my throat gets restricted pretty fast and I'm losing my voice after a while. I still manage grunting, though, but it really affects my upper register. With both singing-styles I try to use my stomach and diaphragm as well as possible, which works fine for the first band as I'm able to sing for a pretty long time without noticeable "voice-loss". With the second it's much harder 'cuz I have to scream more. Am I pressing too hard?

Answer. You're not pressing too hard -- you're splitting yourself in two. One of your bands is not right for you. Can you guess which one?

Mark

Back to top

Question. First off, thanks for even glancing at this question. I came from a catholic school, and was basically forced into choir until 6th grade...where I pursued choir until high school. I am now 20 and trying to start a band (we don't have any idea what type of music.) Given my history both of my guitarists and my drummer find that I would be a worthy candidate for singing...unfortunately I have 2 problems. I smoke. I can't stay away from pop. I need to know from you as much as possible. I am a poor man with some poor band members...no one I really know has money actually. So I am looking for cheap, but preferably free help on strengthening my voice and myself. Any words of wisdom would help....thanks a bunch mark. Aaron

Answer. I love it when people smoke and talk on their cell phones about how poor they are. You must be a millionaire if you smoke these days! Seriously, you already know I'm going to say to quit the butts -- so quit. Pop is slowly weakening you by fooling your pituitary gland into thinking glucose is coming down the pipe. You already know that you should be exercising your body (running, stretching, lifting weights) drinking water (not pop), vocalizing every day (singing scales and warming up) and get rid of the smokes. So my real words of wisdom are that the games we play with ourselves are the real enemy. If you and your boys want to take over the world with your music you've got to tap into your passion. Plenty before you have and no amount of cigarettes and pop could stop them. So get passionate about music and then the games you're playing with your diet and habits will either be a non issue or a convenient excuse. Either way you win

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi, People say that I have a really nice voice and I believe that.But everytime I try to sing high my throat gets closed what do I do?

Answer. Learn how to relax. This is exactly what singing lessons are about. Just like when someone tries to play guitar, they will tighten up and choke the instrument. Lessons provide you with exercises that train the muscles to act in a certain way.

Mark

Back to top

Question. thanks 4 the reply but I still don't know what to do u advice me since it gives me joy to hit those female high notes to continue or nor but I love soprano thanks waiting for your reply canice

Answer. You have a decision to make -- one that I cannot make for you. Those soprano notes are a little out of your range, so when you sing them it "costs" you control of the lower notes. My point was to explain that even though there are limits to the voice there doesn't have to be a limit to the joy we experience. There would be no problem if you let yourself feel joy when singing lower.

Mark

Back to top

Question. dear mark I am a male singer and have tried to improve my voice all these while and there have been tremendous improvement and I have come to discover that I can sing a soprano voice which gives me alot of joy but I have come to discover that each time I sing with the soprano my male treble voice cracks I find it difficult to sing with it but after resting the voice for someday the male treble voice returns and the soprano disappears unless I force it out after which the male treble cracks could you tell me what is responsible and what I can do to overcome this I like the two of them thanks from canice

Answer. Tension and air pressure are responsible for the cracking and the disappearing. You are driving too hard to access those female high notes. If it gives you joy then that's cool but it makes singing more of an athletic event instead of an artistic one. Your body has a genetic code which determines how big your vocal folds are. Their size determines what area of pitch is comfortable to sing. Higher is not better; it's just higher.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi mark my name's Emma I'm 17 and for years I've been singing by myself at home when no one else is around. I play the piano and acoustic guitar and sing while playing sometimes. I think I can sing ok but I don't know because no one else has heard me apart from my younger sister who always tells me to stop. I am dying to sing in front of someone just to know if I have an alright voice or not but I am too scared and I don't know how without looking like I think I'm good, because I don't want it to look that way. I am so frustrated because I am constricting myself when I could be enjoying singing with others because I love singing so much! any advice on how I can go about it cos I've been trying to figure something out for years. by the way your site is awesome, I just found it! thanks

Answer. The best way to get over the fear of performing for others is to perform WITH others. Join a choir or music class where they will be singing. On top of that you can bring your guitar somewhere that you know people can hear you but you're not looking at them. If there is a practice room at school that would be perfect. Find somewhere you can go to play and start as softly as you need to. In time you'll loosen up.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have two questions. First about a year ago, I was misdiagnosed with a vocal nodule. My second-opinion ENT told me that it wasn't a nodule because it wasn't bilateral and that it wasn't due to singing because of its location. He said, it could be from trauma, perhaps from one time I was choking on something. Well, this thing, which he said that if he looked closer might be a cyst, is not affecting my vocal production at all. I vocalize everyday for at least an hour at low volumes and virtually have no problems with range, dynamics or phonation in general. This "thing" scared me for a while, and I guess I don't want to find out exactly what it is. I'm scared it might be something bad. Do you think that it is my responsibility to find out exactly what this is even when it's not really affecting me? Even if I don't want to find out?

