@DocOmailay No, it's not Si. I'm using the 'movable do' solfege system, which is made clear by the fact that I continually move the tonic and reset the Do each time. The seventh scale degree in the system that I use is Ti.
If you can hit the notes sometimes, but other times they crack - then they're definitely within your range and its just a matter of getting your technique in order so you're not straining. Good technique and consistent vocalization can reveal higher notes than you're able to reach currently- but there will always be some notes for which you must use head voice.
The solfege system I use is relative to the key you're in. If you're in the key of C-major, then C is Do, D is Re, etc.. If you're in the key of F#-major, then F# is Do, G# is Re, etc..
Thank you, thank you Saher!! As a singer all my life until the past many, many years, I thought I could pick up my voice where I left off...your lessons are invaluable to this woman who once one Best Vocalist out of 300 singers at a show in Miami, and recently thought I had completely forgotten to sing!! Your scales, breathing, Solfege, all bringing back what I thought was lost forever!! I wish I could Kiss You !! You have no idea of the feeling that a gifted natural ability to sing tight on key beginning at age 2 with no formal training until 14, was lost forever...well, I am practicing everyday, and, just maybe I will be able to perform some original songs I've laid tracks to on Music maker with my lyrics on You Tube sooner than I thought! I do not know how to thank you other than purchasing your CD..... MUWAH!! :) :)
As you start to hit the higher notes, you should feel a mix of chest and head voice. After a certain point, depending on your range, you can use head voice entirely (this is not the same as falsetto, which is weak and airy). If your voice cracks at any time, don't go as high - those notes will come with time and regular practice...but never with force :)
You're correct- your back mainly affects breath support, which may not seem like a big deal to some, but singers know that everything begins with a breath.
Thanks friend - if you do decide to pick up the vocal technique CD, look into getting the bundle with the Vibrato Workshop CD. It's a better deal and, together, both CDs cover all the major topics in singing.
What you are born with is your own , unique voice. Skills and techniques can be learnt and polished. Practice makes perfect. What is sad nowadays is that some people think that if you don't sound like a pop star or a major recording artiste, then you can't sing, which is so not true. There are amazing vocalists out there who have amazing voices that no one else can emulate and that's what makes them amazing singers.
I LOVE YOU! and a tip for anyone whose having trouble with the breathing- if you lie on the floor with bent knees and your feet flat on the floor, you're forced to breathe the right way.
I want to hate you because you're so charismatic, but you're actually a really good teacher. Thanks! I will practice with this video again! Great stuff.
It's so nice you also mention the back, because that's what everybody seems to forget to tell about. It has to expand both ways, not just the stomach. Good videos, thanks a lot!
When you breath in you are naturally dropping your diaphragm, so your stomach will expand when you bring air into your lungs. Breath in with the stomach relaxed. Putting your hand there will help you remember to relax, and let the diaphragm drop. Don't worry about holding your stomach flat for posture appearance. This video is really good. He's good.
What you're describing is 'fixed do' solfege - where 'do' is always 'C.' However, I'm using 'movable do' - where the 'do' refers to the tonic of the key you're in; this better emphasizes the intervallic relationships between the pitches within a key, which is important for training the ear and developing good intonation (the ability to sing "in tune").
As far as you can go before you get tired - your endurance will improve with practice and focused technique, so eventually you'll make it through without a problem.
@sobeisforlovers I'm not a professional or anything, but I take lessons and here are two exercises that help: Square Breathing--inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, hold for four counts, repeat. Extended Square Breathing--inhale for 4, hold for 4, lip trill for 5, hold for 4; inhale for 3, hold for 3, lip trill for 6, hold for 3; inhale for 2, hold for 2, lip trill for 7, hold for 2; inhale for 1, hold for 1, lip trill for 8, hold for 1; repeat. Good luck!
Over the years I've had some practice with some of these things, but your videos are a great interactive way to continue practicing. Thanks for the help Galt. I play guitar as well, wish I could play piano again.
