Interesting video. I see you have just started turning the channel to include teaching/tips. I shall have to see if RU-vid recommends your next one. Thanks.
How do I find my vocal range as it truly is apart from what I think it is? Or does that not really matter? Is it best to just practice the techniques you showed and let the voice as it comes naturally. Lots a questions, but I really want to learn to sing.
Great question! A lot of young singers are very concerned about their voice type and range as it's an important question. As a general rule you want to develop the lower and middle range for at least 1 year before you try to develop your high notes. For example, a light tenor (tenore legere) with a range from C3 to D5 doesn't develop above F4 until later years. He would work on C3 to E4 and make that octave and a half very strong. Using the vowel "Uh" this week will really help in that mid and low range. The key is to sing where your speaking range is then a little below and above, only where it is comfortable. If you type separately "Bass" "Tenor" "Baritone" "Mezzo Soprano" "Soprano" all as separate searches on Wikipedia, you will find all the vocal ranges and subcategories. For instance there are 5 types of tenor voices. Listen to the different artists that fall under each category and that will assist you in identifying your vocal range. For example, Mario del Monaco was a Dramatic tenor. Or Juan Diego Florez is a light tenor. Stay tuned for next week's lesson!
I struggle alot with using my throat to sing and hurt my throat every time I sing. I haven't been able to figure out how to get my support to come from my diaphragm (I breathe through my stomach but then only sing with my throat). I also don't really know how to tell whether I'm singing in the pocket (in the front of my mouth) or if the sound is getting trapped in my throat. I've been told that my sound is getting trapped but I am kind of clueless with how to tell on my own or how to change it.
The best way to indicate if you are singing in the throat or not, is to judge if you feel the slight contraction between the diaphragm and the Chest. Sinatra made it simple in his book, you should feel like the stomach is going towards your spine. Also simply take a deep breath through your nose, that will help you reset if your throat is engaged.
