This lesson is a continued exploration of registration as it relates to the singing voice, addressing the basic physiological function associated with different registers as well as providing practical vocal examples.
Objectives
Upon completion of this lesson students will be able to:
Define the term “Mix” as it relates to vocal production
Identify the differences between a head-dominant and chest/speech dominant “Mix”
Define “Belt” as is relates to vocal production
Discuss the similarities and differences of performances of professional singers as they relate to voice production
Use specific vocal exercises to practice registration
Registration 2 and Singing
Registration 2 and Singing
Registration in singing and speaking refers to the particular way the vocal folds vibrate during voice production. It defines how we make such a wide variety of speech and singing sounds. In this lesson we will define the four basic vocal registers: head, chest, vocal fry and whistle and discuss how the vocal folds coordinate to make each different sound. By identifying the primary muscles responsible for coordinating each vocal register, we can better understand ‘how’ and ‘why’ each vocal register sounds different. Additionally, we will vocally demonstrate each register. When we practice singing, we are working to improve the flexibility and coordination of our vocal registers to produce more dynamic and varied singing and speaking sounds. Have fun exploring registration.
John Raitt
In this video, John Raitt sings Soliloquy from the musical Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Notice how he alternates between more conversational and sung moments throughout the song. For example Raitt uses a conversational quality at (:42) but changes his vocalism, adding vibrato at more sustained moments (:55). Listen and experience how he uses his voice in this performance and analyze the similarities and differences between his vocal production and performances you have observed in the past.
This week’s lessons focused on Registration as it relates to singing. Please reflect on the following:
How this week’s lesson has impacted your understanding of how to sing.
How the singers in the video examples have impacted your understanding of singing and respiration.
Your experiences with weekly practice
Any other observations relative to your vocal journey.
Your journal entries are to be a minimum of 250 words long and related to the aforementioned prompt!
