How to Master Your Mix Voice When You Sing

Summary

In this informative video, Madeline Harvey offers a detailed exploration of the mixed voice in singing, emphasizing the importance of breath control and air pressure management. She provides practical exercises to help singers develop a steady airflow and balance between chest and head voice, using the nose as a stabilizer for a more natural and fluid vocal blend. Harvey encourages consistent practice to build muscle memory and achieve a strong, flexible mixed voice.

Takeaways

• 🎤 The mixed voice is a blend of chest and head voice that requires mastery for seamless vocal transitions.
• 🌪️ Breath control is central to voice management, acting as the 'nucleus' of the entire vocal instrument.
• 🏄‍♂️ The analogy of a surfer riding a wave is used to describe the relationship between breath and voice, emphasizing the importance of air pressure and flow.
• 🎯 Target practice with airflow is crucial, with 90% of the focus being on air management and 10% on acoustics.
• 🌊 Establishing a steady airflow is key before making adjustments to the acoustics of the voice.
• 🔄 The balance between chest and head voice is essential for a blended sound, avoiding dominance of one over the other.
• 👃 The nose plays a significant role in voice stabilization, taking pressure off the throat and directing it upwards.
• 🤚 Practice aiming air through the nose to build steadiness and then introduce the mouth to the vocal flow without disrupting it.
• 🔄 Consistent practice helps in developing muscle memory, leading to a natural and fluid mixed voice.
• 🚴‍♀️ Like learning to ride a bicycle, the initial support (nose) is crucial, but eventually, the focus is on maintaining the flow (breathing) for stability.
• 💪 Regular practice of the exercises provided will lead to a strong, flexible, and accessible mixed voice.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Madeline Harvey's video?

The main focus of Madeline Harvey's video is to demystify and teach the concept of the mixed voice, its importance, and how to master it through managing air pressure and focusing airflow.

Why is breath considered the center of the voice according to the video?

Breath is considered the center of the voice because it is the nucleus of how the entire vocal instrument works, being a wind acoustic instrument that requires breath to produce sound.

What are the two key elements Madeline emphasizes for mastering the mixed voice?

The two key elements Madeline emphasizes are managing air pressure and focusing airflow to achieve the desired acoustics in the mixed voice.

What does Madeline mean by 'riding the wave' in the context of singing?

In the context of singing, 'riding the wave' refers to the ability to manage and control the breath in a way that is steady and dynamic, similar to how a surfer rides a wave, to adapt to the changes in music.

How does Madeline suggest we should aim our airflow for singing?

Madeline suggests aiming our airflow by establishing a steady flow with our breath and then adjusting our acoustics, such as the use of the nose and mouth, to achieve a balanced sound.

What is the ratio of focus on airflow to acoustics when practicing the mixed voice according to the video?

According to the video, the focus should be 90 percent on airflow and 10 percent on acoustics when practicing the mixed voice.

Why is it important to establish a sense of flow before changing acoustics?

Establishing a sense of flow is important because it provides a steady, even current that allows for more artful and controlled manipulation of acoustics without disrupting the voice's stability.

What is the role of the nose in the context of the mixed voice as explained in the video?

In the context of the mixed voice, the nose plays a crucial role as a stabilizer of the voice, helping to take pressure off the throat and aim it into the nose, contributing to an even flow of sound.

How does Madeline recommend practicing to build equal importance to the nose in singing?

Madeline recommends practicing by aiming the air through the nose, sighing to create a flow of air without using the mouth space, and then gradually introducing the mouth into the flow without disrupting the established current.

What does Madeline suggest as a routine for practicing the mixed voice?

Madeline suggests a routine of practicing the mixed voice for ten minutes a day, focusing on establishing a steady flow through the nose and then blending it with the mouth, allowing for a natural and fluid open mixture.

How does Madeline describe the process of muscle memory in relation to singing?

Madeline describes muscle memory as a beautiful thing that develops through consistent practice, allowing the body to have an intelligence that can naturally and fluidly execute the mixed voice without conscious thought.