I've just recently stumbled across your channel Jeff, and I have to say, that your videos are the most helpful! You are covering every aspect, and I can't be thankful enough! I will indeed donate to you, no doubt about it. All the best for you!
Thank you! I'm glad you're finding the videos helpful! Thank you in advance for considering a donation, it really helps! If you find that you have questions or would like a demonstration on something, consider coming by my live event. They're every Saturday at 6pm London time. Here's a link for the next one: th-cam.com/video/6FhrkoeY6c4/w-d-xo.html Best, Jeff
This is really helpful especially for baritones as myself. There aren't many videos for my type of voice around so I'm very grateful. I will keep checking out your videos and great job 👏👍💯
oh my gosh. possibly to avoid expanding the head voice, I developed/expanded the falsetto over the years to compensate. this feels great. thank you. going to keep working and contribute.
Thank you! I really appreciate that! Enjoy the channel and if you have questions, consider joining me at my weekly live event. It's every Saturday at 6pm London time. All the best, Jeff
Your approach is more appropiate for us, who are not Tenors and not deep Basses. Many years ago I have up on voice training, because instructors were making me, in the cold, do arpeggios right up to the top of the Verdi Baritone range. I would just stop "obeying" long before I would be tearing out my vocal cords! I would always say to a new instructor: "I don't want to sing anything; I need to develop my voice production, floated and centered."! I am going to watch your videos and practice them, cautiously, and see/hear what happens. Keep on making more videos like these. I can see you are a serious person. Also, lower voices have been "descriminated against" for a long time in this world. Probably, going back to the 18th Century, Tenors and Sopranos were made into "Superstars", and the ignorant masses were lead to believe that, the higher the voice, the more "kissed by God" you were. For me, Baritones, Bass-Baritones, and Basses, as well as the lower Women's voices, sound and portray accurately, "real people", while the others sound and were born, "star people"! Thank you for this series of videos! and, Thank you, You Tube for bringing you to us!
Thanks for writing in! I'm sorry that you had to deal with that. I will absolutely continue to make videos and do my best to help out all the fachs, especially the altos, baritones, and bass baritones! Best, Jeff
Thank you - I like your relaxed style. I am new to 'mixed voice' but did manage to go through your exercises successfully negotiating through the bridge / balance between voices.
Good video. The difference in sound you get with the electric keyboard compaired to when you are playing the piano is like listening to a different singer. The way I look at it you get Sinatra singing the same notes as Buble in the same song but totally different sound. The human voice is a gift from above.
What's sad is I get more out of Jeff's vids than I do from my weekly zoom lesson that I pay $$ for. I don't have the heart to tell my teacher who happens to be local. At this point she should be teaching in person with full vaccinations completed rather than taking the easy way. Jeff's the man!
Hi Jeff! I want to congratulate you first for your amazing videos. They're are awesome and so helpfull. I've been following them by myself since I quit my singing lessons because of some money issues. And most importantly, they really work. I've learnt a lot from them, and I can hear my improvements in my voice. Hey listen, I recently checked out your bass baritone videos, but I waswondering if you can do some warm up videos for "baritenors" or a little higher range than usual. I feel like I just don't quiet fit in baritone or tenor. My range is something in between them. Thank you very much for your time and dedication! Greetings from Argentina!! Rodrigo.
Hello!! Sorry it's taken me so long to respond! Yes, in short! I am going to do some more 'general warm ups' that will cover the baritenor range. Thanks for writing in! Jeff
Thanks for the videos Jeff, they helped me so much! I was wondering if you could make another video going in depth on head voice? Like, how would I know when I'm singing in head voice? Some more exercises would be great too. Thanks!
+Christopher Huynh Hello and thanks for watching! Glad to hear these videos are helping! I'd be happy to do more on recognizing head voice and including some additional exercises. All the best! Jeff
Hey Jeff. Im a middle to lower baritone and I’ve found i start to need better breath support around A3 and can just barely sustain a louder belted E4 most days, if its not belted the only other option for anything above C4-D4 is falsetto. I’m a full time gigging musician and I think I suffer from voice overuse from doing so many long three hour gigs and likely less than ideal technique even though I don’t think I’m doing anything terribly wrong. I’ve done a ton of research on the topic of singing, hence how I found your channel. My question is whether this range in the video is considered the baritone “head voice” or if it’s just the area before the head voice. And if by becoming more proficient at singing lighter in this range is that the key to bridging higher in a connected way??
I'm extremely confused by the whole head voice/falsetto terminology. I see you actually respond to people's questions unlike many vocal coaches on TH-cam. I figured you could possibly answer my question. In my Vocal Jazz group at school, I am a Baritone, with my lowest note an F2 and my highest (in chest voice/mixed) is an F4. Of course in my head voice, I can get up to an E5 or higher. I have pretty well developed my chest voice and mixed voice through F4, and 90% of what I sing will take place in this range. What kills my is my falsetto/head voice. First off, what's the difference? Can I just call them the same thing? And I have been trying my whole Sophomore year to bridge the gap, and there's STILL an awkward maneuvering around F4 where I have to stop singing and flip over to head/falsetto. I SO long to bridge this gap. I have solidified this range your talking about and am ready to bridge the gap and start exploring this head voice/falsetto range a little more because it's the one part of my voice I don't seem to have under my belt. I've listened to at least a hundred videos and none of them make any sense and I really want to get this down. My teachers at school, although I'm sure they could help, are so busy teaching us new jazz pieces that I would rather ask someone who is specializing in helping singers.
