Hi Mark, in my twenty’s I became a busy jingle singer here in Toronto, Canada. I got married, had kids, etc and unfortunately lost mu confidence as a singer. I’m now in my sixties and have been taking better care, working out daily… then I found your videos! Thank you so much for your vocal support. I do your scales every day on the way to the gym. I’m singing south with a singing group and I’m improving!! Never too late! Thank you so much!
Well, Sir where I am today would never have become possible, without embodying ardently with your Vocal Exercises and benign techniques which I followed now over two years and for which I again endow upon you my heartfelt thanks and may god bless you for your hard work for Singers like me, unconditionally, and many others who by soul have been benefited by your endeavor..Kulwant Chandel, Toronto, Canada !!
Hi Mark, thanks again for the lessons. I'm gearing up for the new season with our choir in Belgium (around 40 singers, males and females, I'm a bass singer). Last year, I found your site, and you helped me to build up confidence in my own voice. Last 2 months our choir was on standby, so I didn't sing that much 😬😇🤕, but now as the new choir-season starts, I found that I would have better continued the exercises instead of taking a 'break' myself. Anyhow, lesson learned, and here I'm again, making you my personal coach for the coming season. And I much enjoy it! Thanks for your inspirational content!
Sir, Mark Baxter this is the third or fourth time I am passing my personal comment to yourself. You have proven to be utmost valuable to me in vocal singing practice, like many of your other students which you have endowed upon us unconditionally and with touch of kind heart and refined attitude and gesture. I deem to always keep continuing learning the vocal skills you are providing or would make available to us in future, for the long run. So may almighty keep you in good health, spirit and exuberance which in turn would reflect in the lives of all your student followers and remember you as a unique part and parcel of their mundane lives. Thanks and take care and keep up the best work perennially for all times to come. Kulwant Chandel, Toronto, Canada.
Okay so I found that Im moving so ouch slower through the changes when singing without. I also had to remind myself to "walk up the staircase" as the notes were descending so that I could hear good quality all throughout. Your absolutely right about not having that float-like quality when the piano wasnt present. I nearly had to remind myself ever 4 seconds that I was able when the piano was present, Sooo Im capable. *repeats I am capable* Lol
I will try this singing exercise, however, for the last 3 months my voice is really raspy and goes in and out while singing, or talking..I quit singing for awhile and I thought that would help, but no, still the same problem, even happens when I speak sometimes. Anyways I do know what you are talking about. I do not sing well without music and I can hear how bad I sound, but masked with music and mic, sounds good to me, if my voice does not go raspy on me. I believe I can sing metal songs now. or maybe alternative, some rasp with some clarity, would describe my voice..And I am out of tune and was told by someone else that my vabrato makes me sound this way, because I use too much vabrato when singing, which makes me sound flat and sharp.(They told me my vabrato goes in and out and to sing straight)..And they told me not to strain, and I sound nasal. I believe there is no singing hope left for me. I also have problems hitting high notes and I need proper breath support..Well with all these singing issues I might not become famous and people may not want to hear me, but I still love to sing for myself. I mean that is if I have a voice left to sing with. I will say this much, that I will still sing until I die, even if I sound like a cat in heat. lol
Ok I will do so, but like today; I was trying to leave a message for my sister and I was about to lose my voice. I can't hardly speak right now. But than other times I can talk, it wont be today. Darn. I was so looking forward to talking people's ears off. Well off to the voice doctor I go.. I make a-lot more cash now, so they better help me out. I cant go on talking, or singing this way. What singing exercises would be good for raspy voice? I can try those videos as well. Would vocal fry help? I have plenty of that sound in my voice.I know you talk about lip trills to and I know you have other videos for voice repair as well. (I will try first)..I wonder what doc will say when I can hardly speak to him or her. I must learn sign language. lol ..Thanks for the reply.
Tx Mark for sending the lesson! Yes we always sound better in stairwells and along with the radio! There is a crutch with something in the backround! Got to sing an anniversary party in less than 3 weeks and my voice sounds like shit right now! Haven't sang in front of an audience in 5 years. Im a bit concerned! Gettin machine gun rattle around D note, my breaking range. Tryin not to push it with more air pressure! Will keep vocalizing! Tx again! Blessings!
