Your HIGH notes are NOT actually HIGH!!!!

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the mental and physical aspects of singing, particularly focusing on the misconception that high notes are 'up' and low notes are 'down.' Instead, high notes should be approached from a deeper, more relaxed position, akin to a yawn, where the sound is directed backward and upward. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open, relaxed throat, using the yawn position to create space and depth as one ascends in pitch. By shifting the mindset from 'hitting' high notes to 'finding' them in a relaxed manner, singers can avoid strain and improve their technique.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stop thinking that high notes are 'up there' and low notes are 'down here.' This false perception can limit your vocal progress.
• 🎶 High notes are not located upwards; they exist deeper within your body, and the trajectory for singing higher is a backward motion, not a vertical one.
• 🗣️ Singing higher should not feel like a strain. It's about following the natural path that allows your vocal cords to stretch and thin as you ascend.
• 💡 The 'yawn position' helps maintain an open throat and is key to proper high note production. The first step of yawning opens the throat and lowers the larynx.
• 🎤 To sing higher notes correctly, think of the sound caressing an imaginary space behind you—this prevents strain and allows natural larynx tilting.
• 🤯 The yawn should be reversed when vocalizing scales; follow the trajectory of the yawn as it moves from top to bottom.
• 👂 The high notes are not about forcefully reaching them. Instead, focus on maintaining a relaxed approach with an open throat and proper vocal space.
• 🎶 The higher you go, the more depth you need to strive for in your yawn position. This is not about compressing the larynx but maintaining space.
• 🔑 When unsure about vocal techniques like 'covering,' simply stay in the yawn position, and the larynx will tilt naturally to accommodate the pitch.
• 🌟 Stop thinking you need to hit the high notes with force. Relax, use your yawn position, and let the voice naturally find its way to higher pitches.

Q & A

Why is singing mental as much as it is physical?

Singing requires both physical technique and mental understanding. Mental approaches, like breaking false perceptions about vocal concepts, are just as crucial as physical techniques for vocal breakthroughs.

What common misconception do people have about high notes?

Many singers mistakenly believe that high notes are 'up there' or 'above' them. This leads to an approach where they try to reach for high notes, which causes tension and strain in their voice.

What is the correct trajectory for singing higher notes?

The trajectory for singing higher notes is not upward but backward. It’s as if the high notes are behind you, deep in your throat, and you should approach them from a deeper, open position.

How does the yawn position affect singing high notes?

The yawn position helps open the throat by raising the soft palate and lowering the larynx. This creates space and facilitates smoother transitions when singing higher notes without strain.

Why is thinking of high notes as 'up' problematic?

Thinking of high notes as being 'up' leads to an upward, reaching motion that causes vocal strain. High notes are actually behind you, and thinking of them in this way allows for a more natural, relaxed sound.

What happens when you lose the yawn position while singing?

If you lose the yawn position, your voice might shift to a less controlled, belty sound, and your larynx won’t tilt naturally. Maintaining the yawn position helps keep the voice relaxed and balanced as you ascend.

How does the idea of a 'yawn bubble' help with vocal technique?

The 'yawn bubble' refers to an imagined space in the throat that keeps it open and relaxed. Visualizing this space helps singers maintain proper posture and breath support, enabling smoother transitions through their range.

What should singers focus on instead of 'hitting' high notes?

Instead of thinking about 'hitting' high notes, singers should focus on relaxing their voice and thinking about depth. The high notes should feel like a continuation of the natural sound, rather than a forced effort.

How does the yawn position aid in covering the voice?

Maintaining the yawn position throughout the vocal range allows the voice to transition smoothly into higher notes, with the larynx naturally tilting for covering without needing extra effort or thought about 'covering' specific notes.

What mental shift should singers make to improve their high notes?

Singers should stop thinking of their vocal range as vertical (low notes below, high notes above) and instead think of it as a single plane, where the high notes require depth and openness, rather than striving to reach upwards.