+Eric Robinson Hello and thank you for your question. I am sorry it has taken me so long to get to it. I was having an internet malfunction on top of a personal illness. You are not alone in being confused. The terminology of falsetto and head voice are used interchangeably and oppositely depending on one's school of voice. So depending on with whom you're studying, one could say the usage of your voice is falsetto and another teacher would say you're singing in head voice. So, to clarify: chest voice = thyro arytenoid dominant singing head voice = crico thyroid dominant singing falsetto = the ligament on the vocal fold is the predominant tone producer This is why in the videos that I produce you will hear me refer to these muscle groups as well as the commonly referred to terms for different 'ranges' of a singer's voice (chest voice, head voice, etc...) In 'bridging' your range, we're talking about making a smooth transition from chest voice to head voice; from thyro arytenoid dominant singing to crico thyroid dominant singing. Doing so smoothly gives us a smooth timbre from the lowest notes of our range to the highest notes of our range once we transition onto the ligament of the vocal fold in the falsetto area. The F4 area is going to coincide with what we call the secondo passaggio. The area around it is the 'mixed range' where the equilibrium between thyro arytenoid muscles and crico thyroid muscles is adjusting to allow for one or the other to dominantly control the vocal fold (thyro arytenoid if descending; crico thyroid if ascending) If this is confusing, here are some videos that may help. This is a demonstration video of the three ranges, thyro arytenoid, crico thyroid and falsetto. th-cam.com/video/1WetqFLkcuk/w-d-xo.html Here is a link to the first of three videos on developing this technique th-cam.com/video/erFjTGWia5U/w-d-xo.html I hope that helps. Sorry again for the delay! Jeff
Hello Jeff! I think this is a great exercise for increasing my ability with pianissimo singing. Right now I am not breaking at any of these intervals that you used in your video. I think I am a baritone but I break a little higher around F-G. Should I bring the scales and practice you used in the video higher up and OVER my break? Or should I just stick with the default scale range? Which would be more effective?
I'd try the tenor version of this video and see how it goes! Practicing the transition over the secondo passaggio helps us make it as smooth as possible, so finding the right range scales to facilitate that practice is key! (pun intended!) Best, Jeff
Hello Jeff, I love your videos. I have a question. I am visually impaired and cannot make Eye contact with the audience, what is the best way to connect with an audience when you can't see them?
Hello Jeff, I’m a little bit confused about my voice type because i thought i was a baritone because my break is at E4, but i can sing to about A4 and Bb4 (sometimes B4) in my head voice, Some Tenor workout videos are about a note or 2 too high for me though. What range would this be? Thank you
Fach is defined only in part by the highest and lowest notes you can sing. It is also determined by the location of the primo and secondo passaggi. e4 would have you as a baritone,. Best, Jeff
Hey Jeff! Thanks for the video! I'm slightly confused though. I don't think I've ever found my head voice which is why I'm checking out this video. I was able to go through your exercises all the way until the end. How do I know exactly when my head voice is kicked in? It feels relatively the same in terms of resonance. I am a baritone. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
+chillbabe104 I'd have to hear you to answer that. Crossing the secondo passaggio generally feels a lot lighter internally than being in chest voice. If you're successful though, the resonance will be the same and you'll have good alignment from low to high.
hi jeff. great lesson. i will certainly be practicing this alot and have subscribed. one question, i am able to follow most of this through my passagio..but some of it only at a very low volume. some notes i can get good volume but not some. will volume even out over time so i can sing them all comfortably at a volume appropriate for performance with practice over time? thank you very much for your time and help. cheers from australia!
Thank you! Thank you for your kind words and thank you for watching! I'm a little concerned about the volume. I do not focus on volume as a result in and of itself, but rather that it is a symptom of the system being well-aligned. Is it really different in volume or just a little? Does the tone quality change as well as volume? Is there an airy quality to the tone when it changes? Best, Jeff
Jeff Rolka hi jeff thanks alot for replying. well, it is a shift in volume which quite considerable. the notes in the passagio are indeed more airy like u mentioned. its like there isnt capacity for resonance and projection like my chest voice and head voice is. the tone changes when i am projecting, but when singing softly, the tone changes less so. thank very much for your advice i will be sure to donate to your crowdfunding. mark
Awesome video! I'm a Baritone and my lowest note is a D2 and my highest note is a B5. I can hit a C6 using full head voice but my throat feels strained afterwards. Could it be my technique? I'm untrained but your videos help me! Thanks! You found yourself a new subscriber!
Hello and thanks for getting in touch! I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you here. If you're straining to sing notes, I would highly recommend you re-evaluate your technique and how you're achieving them. If you are making a successful transition through your zona di passaggio that really shouldn't be happening. If you're not sure what the zona di passaggio is, try having a look at this video and the exercises that are contained in it. It is part one of a three part series that works on transitions. Thanks for subscribing and keep me up to date on what is going on with your voice. All the best, Jeff Rolka Link: th-cam.com/video/erFjTGWia5U/w-d-xo.html
Hi Jeff! What do you recommend a vocalist do after learning to navigate our mixed voice properly? Should I follow up with 3-part series for the secundo passaggio? I recently regained my mixed voice back after recovering from bronchitis.