Answer. I guess I'm a little unclear as to why you were examined in the first place if you have no problems with range, dynamics or phonation in general. It certainly could be a cyst, polyp or hemorrhaged blood vessel, the only issue being that any growth on your body, including moles, should be monitored to insure they are benign. A yearly exam would be enough if you are not experiencing any vocal problems.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, I have a problem about how I sing certain songs. Now as I've told you in the past, I like to sing to Linkin Park (my band is based on them). Now the singer (chester bennington) sings in a kind of high pitched voice (not really high)and he goes both softly and loudly. Now I can sing softly really well, but when it come to singing loudly and raising my voice, well in a normal singing voice (not yelling) my voice can only take so much then it gets tight, and then nothing really comes out, it's like I'm singing off key. Linkin Park's song "Numb" is a great example. What's the problem????? Can you just tell me my faults?? and I'll just have to work on them. Thank you. JOE

Answer. I've already told you your faults Joe. You're very impatient. What makes you think Chester could sing the way he does now years ago when he was starting out? Those guys struggled really hard. They had no idea that what they were doing then would be studied so closely by guys like you in the future. They were just doing the best they could with the skills they had. Over the years (notice I wrote years -- as in multiple 365 day periods in a row) Chester has become a strong singer. He has gained control over volume and pitch and he is able to push the limit of his voice without it breaking down on him. I've written to you before Joe that you have just as good of an opportunity to be there like Chester in a few years -- or you may get too frustrated and cash in. That will be up to you, but building the strength and coordination it takes to sing like someone who's been singing for years . . . takes years.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark, Thanks for your site, and I will be ordering your book/video! I used to sing, then had voice problems. On going to a Dr.who worked with opera singers in my area (he did a scope on my folds), was told that I had very heavy scar tissue and he could not believe had been able to sing with it. Also said I should stop singing permanently or lose speaking voice. Also said nothing could be done to help me, then prescribed Prednizone. The whole experience was devastating. Being stubborn as I am, after a six month rest, I started taking professional voice lessons and found that with proper techniques etc. I COULD still sing. Here is my question: Since it is obviously difficult to "thin" my scarred folds, is there a way you can think of for me to acquire just one or two higher notes? I am happy with the range I have most of the time but sometimes really could use two more notes! Thanks for any advice you might have!

Answer. I wouldn't mess with your second lease on your vocal life. Scar tissue is rigid and inflexible. The most you could do is a thorough warm up and vocalizing routine to prep the voice each day. It may give you the extra note or two, but I would remain very aware of how much effort you use to sing if I were you.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi, I'm currently working on my head voice.I'm doing exercises like singing & high note at a quiet volume,slowly increasing the volume,while retaining relaxed facial muscles & allowing my head to freely move as I'm holding the note.My question is about volume.Do singers such as Rob Halford,Geoff Tate,Bruce Dickinson etc sing at loud volumes? or are they actually singing at a spoken/conversation type volume & let the mic do a lot of the work?

Answer. The three different singers you mentioned sing at three different volumes. Geoff Tate would be the one that sings closest to speech volume -- but even then there are times he's ramping up for emotional impact.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi,Mark, I'm writing from far away (Romania). For years I've been singing the blues with different local musicians in different bands,at festivals,jam-sessions,etc. And I'm modest when I say I was very successful. Then,due to a number of reasons,I quit singing, but even now,after a couple of years,people keep asking me why I haven't continued. And I really don't know what to answer.Maybe it's the age. I'm kinda scared to restart at 35,although I will always feel like 25. But all this time the wish to sing again has remained in my soul and I consider that it if I got this gift, I must continue. Please,tell me,is it possible? Yet,my voice (alto) needs to improve,to get higher.Can you give me some advice or maybe recommend some books? I would really appreciate it, All my best thoughts to you, Waiting for your answer, Mirela, Romania

Answer. I'm glad BB King, Etta James, Sunhouse and Muddy Waters never thought that they were getting too old to sing the blues. Of course you can sing at 35, and no, your voice doesn't need to get higher. That's just an insecurity of yours. My book would be a great source for regaining inspiration and exercises for getting you back in shape. Glad to have you back in the ranks of us singers!

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hi Mark. First off, I want to thank you for writing your book and making your video, because I have learned so much and my voice has improved greatly. I'm a 21 yr old female metal vocalist..A few months ago, I quit smoking because I knew it was horrible for my voice. But, for some reason, my voice was terrible when I quit. My mucus was worse, my throat was sore and I couldn't sing well at all. I even came down with a cold that I couldn't shake off. But being weak, I started smoking again. I wanted to ask, since I'm ready to quit smoking again and to be smoke free for good, regardless of how long it takes for my voice to get back to normal, would nicotine patches or gum mess with my voice at all? If this is a dumb question, my apologies. Also, I've been reading up on different herbs I can use for my voice and a lot of suggestions came from your book. I'm also going to start drinking a "detox" tea to clean out my system. There is a herb called IGS2. I read that it strengthens and repairs your voice, and KCX &Kelp, that's said to help voice delivery. Also, I came across a website that sells a product called "Vocalzone" that is supposed to help your voice Here's the site info.. http://www.vocalzones.com/product_info.html.. Would you recommend the use of these for helping with vocal problems? Also, I want to thank you for your previous answers on your site when it comes to screaming. I've been working hard to find a way to "scream" with the least amount of pressure and my throat doesn't get sore or feel swollen after screaming now. I make sure I drink throat coat before and after jamming and I warm up and warm down. I make sure to drink a lot of water everyday and I've noticed a huge difference from that. But just to be sure that I'm doing as much as I can to protect my voice, is there anything else you feel that I need to do? I appreciate your time and also, I'm looking into doing the "video" lessons you offer on your site sometime soon. So thank you once again for being so dedicated to helping vocalists reach their full potential! Take Care :)