I love your videos, really helped me a lot, I have a question, why do I always get a lot of phlem when I go high, I always have to get it out of my throat every time, multiple times, I don't clear my throat because I know that is bad I just swallow with some water, I have done everything the Internet says like drink more water, I'm not a beginner but I'm not very advanced so I am wondering if this sounds like a problem you can help me resolve? Thank you so much Mark, you are a great teacher!!!💜
It's a very common problem Rebekah - because it's common for people to drive their voices harder when singing higher. To produce a high note your vocal folds are stretched tighter across your larynx. This naturally causes the little gap between them to close tighter. Without pushing any harder the air that's streaming through the folds becomes pressurized - like when you put your thumb over a garden hose to make the water shoot harder. This extra pressure pushes up the mucus that lines your windpipe and it collects under your folds - disrupting their vibrations and making you want to clear. This is why I'm always advising in the videos to pull back the effort when singing higher and focus on keeping the volume exactly the same. It will feel like you're not doing enough at first. But after you get used to backing off a touch you'll notice your high notes sound richer and don't burdened by phlegm. After practicing this way you'll be able to add some "weight" when singing higher when you want to add some drama - but you won't have to in order to hit the pitch. Win/win!
When with an instrument we feel like we need to carry the belted chest voice to higher notes to compensate the volume difference. When solo, it is easier to stay neutral. Maybe this should also be considered as a side note.
That's true for you - but not all. My observation has been that people tend to relax with the piano and allow a better blend of registers. Without the piano, many people tend to feel exposed and so they over compensate with force. Either way the goal remains the same - ask for consistency!
Oh that was something unexpected for me and it's my arrogance to generalize in the first place. You obviously had hundreds of that situation before. Thanks for the explanation sir! \m/
Hello, I was diagnosed with vocal nodules and I have been doing speech therapy. But my speech therapist says there's only so much she can do as a speech therapist and that I should see a voice focused therapist instead. The problem is there is literally no voice therapists in my area. I was wondering, would just regular singing lessons help at all?
First - it depends if you're a singer. Next I will cautiously say yes - but you'll want to find a singing instructor with lots of experience in dealing with pathologies. It seems you haven't had surgery - which is a good thing. It means your nodes are small and immature. There are many singing exercises that can help your vocal folds return to a healthy condition - but they need to be demonstrated with care and you'll need to be monitored until you adopt a more balanced approach to your voice. If you're interested in me guiding you - please contact me via my email at mbaxter@voicelesson.com for more info.
Thank you. Yes, I am a singer. In fact, my vocal nodules were most likely the result of singing incorrectly. The problem is, I can't seem to find any voice teachers with experiences with pathologies. But, since my vocal nodules came from a result of singing incorrectly, would it help at all to get a regular singing teacher who can teach me how to sing correctly?
Yes - it would help. I have much experience working with singers dealing with nodes and do so via Skype every day. I have also posted a few helpful videos to start your journey to recovery. You'll find the playlist here: ua-cam.com/video/ySgg2YUDGH4/v-deo.html
I don't vocalize or warmup with any musical accompaniment. I just watch your exercises and vocalize accapella. Should I'd be working on my voice with piano as well sometimes ( maybe to assess whether I'm off the pitch ?) And also is there any benefit of vocalizing with an instrument ?