Well, in truth, the reason it is said to sing Re with a short "e" is because that's how it would be pronounced in Italian (as in the word crescendo). But I find that the short "e" sound leads singers to pulling, muscle tension, and usually sounds bad. Replacing it with a short "i" sound or the long "a" sound typically has better results for vocal placement. This being a voice lesson and not a lesson in Italian, you can see why I sing it the way I do ;]
Thank you for putting this up!!!! I want to sing in the choir in my church soo badly but Im not a great singer and Ive been praying about it alot. Today I received this message in my inbox and you are great. I feel as though God is wanting this to happen! Thank You so much!!!!
I have a hard time sitting down and really practicing mostly because I don't have something interesting to practice along with... these videos really have me concentrated!
dude thank you for your patience and willingness to teach that speaks volumes about a person i wouldnt be so docile to share my knowlage. you rock.... show us more!
@gopdeep When you're taking a breath, pay attention to whether or not your stomach is expanding, if it's not and your chest is rising/expanding then you're doing it wrong. You'll be able to feel the support in the notes and feel the control that you don't have with chest support. Resonance is a different term, and you can you that to determine which part of your voice it is in.
It takes time and everyone will progress a little differently :) Also, range should not be your only benchmark- intonation, expressiveness and tone quality are important aspects to consider as well. Lastly, it's possible you just need additional instruction or more challenging exercises, both of which my vocal technique CDs (now digital downloads) provide - check the link in the description for those.
Basically when you breathe correctly your stomach expands as if it is filling with air, and you may feel pressure in your back too. Incorrect breathing (when your shoulders rise as was said) is when you shallow breathe only into your chest and your tummy hardly moves. I think singing in your head is when you don't project out, breathing exercises improves projection. Hope this helps
your exercises are helping me out a ton. besides that i'm actually speaking more coherently by registering from my diaphragm rather than my throat believe it or not. thank you for your videos. best to you.
Put your hand on your neck if you feel a real strong vibration from there you are singing from your throat if you feel a slight vibration you are singing from your diaphram also the throat singing sounds pinched and not letting the sound come through. When singing from your diaphram there is more of a roomy sound, a bigger louder sound and more spacey.
Love it,can actually hear if what your singing sounds well.. some warm up stuff ...lip roll etc you just sound bad regardless other than having to read the solfege as i was going (kinda messed me up trying to hit note) was awesome! I will most defiantly be buying this cd of yours. :) not one part but the package. I have watched a lot of these types of videos and i must say its nice having an instructor who's voice you like. You can have a great voice and still not be what your aiming for . kudos
If you're taking a good breath "into the diaphragm" - that's all you need to worry about for now. Focus on proper vocal placement, and your breath support will follow accordingly.
@gopdeep stand next to a mirror (optional) and breath in a way that will make your stomach pop out without moving your shoulders that much (or at all). the air will go lower than a normal breath that you take all the time. it might be harder than a normal breath at first.
Your voice will get stronger with consistent practice and good technique. As for "niceness" - when you develop your voice, you'll find you can shape your tone so you can sound how you want to :)
@mrjuanchoX thats because you sing from your throat, dont do that , it will damage your vocal chords, sing from your diaphram(tummy) . Push the higher notes from your tummy , practice it like this , it will take you some time but you will learn it eventually
The breaks ought to clear up with practice - but make sure when you're doing the "oh" that you don't widen out your mouth because that can engage your throat muscles and make it more difficult on you. Keep it relaxed.
i have been searching for lessons on here for so long and its hard to find good ones thankyou so much for posting these ^_^ they are very easy to follow
I had the me problem when I started, but I soon figured it out. You have to listen to the piano really carefully and match your voice with it. I think you are singing the high notes one octave low. I have a tendency to do that when the notes go out of my range.
that was actually really helpful advice. i was doing it from my throat the whole time and i could barely get a single high note and when i started doing it from my stomach i was getting much better
i have been trying to do them once a day for a few weeks now,iv only just noticed about 1 minute ago while doing video one that my range had increased a bit for the humming exercise. I was doubtful about whether my range would increase until just now. I'll post if I notice any further improvement. im almost sure they have helped me hold notes better too. kind of weird you should post this comment just as I find the answer to your question:)
@toyffer15ppf Sure the air is a bit dirtier, but it wont kill you, i'm pretty sure you have to breathe through your mouth before singing because it lets you take in alot more air faster than with your nose.
you are a really good teacher - im actually learnging new things, whereas with other videos, i get so bored!.. but i am seriously not bored right now! xD
Thanks for explaining that in simple terms dude! The whole "breathe through the diaphram" was confusing the heck out of me..as I have seen in other vdos..