Answer. Your questions aren't dumb at all. In fact, what you went through the first time you quit is very common and the biggest reason why people pick up smoking again. It may seem strange at first, but your health (and your voice) will always get worse right after you quit. This is due to the cleanse the body goes into and there's no avoiding it. The soreness in the throat is the cilia growing back and the extra mucous is what the body produces to rid itself of all the accumulated resins. While there's nothing wrong with all the products you're investigating nothing is going to make you a better singer more than becoming an x-smoker. Six months down the road you will reap the benefits of being smoke free. Once you are smoke free, nothing will protect your voice more than developing the strength and conditioning necessary to pull off your gig. Vocalizing, warm up and down and using your head when screaming is what's going to allow you to sing for many, many years.

Mark

Back to top

Question. How high and low can: Steve Taylor(aerosmith)Robert Plant(led zeppelin)Dio(Rainbow)and Freddy mercury sing? I´really need to know Thanks !

Answer. I don't know about the other singers, but Tyler can still get up to a G above high C. He does so on the latest album. To find the others, you would have to listen to all their material to spot the highest pitch and identify it.

Mark

Back to top

Question. I have been a female pro singer for 15 years. I have your book, & it is great! I can sing most anything, but I can't seem to get the most common vocal run... a three or four note scale running high to low, then ending on a different final note. It seems sloppy or "glazed over". Any suggestions to tighten-up vocal runs?

Answer. Turn your volume down. Singers that can do really fast runs .....don't sing loud.

Mark

Back to top

Question. hi mark, I was wondering if you had any tips on how to keep your voice in tune all the time instead of it wavering off into all sorts of noises. also, I was wondering how to make your voice sound stronger? Regards

Answer. The answer to both questions is the same: Vocal exercises. Your vocal folds will respond much better (stay in tune) if they are exercised on a regular basis. Just like athletes will train in the gym to make it easier to control their sport, singers need to train separately from singing songs. There are plenty of exercises for strength and flexibility in my book, "The Rock-N-Roll Singer's Survival Manual."

Mark

Back to top

Question. I am a 16 year old male and I consider myself to have a very large range, I can hit the highest notes the lowest notes and in all kinds of weird ways (kindof resembling mike pattons vocal style of mr. bungle and faith no more) my problem is that after singing a couple songs I lose my consistency with my normal singing, I can still hit higher notes and lower notes fine but singing normally creates a dryer feeling in my mouth, tongue and throat and causes my singing at that level to become inconsistent and even crack sometimes.it feels like I need 103823 glasses of water or something... and sometimes makes me feel like ihave flem in my throat .. ive never had any singing lessons and I was just wondering how I could correct this and what my problem was. thank you, aspiring vocalist

Answer. The problem is that you're blasting away at your larynx for all you've got. That's usually good for 15 minuets tops -- then the area swells and the surrounding muscles become rigid to stop you from hurting yourself. Swelling makes you inconsistent and the tight muscles make you dry. Your technique is kind of like a guy who can punch really hard and fast for about one minute but then his arms tighten. That's okay for a street fight but to be a pro you got to have control and stamina throughout every round. Training is how the fighters do it -- and pro singers too.

Mark

Back to top

Question. #1 -- I stumbled on this site, and am gonna get either your book or DVD -- which would you recommend?

Answer. The book.

Mark

Back to top

Question. #2 -- I'm a semi-inexperienced singer, and am working on a record for a small British label..It's punk type stuff -- more growling than pure screaming. While trying to imitate Jake Burns (Stiff Little Fingers vocalist who sounds like he gargles with rocks), I was doing his guttural growl for about an hour. It\'s now 5 days later, and I'm still somewhat hoarse. Of course, I can't hit the top high notes, and when I even approach them, it feels very constricted, and it's almost the effect of blowing up a balloon, as far as feeling the pressure when trying to sing. (Yes, I know, I probably shouldn't be singing at all, and that's why I decided to get your book -- realizing I'm pretty ignorant about the basics). My question, I guess, is how long should I lay off, and also, I'm hoping I couldn't have done any permanent damage from just an hour of this growling, which wasn't even at full volume most of the time ...

Answer. No permanent damage -- but if this is what you want in your singing then you'll have to learn to strike a balance between what the throat can handle and what sounds you're looking for.

Mark

Back to top

Question. Hello, I've read your FAQ's, and I still have one question. I have this problem with what I call vocal shyness. I can't sing loud at all. It doesn't matter if I'm alone, and I know no one else can hear me or anything, I just can't do it. Is this common, and how can I get over it? I'm new to the whole singing thing, I've been s