I have a problem with my head voice , my friend said me isnt a problem but my higher note in head voice is G5 above middle C , with so tension can go to B5 is so bad, ¿is possibble to extend my vocal range but only in my head voice? :c my lowest note is head voice is C3
Hi Jeff I consider myself a baritone and I find your your singing exercises are the best on TH-cam. However The Secondo Passagio was just below my transition point. Usually my Passagio is around F or F# and is an E if I haven't been practicing or have a cold. Would it be possible to do the tenor Passagio or will it be too high for me? Lowest note is E2
Thank you very much for your kind words! Sure, you can do the tenor videos in order to ascend beyond your secondo passaggio. If you are doing baritone repertoire, however, you may not warm up as low as necessary. in that case, you might mix it up a bit. Do a normal range baritone vid to start and finish with a tenor one to satisfy the higher note requirements. Best, Jeff
The flutey sound that I use is used at particular stages of development. In my teaching, I gear my practice towards voce piena in testa, the sound of chest voice in head. In doing that, the listeners will hear neither the transition nor any change in quality in cricothyroid dominant singing voice (head voice).
@@JeffRolka thanks Jeff after reading thru the comments I understand that this video addresses the area just below the 2nd passage. Hence why I was confused because I was doing all of these in chest or within that passagio area you describe. My break is around Eb4 to E4 so these exercises are just below that. I’m assuming the flutey CT dominant sound will be used above my break and need to be developed to achieve the effect you’re describing
Everyone is different with different levels of awareness and experience. I would say it's possible to improve even after the first lesson, but that doesn't mean that you'll be a good singer or that you'll sound good at the end of that lesson. It means that hopefully in that lesson you'll develop a new awareness about how your voice operates and begin to hear it a little differently creating the opportunity for growth. All the best, Jeff
A great question and goal. It starts with a seamless transition at the secondo passaggio. Do that with all vowels including tonal insets at and above the secondo passaggio and you’ll mostly have it. Best, Jeff
The idea around the secondo passaggio (the break) is to make a seamless transition back and forth. This is a how to video on that subject, so it's the beginning of the process of gaining aptitude at going back and forth between 'head' and 'chest'. If you only sang it in head voice, you'd be defeating the purpose of the practice I'm sorry to say. Best, Jeff
+No No The range in this video would focus around the fourth octave to the third, straddling the secondo passaggio in the baritone and for that matter tenor fache.
My break is in the same range as you are dealing with here, and I don't really have a problem being able to sing in head voice. I do have a problem with the how it sounds tough. It is weak, sounds like a childs voice and doesn't sound appropriate using this voice when singing in a choir. Do you have a video on making the head voice sound richer?
@@JeffRolka Hi Jeff, thanks so much for a specific response. I get your point that the voice sounds different in the head from how others hear it, so I did as you suggested, and recorded me singing arpeggios. My head voice on the recordings still sounds very weak to me. If I were to describe it positively, I would say it is pure (like a sine wave without many harmonics), but usually we want to sing with a much more rounded tone. I can practice your singing "across the break" exercises, but I would like to know if I need to do other exercises to "build up" the tone in my head voice singing as well.
Depends on how those words get used and where you've studied in the past. Baritone secondo passaggi (the transition to cricothyroid dominant singing - head voice) range from c-sharp 4 to e4. Thanks for watching! Jeff
Hi Jeff Rolka! I recently read the book "The Baritone Voice", by Anthony Frizzell. It gives another perspective on trying to reach high notes. If you've read it, what's your opinion on it? It'd be awesome hearing from you.
What an awesome video Jeff 👍, I’m learning a lot . I love competing in a singing competition and just wondering, what kind of songs do you recommend for a baritone like me to sing? I know , hundreds of songs out there but I like something ballads with meanings . Thank you for sharing , Jeff and just subscribe to your channel💕
There's so much to choose from! Without knowing more, if you're choosing songs specifically to compete, go with what you know best, that you could basically sing in your sleep. If you know that you want some particular aspect of your singing to be in the songs, ie., high notes, runs, etc., then work the song well in advance! Thank you for watching! Thanks for your comment! Best, Jeff
Thanks for the request. I have a request in for third passaggio transition singing, which would include falsetto range practice. It'll be in that and hopefully out in a few weeks! Thanks for watching! Best, Jeff
If this was meant to help me practice my transition into head voice, why was I singing most of the time in my head voice? and struggling a bit in the higher notes (like really struggling)
It may be that you have a voice which is overall lower than this video is pitched, or you may be transitioning to your upper register too soon. Hard to say without hearing you! Best, Jeff
i did all note without effort considering in not high volume because in my room and neighbor brake the b. but really no understand if i'm a bariton bass or bariton tenor ahaha, i can sing example Richard Ashcroft the verve, or Leonard Choen or Fabrizio De Andre or time pink Floyd and high hope and Michael Buble and many George Michael, i'm confused
These exercises won't necessarily indicate whether you're a baritone or tenor. They are meant to be below the secondo passaggio, which is the more telling of the transition points when it comes to determining fache.
That is the area that most baritones have their secondo passaggio; but, if your vowels are not sufficiently aligned it's possible for the tenor vocalist to misplace the secondo passaggio to this location which is where for the tenor, vowel modification and airflow become critical. The actual baritone vocalist will not only have this transition but a noticeable change in vowel formation around Bb3-C4 Best! Jeff
@@JeffRolka Hi Jeff! I noticed that I have a vocal crack at B3 between Bb3-C4. Will I eventually succeed in transitioning seamlessly between my chest voice and head voice with consistent practice?