A very little bit, early on, is probably normal. As you develop proper technique and breath support, this should go away. Losing your voice is usually indicative of vocal damage- and something to watch very carefully.
I was thinking the other day that since I graduated from highschool and as a result not longer had music courses in my life. :( My breathing in training (I do Equestrian Vaulting) has gradually gone down hill.... not useful) So thank you for these exercises. I think EVERY athlete should sing or play a wind instrument.
thats actually true about the bagg shirt, its not really a baggy shirt that makes u sing better its just less constriction on your chest, it allows your diaphragm to expand more easily. its like wen a drummer takes his shirt off, that allows them to drum fatser because they can move more freely
I'd like to hear you (sbgalt) sing along with the entire range just to hear how it sounds. It would answer me alot of questions on how it should sound when you reach the higher notes.
you will in time, don't push it just relax and make sure your'e breathing properly :) After about a month of vocal and breathing excercises you're range will imrpove. Check out eric arcenauxs lesson on vibrato (part 2) for breathing
i dont think so cause my voice has developped so much since i was 17, i have no lessons but only try to practise by just singing :D plus there are so many conservatoriums that give lessons to older people, so i think you can still improve it
you remind me a lot of the character tag in the tv series Friends. like no lie :) but your a lot more talented at what you do and your videos help a lot!
ooh I was a major 3rd from the highest note before my range ended. And to think I was an alto just last year... Yay! PS Thanks for the great warm-ups and such! :)
First exercise: 2:50
Second exercise: 8:48
Like this so everyone can see!
@DocOmailay No, it's not Si. I'm using the 'movable do' solfege system, which is made clear by the fact that I continually move the tonic and reset the Do each time. The seventh scale degree in the system that I use is Ti.
If you can hit the notes sometimes, but other times they crack - then they're definitely within your range and its just a matter of getting your technique in order so you're not straining.
Good technique and consistent vocalization can reveal higher notes than you're able to reach currently- but there will always be some notes for which you must use head voice.
The solfege system I use is relative to the key you're in. If you're in the key of C-major, then C is Do, D is Re, etc.. If you're in the key of F#-major, then F# is Do, G# is Re, etc..
Thank you, thank you Saher!! As a singer all my life until the past many, many years, I thought I could pick up my voice where I left off...your lessons are invaluable to this woman who once one Best Vocalist out of 300 singers at a show in Miami, and recently thought I had completely forgotten to sing!! Your scales, breathing, Solfege, all bringing back what I thought was lost forever!! I wish I could Kiss You !! You have no idea of the feeling that a gifted natural ability to sing tight on key beginning at age 2 with no formal training until 14, was lost forever...well, I am practicing everyday, and, just maybe I will be able to perform some original songs I've laid tracks to on Music maker with my lyrics on You Tube sooner than I thought! I do not know how to thank you other than purchasing your CD..... MUWAH!! :) :)
As you start to hit the higher notes, you should feel a mix of chest and head voice. After a certain point, depending on your range, you can use head voice entirely (this is not the same as falsetto, which is weak and airy).
If your voice cracks at any time, don't go as high - those notes will come with time and regular practice...but never with force :)
I've been doing these videos EVERYDAY for the past two weeks and I have seen AMAZING improvement! Thanks so much!!!!!
You're correct- your back mainly affects breath support, which may not seem like a big deal to some, but singers know that everything begins with a breath.
Thanks friend - if you do decide to pick up the vocal technique CD, look into getting the bundle with the Vibrato Workshop CD. It's a better deal and, together, both CDs cover all the major topics in singing.
What you are born with is your own , unique voice. Skills and techniques can be learnt and polished. Practice makes perfect. What is sad nowadays is that some people think that if you don't sound like a pop star or a major recording artiste, then you can't sing, which is so not true. There are amazing vocalists out there who have amazing voices that no one else can emulate and that's what makes them amazing singers.
