|
Everyone can’t be a tenor or soprano – if we were,
choral music would be quite dull, what with all voices singing
the same notes. Thankfully, our “instruments” are
unique, in many more ways than one. One of those differences
that make each of our voices sound distinct and interesting, is
of course vocal range.
Determining the most beautiful
part of your vocal range really is quite simple. Sure, one’s
vocal range can be expanded on either end with proper technique
and exercises, but what you really want to find is the most comfortable “home”
within your range. To find your “home” simply sing scales on a
neutral syllable (e.g. “ah” or “ooh”). Both listen
and feel for a “free tone;” don't push or strain to reach a note
on either side of your range. Let the notes come naturally. The highest and lowest notes you can reach comfortably mark the
ends of your range.
According to the New Harvard
Dictionary of Music, the image below represents the general
ranges for each of the six most popular vocal parts found in
choral music. Once you have
determined your “home” within your range, use this as a guide to
choosing the key in which you opt to print your digital sheet music
(when the choice is available).
|