Do you know how I can access my head voice because when I try my voice cracks and flips to falsetto and I have a hard time singing D4 and up without sounding like Mickey Mouse.
Hi Jeff, I have been watching your videos and studying, but I want to get even more in depth, I want to take some private coaching with you, I am a singer/songwriter from Miami
Hello! Thanks for watching and thanks for your kind words! Get in touch via my website www.jeffrolka.com/connect-2/ We can sort out all the details! Jeff
Hey guys, I'm sorry there's some confusion here. Allow me to explain. At the beginning, I mention that this video is meant to practice the area right below the secondo passaggio, the so called break. This transition area, which I refer to as the zona di passaggio is critical to successfully navigating to the upper register of our voices. Practicing in that area is the focus of the video. For reference, the link below details vocal range transition points as defined by Richard Miller. Again, different schools of thought will agree/disagree but if you scroll down to baritone you'll see that this video adheres to those ranges. Thanks again for watching and writing in. I hope this helps. If anything needs clarification let me know! Here's the link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passaggio All the best! Jeff
+Jeff Rolka BTW I'm also struggling to last my mixed voice notes....like I need a lot of air to support those notes....How do I fix this? Can you please help?
+berry smith-relf That's a very common situation to be in during the process of learning to transition through the secondo passaggio (break) before the vowels resonate similarly above and below the transition. Keep practicing. If range development is what you're currently working on, look for videos in your range here: th-cam.com/play/PL2mQP7sE6PHjHyIC-q4iZYjTUYnu5Nd9o.html As your technique around the transition gets smoother, try the 'Resonance' videos. They are in this playlist along with several other videos that work on balancing the differences between thyro arytnoid dominant (chest range) and crico thyroid dominant (head voice) singing: th-cam.com/play/PL2mQP7sE6PHiGTZj_aYVDqJVOvE4vzj7s.html Keep me posted as to how it goes! Best, Jeff
No. Definitely stop, re-evaluate how you're using your voice. For more theory on this process have a look at this: th-cam.com/video/erFjTGWia5U/w-d-xo.html Best, Jeff
I've just recently stumbled across your channel Jeff, and I have to say, that your videos are the most helpful! You are covering every aspect, and I can't be thankful enough! I will indeed donate to you, no doubt about it.
All the best for you!
Thank you! I'm glad you're finding the videos helpful! Thank you in advance for considering a donation, it really helps! If you find that you have questions or would like a demonstration on something, consider coming by my live event. They're every Saturday at 6pm London time. Here's a link for the next one:
th-cam.com/video/6FhrkoeY6c4/w-d-xo.html
Best,
Jeff
This is really helpful especially for baritones as myself. There aren't many videos for my type of voice around so I'm very grateful. I will keep checking out your videos and great job 👏👍💯
Thank you for sharing your kind words! I really appreciate it!
Jeff
oh my gosh. possibly to avoid expanding the head voice, I developed/expanded the falsetto over the years to compensate. this feels great. thank you. going to keep working and contribute.
I agree with the comment below! This videos have absolutely catapulted my singing to another level!
I'm forever grateful!!
Thank you! I really appreciate that! Enjoy the channel and if you have questions, consider joining me at my weekly live event. It's every Saturday at 6pm London time.
All the best,
Jeff
You're an awesome guy, Jeff! Love this lesson
Your approach is more appropiate for us, who are not Tenors and not deep Basses. Many years ago I have up on voice training, because instructors were making me, in the cold, do arpeggios right up to the top of the Verdi Baritone range. I would just stop "obeying" long before I would be tearing out my vocal cords!
I would always say to a new instructor: "I don't want to sing anything; I need to develop my voice production, floated and centered."!
I am going to watch your videos and practice them, cautiously, and see/hear what happens.
Keep on making more videos like these. I can see you are a serious person. Also, lower voices have been "descriminated against" for a long time in this world. Probably, going back to the 18th Century, Tenors and Sopranos were made into "Superstars", and the ignorant masses were lead to believe that, the higher the voice, the more "kissed by God" you were. For me, Baritones, Bass-Baritones, and Basses, as well as the lower Women's voices, sound and portray accurately, "real people", while the others sound and were born, "star people"!
Thank you for this series of videos!
and,
Thank you, You Tube for bringing you to us!
Thanks for writing in! I'm sorry that you had to deal with that. I will absolutely continue to make videos and do my best to help out all the fachs, especially the altos, baritones, and bass baritones!
Best,
Jeff
I like the quality it brings out in my voice, but still need to translate that to a couple more notes in my range. Nice exercise.
I have downloaded this video. Quality content ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Thank you so much for these videos! I've always wanted to learn how to sing and these exercises and your advice seems to be working for me!
+Anson G You're very welcome! Really glad to hear that they're working for you!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff, I am finding your generous lessons very helpful fo daily practise.
Thanks, always have fun with your lessons.
I just made my first donation in your website to say thanks for your great work!!
Thank you - I like your relaxed style.
I am new to 'mixed voice' but did manage to go through your exercises successfully negotiating through the bridge / balance between voices.
Excellent! Great work! Thank you, I try to keep it relaxed and fun and it's good to know that that is coming through!
Best!
Jeff
Good video.
The difference in sound you get with the electric
keyboard compaired to when you are playing the piano is like listening to a different singer.