I LOVE YOU!
and a tip for anyone whose having trouble with the breathing- if you lie on the floor with bent knees and your feet flat on the floor, you're forced to breathe the right way.
@GawdGood Definitely also exercise your head voice, but take it only so high as is comfortable.
I want to hate you because you're so charismatic, but you're actually a really good teacher. Thanks! I will practice with this video again! Great stuff.
It's so nice you also mention the back, because that's what everybody seems to forget to tell about. It has to expand both ways, not just the stomach.
Good videos, thanks a lot!
When you breath in you are naturally dropping your diaphragm, so your stomach will expand when you bring air into your lungs. Breath in with the stomach relaxed. Putting your hand there will help you remember to relax, and let the diaphragm drop. Don't worry about holding your stomach flat for posture appearance. This video is really good. He's good.
What you're describing is 'fixed do' solfege - where 'do' is always 'C.'
However, I'm using 'movable do' - where the 'do' refers to the tonic of the key you're in; this better emphasizes the intervallic relationships between the pitches within a key, which is important for training the ear and developing good intonation (the ability to sing "in tune").
As far as you can go before you get tired - your endurance will improve with practice and focused technique, so eventually you'll make it through without a problem.
@sobeisforlovers I'm not a professional or anything, but I take lessons and here are two exercises that help: Square Breathing--inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, hold for four counts, repeat. Extended Square Breathing--inhale for 4, hold for 4, lip trill for 5, hold for 4; inhale for 3, hold for 3, lip trill for 6, hold for 3; inhale for 2, hold for 2, lip trill for 7, hold for 2; inhale for 1, hold for 1, lip trill for 8, hold for 1; repeat. Good luck!
its so nice of you to make these videos for people! i mean i know this was from 2008, but still. most websites make you buy a book to learn to sing.
Great lessons! Definitely improved my ability to sing longer notes
The explanation of Diaphragm breathing is excellent it is utterly simple as he says- this alone has improved my singing considerably!!!
Over the years I've had some practice with some of these things, but your videos are a great interactive way to continue practicing. Thanks for the help Galt. I play guitar as well, wish I could play piano again.
Well, in truth, the reason it is said to sing Re with a short "e" is because that's how it would be pronounced in Italian (as in the word crescendo). But I find that the short "e" sound leads singers to pulling, muscle tension, and usually sounds bad. Replacing it with a short "i" sound or the long "a" sound typically has better results for vocal placement. This being a voice lesson and not a lesson in Italian, you can see why I sing it the way I do ;]
Thank you for putting this up!!!! I want to sing in the choir in my church soo badly but Im not a great singer and Ive been praying about it alot. Today I received this message in my inbox and you are great. I feel as though God is wanting this to happen! Thank You so much!!!!
I have a hard time sitting down and really practicing mostly because I don't have something interesting to practice along with... these videos really have me concentrated!
wow,ive watched a ton of breathing videos thinking.. 'what?' at the end. Finally someone who explained it in an easy, logical way, thankyou!!
dude thank you for your patience and willingness to teach that speaks volumes about a person i wouldnt be so docile to share my knowlage. you rock.... show us more!
This is just what I needed to practice with. Thank you for posting these.
@gopdeep When you're taking a breath, pay attention to whether or not your stomach is expanding, if it's not and your chest is rising/expanding then you're doing it wrong. You'll be able to feel the support in the notes and feel the control that you don't have with chest support. Resonance is a different term, and you can you that to determine which part of your voice it is in.
It takes time and everyone will progress a little differently :)
Also, range should not be your only benchmark- intonation, expressiveness and tone quality are important aspects to consider as well.
Lastly, it's possible you just need additional instruction or more challenging exercises, both of which my vocal technique CDs (now digital downloads) provide - check the link in the description for those.
Sounds like you're just letting your natural vibrato come out (meaning you're relaxed on the high notes). A good thing :)
Basically when you breathe correctly your stomach expands as if it is filling with air, and you may feel pressure in your back too. Incorrect breathing (when your shoulders rise as was said) is when you shallow breathe only into your chest and your tummy hardly moves.
I think singing in your head is when you don't project out, breathing exercises improves projection.
