hiya, im new to these singer forums, so i might as well tell ya that im a male 14 year old, who can sing high notes well (ish), and can sing george michael extremely well for some reason. Sorry if that sounds like blowing my own trumpet, but i just thought all this info will save everone saying 'wot sort of songs' and those sort of questions.
Well my question is that when i try and sign high or 'medium-high' notes, no 'vocal' noise (like when u speak) comes out of my mouth........just a sound of very gentle, slow breathing. from the back of my throat. It sounds a bit like when someone has had they're throat slit (sorry everyone) and when they try and call out but its turns sorta breathy, hee hee.
does anyone know what this is called or what i can do to prevent it.
thanx!

LOST VOICE IN PART OF RANGE

Sounds like it'll come back if it's rested.

Maybe too much George Michael is straining the voice, or if it's not being done with immaculate technique (NEED to support from diaphragm [hold stomach firm] AND relax throat so that it's just muscle usage up there, not strain - even though it's real muscle activity and usage).

If you get worried about it, always best to go to your doctor to get someone to look and see if there's any problem or illness in the throat (not trying to worry you, just have to say that to be professional about it). I don't expect that however.

If you have performances to do, just sing the songs lower, and be honest and open that you've lost your voice a bit at the moment, if need be.

NOW, GOING AHEAD be gentle with those missing notes - if they're forced too soon, it'll delay healing. The vocal cords can get locked up for a while under certain conditions, and you'll see it on websites too. Sometimes it's called "in spasm". Gentle, fairly quiet, but properly supported warming up will enable a full range, but when your voice is ready, take it just one note at a time until that note is working in a relaxed and sonorous way. A good website for lots of this and plenty of help is http://www.voicelesson.com/home.htm

I've taught some people with such difficulties, and I've seen lots of problems resolve.

[quote=DomRUK,Jun 27 2005, 11:48 AM]
LOST VOICE IN PART OF RANGE

Sounds like it'll come back if it's rested.



If you get worried about it, always best to go to your doctor to get someone to look and see if there's any problem or illness in the throat (not trying to worry you, just have to say that to be professional about it). I don't expect that however.


Hi there, I'm new to this forum too but I know exactly what you're talking about. As you're 14, chances are your voice is in a changing process and 'settling down'. It could be that you find your range changing a bit with this. However, George Micheal repetoire could just be straining your vocal chords and I agree with DomRUK to rest it for a bit. I agree if it's causing any discomfort, or to be on the safe side, a doctor can tell you if there's a medical reason behind the problem. I once had glandular fever and didn't realise(!), and BOY did my range plummet! I had a great tenor range even though I'm a mezzo! The Doc soon confirmed the problem for me and the voice is grand now.

Once you give it a good rest, you might want to try some gentle warm up exercises, running stepwise up a 5th to 'eee'. On the 5th, sing 'eh' and go back to the tonic on 'ahhh'. Nice gentle warm sounds to coax your voice back, working your way further up each time ( build this up gradually).

For higher notes I find the diaphragm is key. Practice breathing in front of a mirror, making sure your shoulders are relaxed and the energy is coming from the diaphragm. It could be tension or a lack of muscular control that prevents the notes from emerging.

Finally, a little silly exercise that helped me loads was to put your tongue on the roof of your mouth (lips closed) and make an 'nng' sound (like a police siren). Start by going up the scales and then after time, see how high you can go! It sounds silly but it opens up the throat a treat.

...and here endeth the lesson....

Hope this helps!