The way I look at it you get Sinatra singing the same notes as Buble in the same song but totally different sound.
The human voice is a
gift from above.
wonderful stuff
thank you for teaching, and for your kindness
very informative and is Excellent classical voice training, and I find most amazing the use of the anatomical model of the singing mechanism (voice)
Very very helpfull ande clear. Thanks!
am really fond of your voice instruction
Thank you! I do my best!
Jeff
Thank you Mr. Rolka!!
more for baritone pls)
Thank you so much Jeff Rolka!!!!
Love your videos!
What's sad is I get more out of Jeff's vids than I do from my weekly zoom lesson that I pay
$$ for. I don't have the heart to tell my teacher who happens to be local. At this point she should be teaching in person with full vaccinations completed rather than taking the easy way. Jeff's the man!
Thank you so much! Glad you're able to take lessons too!!! Thanks for being here and keep singing!!!!
Jeff
Hi Jeff! I want to congratulate you first for your amazing videos. They're are awesome and so helpfull. I've been following them by myself since I quit my singing lessons because of some money issues. And most importantly, they really work. I've learnt a lot from them, and I can hear my improvements in my voice. Hey listen, I recently checked out your bass baritone videos, but I waswondering if you can do some warm up videos for "baritenors" or a little higher range than usual. I feel like I just don't quiet fit in baritone or tenor. My range is something in between them.
Thank you very much for your time and dedication!
Greetings from Argentina!!
Rodrigo.
Hello!! Sorry it's taken me so long to respond!
Yes, in short! I am going to do some more 'general warm ups' that will cover the baritenor range.
Thanks for writing in!
Jeff
Thank you, Jeff! You are awesome.
Awesome!!! Thanks for watching!
Top man Jeff, really great exercises.................. Singing and range improving, which is all good :-)
I'm a Barry so thank you for this awesome vid,I connected to your channel as well,One Love.
Very invigorating and helpful for me. Thank you very much!
You're welcome! Thanks for your comment!
Best,
Jeff
Fantastic. Thanks a lot!
Thanks for the videos Jeff, they helped me so much! I was wondering if you could make another video going in depth on head voice? Like, how would I know when I'm singing in head voice? Some more exercises would be great too. Thanks!
+Christopher Huynh Hello and thanks for watching! Glad to hear these videos are helping! I'd be happy to do more on recognizing head voice and including some additional exercises.
All the best!
Jeff
Hey Jeff. Im a middle to lower baritone and I’ve found i start to need better breath support around A3 and can just barely sustain a louder belted E4 most days, if its not belted the only other option for anything above C4-D4 is falsetto. I’m a full time gigging musician and I think I suffer from voice overuse from doing so many long three hour gigs and likely less than ideal technique even though I don’t think I’m doing anything terribly wrong. I’ve done a ton of research on the topic of singing, hence how I found your channel. My question is whether this range in the video is considered the baritone “head voice” or if it’s just the area before the head voice. And if by becoming more proficient at singing lighter in this range is that the key to bridging higher in a connected way??
Hi Jeff - I checked out your exercises but couldn't find anything for basses. Do you have anything?Thanks.
Great exercise for baritones!
Thank you! Much love for the low tones!
Jeff
Fantastic. Thank. You
thanks bro!! I subscribed asap!
You know what they say: “The Lord is where the Nord is.”
Excelente
I'm extremely confused by the whole head voice/falsetto terminology. I see you actually respond to people's questions unlike many vocal coaches on TH-cam. I figured you could possibly answer my question. In my Vocal Jazz group at school, I am a Baritone, with my lowest note an F2 and my highest (in chest voice/mixed) is an F4. Of course in my head voice, I can get up to an E5 or higher. I have pretty well developed my chest voice and mixed voice through F4, and 90% of what I sing will take place in this range. What kills my is my falsetto/head voice. First off, what's the difference? Can I just call them the same thing? And I have been trying my whole Sophomore year to bridge the gap, and there's STILL an awkward maneuvering around F4 where I have to stop singing and flip over to head/falsetto. I SO long to bridge this gap. I have solidified this range your talking about and am ready to bridge the gap and start exploring this head voice/falsetto range a little more because it's the one part of my voice I don't seem to have under my belt. I've listened to at least a hundred videos and none of them make any sense and I really want to get this down. My teachers at school, although I'm sure they could help, are so busy teaching us new jazz pieces that I would rather ask someone who is specializing in helping singers.
+Eric Robinson Hello and thank you for your question. I am sorry it has taken me so long to get to it. I was having an internet malfunction on top of a personal illness.
You are not alone in being confused. The terminology of falsetto and head voice are used interchangeably and oppositely depending on one's school of voice. So depending on with whom you're studying, one could say the usage of your voice is falsetto and another teacher would say you're singing in head voice.
So, to clarify:
chest voice = thyro arytenoid dominant singing
head voice = crico thyroid dominant singing
falsetto = the ligament on the vocal fold is the predominant tone producer
This is why in the videos that I produce you will hear me refer to these muscle groups as well as the commonly referred to terms for different 'ranges' of a singer's voice (chest voice, head voice, etc...)
In 'bridging' your range, we're talking about making a smooth transition from chest voice to head voice; from thyro arytenoid dominant singing to crico thyroid dominant singing. Doing so smoothly gives us a smooth timbre from the lowest notes of our range to the highest notes of our range once we transition onto the ligament of the vocal fold in the falsetto area.