Hope this helps
This is wonderful. I love to sing in church, weddings, and school activities but I did't have a formal training. So, Thanks a lot. It's a big help.
your exercises are helping me out a ton. besides that i'm actually speaking more coherently by registering from my diaphragm rather than my throat believe it or not. thank you for your videos. best to you.
Put your hand on your neck if you feel a real strong vibration from there you are singing from your throat if you feel a slight vibration you are singing from your diaphram also the throat singing sounds pinched and not letting the sound come through. When singing from your diaphram there is more of a roomy sound, a bigger louder sound and more spacey.
Thanks Saher been following you a long time.God bless you !
I'd really like to see you do a full scale maybe in one of your next videos? just to be able to examine if I'm doing the high notes and such properly!
Love it,can actually hear if what your singing sounds well.. some warm up stuff ...lip roll etc you just sound bad regardless other than having to read the solfege as i was going (kinda messed me up trying to hit note) was awesome! I will most defiantly be buying this cd of yours. :) not one part but the package. I have watched a lot of these types of videos and i must say its nice having an instructor who's voice you like. You can have a great voice and still not be what your aiming for . kudos
you are doing a great job, i am already an alright singer, but i have learnt so much from your videos.
lessons are to the point & help me warm up where & for the length I need to....I appreciate that & use them every day twice a day.
If you're taking a good breath "into the diaphragm" - that's all you need to worry about for now. Focus on proper vocal placement, and your breath support will follow accordingly.
@gopdeep stand next to a mirror (optional) and breath in a way that will make your stomach pop out without moving your shoulders that much (or at all). the air will go lower than a normal breath that you take all the time. it might be harder than a normal breath at first.
i've done do re mi fa sol la ti do but the way you do it sounds beautiful :D something you actually wanna sing to instead of it feeling like a routine
Your voice will get stronger with consistent practice and good technique. As for "niceness" - when you develop your voice, you'll find you can shape your tone so you can sound how you want to :)
this was great man, ten years from now I'll look you up with a check for the singing lessons
@mrjuanchoX
thats because you sing from your throat, dont do that , it will damage your vocal chords, sing from your diaphram(tummy) . Push the higher notes from your tummy , practice it like this , it will take you some time but you will learn it eventually
Wow mate your really helpful.. ive not been able to get lessons in school so what your doing is really helpful.. Thanks very much
Thanks ;]
(btw, Si comes from the 'Fixed Do' system, but I'm using 'Movable Do')
The breaks ought to clear up with practice - but make sure when you're doing the "oh" that you don't widen out your mouth because that can engage your throat muscles and make it more difficult on you. Keep it relaxed.
well done teacher!
and thank you for your lessons!
i have been searching for lessons on here for so long and its hard to find good ones thankyou so much for posting these ^_^ they are very easy to follow
I had the me problem when I started, but I soon figured it out.
You have to listen to the piano really carefully and match your voice with it.
I think you are singing the high notes one octave low. I have a tendency to do that when the notes go out of my range.
that was actually really helpful advice. i was doing it from my throat the whole time and i could barely get a single high note and when i started doing it from my stomach i was getting much better
It's a Yamaha P-90
Jessie and the Rippers live on. You are awesome Stamos and I love Full House.
@Torrentthoughts you can try tilting your head slightly down when you go up higher, it will give you a little more resonance and tone.
The 2nd exeecise using do re mi feels like I'm actually singing! Thanks a lot for this.
I've not been doing these for long but already I've noticed a difference (:
Thanks!
i have been trying to do them once a day for a few weeks now,iv only just noticed about 1 minute ago while doing video one that my range had increased a bit for the humming exercise. I was doubtful about whether my range would increase until just now. I'll post if I notice any further improvement.
im almost sure they have helped me hold notes better too. kind of weird you should post this comment just as I find the answer to your question:)
@toyffer15ppf Sure the air is a bit dirtier, but it wont kill you, i'm pretty sure you have to breathe through your mouth before singing because it lets you take in alot more air faster than with your nose.
It shouldn't hurt - if you feel like you're straining, just back off a bit. Don't go as high and don't push as hard. :)
you are a really good teacher - im actually learnging new things, whereas with other videos, i get so bored!.. but i am seriously not bored right now! xD
your hotness inspires me to practice everyday! Thank you!