The F4 area is going to coincide with what we call the secondo passaggio. The area around it is the 'mixed range' where the equilibrium between thyro arytenoid muscles and crico thyroid muscles is adjusting to allow for one or the other to dominantly control the vocal fold (thyro arytenoid if descending; crico thyroid if ascending)
If this is confusing, here are some videos that may help.
This is a demonstration video of the three ranges, thyro arytenoid, crico thyroid and falsetto.
th-cam.com/video/1WetqFLkcuk/w-d-xo.html
Here is a link to the first of three videos on developing this technique
th-cam.com/video/erFjTGWia5U/w-d-xo.html
I hope that helps. Sorry again for the delay!
Jeff
That was awesome 👏
Great stuff Jeff
Thank you! Thanks for watching!
All the best!
Jeff
Thank you!
Hello Jeff! I think this is a great exercise for increasing my ability with pianissimo singing. Right now I am not breaking at any of these intervals that you used in your video. I think I am a baritone but I break a little higher around F-G. Should I bring the scales and practice you used in the video higher up and OVER my break? Or should I just stick with the default scale range? Which would be more effective?
I'd try the tenor version of this video and see how it goes! Practicing the transition over the secondo passaggio helps us make it as smooth as possible, so finding the right range scales to facilitate that practice is key! (pun intended!)
Best,
Jeff
Did you just touch my piano? Step brothers reference lol
I've heard this before, but haven't checked it out.
Hello Jeff, I love your videos. I have a question. I am visually impaired and cannot make Eye contact with the audience, what is the best way to connect with an audience when you can't see them?
Without any further ado at 1:11😉 Thanks Jeff! 🐯
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12/07/2022 😀
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my range is G2-A4 and i want to extend it up to G5.
what can i do pls!help me!
Super lip trill will help start that process. Check out the diaphragmatic breathing warm up and the extended range warm ups!
Jeff
Jeff Rolka ok.
@@louiesterjhonlicudan3032 hey! by the G5, you mean in head voice or in belting?
Hello Jeff, I’m a little bit confused about my voice type because i thought i was a baritone because my break is at E4, but i can sing to about A4 and Bb4 (sometimes B4) in my head voice, Some Tenor workout videos are about a note or 2 too high for me though. What range would this be? Thank you
Fach is defined only in part by the highest and lowest notes you can sing. It is also determined by the location of the primo and secondo passaggi. e4 would have you as a baritone,.
Best,
Jeff
Hey Jeff! Thanks for the video! I'm slightly confused though. I don't think I've ever found my head voice which is why I'm checking out this video. I was able to go through your exercises all the way until the end. How do I know exactly when my head voice is kicked in? It feels relatively the same in terms of resonance. I am a baritone. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
+chillbabe104 I'd have to hear you to answer that. Crossing the secondo passaggio generally feels a lot lighter internally than being in chest voice. If you're successful though, the resonance will be the same and you'll have good alignment from low to high.
hi jeff.
great lesson. i will certainly be practicing this alot and have subscribed. one question, i am able to follow most of this through my passagio..but some of it only at a very low volume. some notes i can get good volume but not some. will volume even out over time so i can sing them all comfortably at a volume appropriate for performance with practice over time?
thank you very much for your time and help.
cheers from australia!
Thank you! Thank you for your kind words and thank you for watching!
I'm a little concerned about the volume. I do not focus on volume as a result in and of itself, but rather that it is a symptom of the system being well-aligned. Is it really different in volume or just a little? Does the tone quality change as well as volume? Is there an airy quality to the tone when it changes?
Best,
Jeff
Jeff Rolka
hi jeff thanks alot for replying.
well, it is a shift in volume which quite considerable. the notes in the passagio are indeed more airy like u mentioned. its like there isnt capacity for resonance and projection like my chest voice and head voice is.
the tone changes when i am projecting, but when singing softly, the tone changes less so.
thank very much for your advice i will be sure to donate to your crowdfunding.
mark
Awesome video! I'm a Baritone and my lowest note is a D2 and my highest note is a B5. I can hit a C6 using full head voice but my throat feels strained afterwards. Could it be my technique? I'm untrained but your videos help me! Thanks! You found yourself a new subscriber!
Hello and thanks for getting in touch! I'm sorry it took me so long to get back to you here. If you're straining to sing notes, I would highly recommend you re-evaluate your technique and how you're achieving them. If you are making a successful transition through your zona di passaggio that really shouldn't be happening. If you're not sure what the zona di passaggio is, try having a look at this video and the exercises that are contained in it. It is part one of a three part series that works on transitions.
Thanks for subscribing and keep me up to date on what is going on with your voice.
All the best,
Jeff Rolka
Link:
th-cam.com/video/erFjTGWia5U/w-d-xo.html
thanks a lot
Hi Jeff! What do you recommend a vocalist do after learning to navigate our mixed voice properly? Should I follow up with 3-part series for the secundo passaggio?
I recently regained my mixed voice back after recovering from bronchitis.
Absolutely - you can work through my three part series and also work on repertoire that incorporates those notes into your songs!
I have a problem with my head voice , my friend said me isnt a problem but my higher note in head voice is G5 above middle C , with so tension can go to B5 is so bad, ¿is possibble to extend my vocal range but only in my head voice? :c my lowest note is head voice is C3
3:50
legend
Hi Jeff I consider myself a baritone and I find your your singing exercises are the best on TH-cam. However The Secondo Passagio was just below my transition point. Usually my Passagio is around F or F# and is an E if I haven't been practicing or have a cold.
Would it be possible to do the tenor Passagio or will it be too high for me?
Lowest note is E2
Thank you very much for your kind words! Sure, you can do the tenor videos in order to ascend beyond your secondo passaggio. If you are doing baritone repertoire, however, you may not warm up as low as necessary. in that case, you might mix it up a bit. Do a normal range baritone vid to start and finish with a tenor one to satisfy the higher note requirements.
Best,
Jeff
@@JeffRolka Thanks for replying Jeff😁
Is this considered head voice for the baritone? I’m confused because in other videos you refer to head voice as the flutey sound above the passagio
The flutey sound that I use is used at particular stages of development. In my teaching, I gear my practice towards voce piena in testa, the sound of chest voice in head. In doing that, the listeners will hear neither the transition nor any change in quality in cricothyroid dominant singing voice (head voice).
@@JeffRolka thanks Jeff after reading thru the comments I understand that this video addresses the area just below the 2nd passage. Hence why I was confused because I was doing all of these in chest or within that passagio area you describe. My break is around Eb4 to E4 so these exercises are just below that. I’m assuming the flutey CT dominant sound will be used above my break and need to be developed to achieve the effect you’re describing
I will DM you, I am still struggling activating the head voice consistently.
didn’t even notice i was singing in head voice 👀
+Jeff Rolka, does it take one week to improve or how long does it take?
Everyone is different with different levels of awareness and experience. I would say it's possible to improve even after the first lesson, but that doesn't mean that you'll be a good singer or that you'll sound good at the end of that lesson. It means that hopefully in that lesson you'll develop a new awareness about how your voice operates and begin to hear it a little differently creating the opportunity for growth.
All the best,
Jeff
Should one master head voice first or Mixed/middle voice first?
Neither really. They are worked on together. One informs the other.
Jeff
Hi jeff.
I'm a baritone, can i ask if how could i bridge my third passagio easily?
A great question and goal. It starts with a seamless transition at the secondo passaggio. Do that with all vowels including tonal insets at and above the secondo passaggio and you’ll mostly have it.
Best,
Jeff
Hi again, Do you have voice lessons for sopranos_!
Just a lil confused am I supposed to do these in head voice? Obviously yeah right? Jus wanna do them right
The idea around the secondo passaggio (the break) is to make a seamless transition back and forth. This is a how to video on that subject, so it's the beginning of the process of gaining aptitude at going back and forth between 'head' and 'chest'. If you only sang it in head voice, you'd be defeating the purpose of the practice I'm sorry to say.
Best,
Jeff
@@JeffRolka Mmmm okay that makes a lot of sense thank you!!
I don't get it, when we do this warm up, are we doing this in the 5- down to 4 octave or 4 down to 3
+No No The range in this video would focus around the fourth octave to the third, straddling the secondo passaggio in the baritone and for that matter tenor fache.
JEFF WHAT BRAND IS YOUR GUITAR? IN ARGENTINA IS DIFICULT TO BUY A GOOD GUITAR, MANY YEARS OVATION WAS THE BEST
I have a Martin and Gibson! The Martin is a 000-16, the Gibson is a Hummingbird!
Best!
Jeff
@@JeffRolka thanks my friend, imposible to by in Argentina
Fun!!!!!!!!!
My break is in the same range as you are dealing with here, and I don't really have a problem being able to sing in head voice. I do have a problem with the how it sounds tough. It is weak, sounds like a childs voice and doesn't sound appropriate using this voice when singing in a choir. Do you have a video on making the head voice sound richer?
Have you recorded yourself and listened back? The internal sound of one's head voice can differ greatly from the external. Let me know.
Best,
Jeff
@@JeffRolka Hi Jeff, thanks so much for a specific response. I get your point that the voice sounds different in the head from how others hear it, so I did as you suggested, and recorded me singing arpeggios. My head voice on the recordings still sounds very weak to me. If I were to describe it positively, I would say it is pure (like a sine wave without many harmonics), but usually we want to sing with a much more rounded tone.
I can practice your singing "across the break" exercises, but I would like to know if I need to do other exercises to "build up" the tone in my head voice singing as well.
Hi Jeff, this one confused me! I thought head voice would be a lot higher, unless I’m getting confused with falsetto?! 🤷🏼♂️
Depends on how those words get used and where you've studied in the past. Baritone secondo passaggi (the transition to cricothyroid dominant singing - head voice) range from c-sharp 4 to e4.
Thanks for watching!
Jeff
Jeff Rolka thank you. I need to google some of those terms 😄 Love your videos though, truly thankful.
really good!
Hi Jeff Rolka! I recently read the book "The Baritone Voice", by Anthony Frizzell. It gives another perspective on trying to reach high notes. If you've read it, what's your opinion on it? It'd be awesome hearing from you.
Interesting. I'll have to check it out.
What an awesome video Jeff 👍, I’m learning a lot . I love competing in a singing competition and just wondering, what kind of songs do you recommend for a baritone like me to sing? I know , hundreds of songs out there but I like something ballads with meanings . Thank you for sharing , Jeff and just subscribe to your channel💕
There's so much to choose from! Without knowing more, if you're choosing songs specifically to compete, go with what you know best, that you could basically sing in your sleep. If you know that you want some particular aspect of your singing to be in the songs, ie., high notes, runs, etc., then work the song well in advance!