I'm training for a musical so this is soooooo great!
@LizzieMeg1984
During breathing or during the the ooooooOOOOO, because I find it easier to hit the different O O O notes when doing that.
Been doing this for 3 days. I am really sooore!
awesome videos. it's great to see good musicians take the time to help others out. that's really sweet. keep up the great work!
Singing should never hurt. Don't go so high as to cause discomfort. You will free up those higher notes in time, so don't force them now ;]
You can learn vibrato, definitely. I actually have a video for that :]
Search: "Voice Lesson : how to sing with vibrato !!!"
Nothing to worry about; in fact, it means you're doing something right. You're using the natural resonator in your face ;]
You could be taking a shallow breath or are blowing too much air through when you sing...
Does your tone sound breathy?
Thanks for explaining that in simple terms dude! The whole "breathe through the diaphram" was confusing the heck out of me..as I have seen in other vdos..
Hey man, that's great! It's easier to get them this way especially for those that don't live close to the U.S.
It's so cool.. you make it possible to learn from home!! thanks so very very much!!!
A very little bit, early on, is probably normal. As you develop proper technique and breath support, this should go away.
Losing your voice is usually indicative of vocal damage- and something to watch very carefully.
thanks man..
i have used your videos for one week now, and my voice is starting to get more powerfull..
I now i can do a Vibrato :D
thanks :D
Men tanks for this great videos of yours! had been very useful!
I was thinking the other day that since I graduated from highschool and as a result not longer had music courses in my life. :( My breathing in training (I do Equestrian Vaulting) has gradually gone down hill.... not useful) So thank you for these exercises. I think EVERY athlete should sing or play a wind instrument.
thats actually true about the bagg shirt, its not really a baggy shirt that makes u sing better its just less constriction on your chest, it allows your diaphragm to expand more easily. its like wen a drummer takes his shirt off, that allows them to drum fatser because they can move more freely
I had difficulty with the solfege at first....I couldn't make me voice get lower after it got higher...but after a few tries I got the hang of it
Man, you're just awesome, thank you so muck...
It's gonna help me a lot, amazing material, you explained clearly...
yes, but dont over do it.
working out also sort of hurt in a way but ends with nice results right? ;)
I just put up a new one on vibrato ;] see my main page for the link.
@shcaboose try pausing the screen after each scale to take a 'proper breath' since he leaves you no time to breathe. ^_^ it helps me.
oh my gosh. im only up to here and my voice sounds better and my range is better :O i actually love you!!
I'd like to hear you (sbgalt) sing along with the entire range just to hear how it sounds.
It would answer me alot of questions on how it should sound when you reach the higher notes.
your lessons are excellent
These Videos Are Good, They Are Helping Me Alot
you will in time, don't push it just relax and make sure your'e breathing properly :)
After about a month of vocal and breathing excercises you're range will imrpove. Check out eric arcenauxs lesson on vibrato (part 2) for breathing
ahah i did it...i was able to reach the last note you played in all the exercices!! Thank you so much!
Whoo...this will definitely help me whip my voice back into shape hah. Thanks for posting!
Hey this is just a tip when u guys here him hold the note make sure u don't hear ur wavlengths sound uneven (shakey) this will help
i dont think so cause my voice has developped so much since i was 17, i have no lessons but only try to practise by just singing :D plus there are so many conservatoriums that give lessons to older people, so i think you can still improve it
Thanks a lot!! I am breathing with my diaphram that the one thing i do do and im getting more familiar with the solfege keys..
you remind me a lot of the character tag in the tv series Friends. like no lie :)
but your a lot more talented at what you do and your videos help a lot!
It's good just make sure its room temp. If it's cold swisch it around in your mouth for a 30 secs then drink.
great video! so nice! sure everyone will improve
u should definitely continue singing the solfage, bc it is kind of confusing (i get lost quite often) :(
NIECE voice, excellent instructor!
ooh I was a major 3rd from the highest note before my range ended. And to think I was an alto just last year... Yay! PS Thanks for the great warm-ups and such! :)
@MrPapas1991 Practice Practice Makes Perfect, I used to Suck Bad Now im making Decent Progress with my Voice, If i Can do it, You Can do it!