Thank you for watching! Thanks for your comment!
Best,
Jeff
Do a Falsetto for a baritones video please!!! :D
Thanks for the request. I have a request in for third passaggio transition singing, which would include falsetto range practice. It'll be in that and hopefully out in a few weeks!
Thanks for watching!
Best,
Jeff
GREAT!!! I can't wait =)
If this was meant to help me practice my transition into head voice, why was I singing most of the time in my head voice? and struggling a bit in the higher notes (like really struggling)
It may be that you have a voice which is overall lower than this video is pitched, or you may be transitioning to your upper register too soon. Hard to say without hearing you!
Best,
Jeff
Thank you, I will try to identify when I transition if it is too early.
i did all note without effort considering in not high volume because in my room and neighbor brake the b. but really no understand if i'm a bariton bass or bariton tenor ahaha, i can sing example Richard Ashcroft the verve, or Leonard Choen or Fabrizio De Andre or time pink Floyd and high hope and Michael Buble and many George Michael, i'm confused
These exercises won't necessarily indicate whether you're a baritone or tenor. They are meant to be below the secondo passaggio, which is the more telling of the transition points when it comes to determining fache.
Does having a passagio at a D or E flat above middle C make you a baritone?
That is the area that most baritones have their secondo passaggio; but, if your vowels are not sufficiently aligned it's possible for the tenor vocalist to misplace the secondo passaggio to this location which is where for the tenor, vowel modification and airflow become critical. The actual baritone vocalist will not only have this transition but a noticeable change in vowel formation around Bb3-C4
Best!
Jeff
Actually I believe I have my first passaggio there( I'm not entirely sure of that). If so how will it be?
@@JeffRolka Hi Jeff! I noticed that I have a vocal crack at B3 between Bb3-C4. Will I eventually succeed in transitioning seamlessly between my chest voice and head voice with consistent practice?
Is it normal for my voice to hurt or feel soar after doing these. If so, what am I doing wrong?
No. Shouldn't hurt at all. You are probably not allowing for the registration event to occur (squeezing out the high notes).
Best,
Jeff
Do you know how I can access my head voice because when I try my voice cracks and flips to falsetto and I have a hard time singing D4 and up without sounding like Mickey Mouse.
Hi Jeff, I have been watching your videos and studying, but I want to get even more in depth, I want to take some private coaching with you, I am a singer/songwriter from Miami
Hello! Thanks for watching and thanks for your kind words! Get in touch via my website www.jeffrolka.com/connect-2/
We can sort out all the details!
Jeff
I did all of them in my chest voice effortlessly.....but I'm supposed to be a baritone.....I'm confused....
Same here. He doesn't go high enough in this video for most baritones to need to transition into head voice. I don't get the point of this video tbh
Hey guys, I'm sorry there's some confusion here. Allow me to explain. At the beginning, I mention that this video is meant to practice the area right below the secondo passaggio, the so called break. This transition area, which I refer to as the zona di passaggio is critical to successfully navigating to the upper register of our voices. Practicing in that area is the focus of the video. For reference, the link below details vocal range transition points as defined by Richard Miller. Again, different schools of thought will agree/disagree but if you scroll down to baritone you'll see that this video adheres to those ranges.
Thanks again for watching and writing in. I hope this helps. If anything needs clarification let me know! Here's the link:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passaggio
All the best!
Jeff
+Jeff Rolka Thank you so much Jeff. I got it now.
You're welcome! I'm here to help!
All the best,
Jeff
+Jeff Rolka BTW I'm also struggling to last my mixed voice notes....like I need a lot of air to support those notes....How do I fix this? Can you please help?
i feel like im stuck in the basement like my middle c sounds weak but im strong is base and around soprano notes
+berry smith-relf That's a very common situation to be in during the process of learning to transition through the secondo passaggio (break) before the vowels resonate similarly above and below the transition. Keep practicing. If range development is what you're currently working on, look for videos in your range here:
th-cam.com/play/PL2mQP7sE6PHjHyIC-q4iZYjTUYnu5Nd9o.html
As your technique around the transition gets smoother, try the 'Resonance' videos.
They are in this playlist along with several other videos that work on balancing the differences between thyro arytnoid dominant (chest range) and crico thyroid dominant (head voice) singing:
th-cam.com/play/PL2mQP7sE6PHiGTZj_aYVDqJVOvE4vzj7s.html
Keep me posted as to how it goes!
Best,
Jeff
my throat is sore when I'm doing some of them is that normal
No. Definitely stop, re-evaluate how you're using your voice. For more theory on this process have a look at this:
th-cam.com/video/erFjTGWia5U/w-d-xo.html
Best,
Jeff
But of course I sang along, and moved on to the next lesson
are you on that movie step brothers??
I have a question. Baritone can sing tenor range or not? TQ btw
Yes! You only need to smooth out your secondo passaggio and match resonances in a similar fashion to a tenor. Happens frequently.
Best,
Jeff
I tried but sound like head voice, Maybe I have to practice more. Thanks for your helpful. Have a good day sir
Your speaking voice is high tenor...
I am liric baritone and I have a range D-a1 ... I don't known head voice tehnich... My English is not so good ... Like from me !!!
Thank you! Thank you for your kind words and thanks for watching! Enjoy the channel!
Jeff
so wheres the head voice part?
Thanks!
You're welcome! Thank you so much for the Super Thanks! I appreciate it!
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