Hi Mark, I‘m a 15 year old boy who‘s voice is still changing and more in a baritone range. Listening to Rob Lundgren‘s covers inspired me to excercise my voice more. He also recommended me your video lessons. So you can call it a baritone curse, unfortunately my favorite music genres and singers sit way up in the tenor range and they even sing in the 5th octave. I‘m taking lessons soon and hope to sing with more ease, freedom and range. Til then, I still have 3 months to maybe figure out stuff for myself. Maybe it‘s impossible, but I have the ultimate dedication to sneak into the tenor‘s territory and sing the 4th octave with ease and „belt“ the 5th octave in full voice (preferably in the most healthy way and without damaging strain). Not gonna lie, sometimes I‘m so desperate I forget about the more important things in life and cry because I can‘t do all of that yet lol. My question is, if it is possible and on which aspects of the voice I should focus to get closer to the end goal. I heard, you gotta train the head voice, so that it matches with your chest and you should use it at around E4 to avoid the F#4-G4 break? Also some call it mix voice and some in the old classical singing a strong falsetto. Sorry for this long comment, I‘d really love to make my dreams come true and any help will be deeply appreciated. Thanks for your videos Mark, I love your examples and metaphors! Rock on, Jeff
Hey Jeff - Train head voice but not so that it matches - so that you don't avoid it. The same two vocal folds produce every pitch we sing. The terms chest, head, mix, belt etc. are really just behaviors we switch through for different sounds. Most guys get stuck in one behavior after puberty - just out of fear of their cracking from a lack of coordination. But if you keep asking for those high notes (lightly at first) you'll coordinate the ability to create lots of different textures and tones. Seems like you have the passion - now it's about putting in the time.
Hi Mark, thanks alot for your reply. These terms are all really confusing. I can connect falsetto and head voice to my chest voice. The NG-tongue position makes it easier for me to connect or slide (for example "She's Gone" by Steelheart, where he slides from chest to head voice, probably a G5?). However, when I sing in head voice, it sounds rather like a dying cat. Is that normal? How can I make it sound more like my chest voice? Now, I don't want to sound like that when I'm singing above my chest range and I really hate that sound (including my neighbors lol) because it sounds too nasty. I'm able to sing gently up to F4 (without carrying too much weight) after warming up and like described previously, above that F it doesn't sound pretty. Thanks again for helping passionate singers like me to fulfill their dreams! Rock on, Jeff
I Agree! The terms are very confusing - so let's not use them. I just posted a video about a better way to think of the sounds we sing with. ua-cam.com/video/37nAdtz2iQw/v-deo.html
so u back again good to see you. can you explain what Dr cooper say about voice disorders in his videos and in his book change your voice change your life. i thing you are most knowledgeable to explain it. thank you
I'll let Dr. Cooper speak for himself - but basically he is advocating a "mask" resonance when speaking to avoid vocal fatigue. His concentration is Spasmodic Dysphonia and he is generally speaking to non-singers with his information. Many people restrict their voice (usually due to an emotional perspective) and he is recommending more breath underneath, nasal resonance and more melody in voice when speaking. Those are all good points for a healthy vocal foundation.
Hi Mark, in my twenty’s I became a busy jingle singer here in Toronto, Canada. I got married, had kids, etc and unfortunately lost mu confidence as a singer. I’m now in my sixties and have been taking better care, working out daily… then I found your videos! Thank you so much for your vocal support. I do your scales every day on the way to the gym. I’m singing south with a singing group and I’m improving!!
Never too late! Thank you so much!
Thank you for posting this, Patti! You're an inspiration! Glad to help out.
Well, Sir where I am today would never have become possible, without embodying ardently with your Vocal Exercises and benign techniques which I followed now over two years and for which I again endow upon you my heartfelt thanks and may god bless you for your hard work for Singers like me, unconditionally, and many others who by soul have been benefited by your endeavor..Kulwant Chandel, Toronto, Canada !!
Hi Mark, thanks again for the lessons. I'm gearing up for the new season with our choir in Belgium (around 40 singers, males and females, I'm a bass singer). Last year, I found your site, and you helped me to build up confidence in my own voice. Last 2 months our choir was on standby, so I didn't sing that much 😬😇🤕, but now as the new choir-season starts, I found that I would have better continued the exercises instead of taking a 'break' myself. Anyhow, lesson learned, and here I'm again, making you my personal coach for the coming season. And I much enjoy it! Thanks for your inspirational content!
You're very welcome! I'm happy to be a part of your singing journey. I hope you enjoy this choir season and beyond!
Sir, Mark Baxter this is the third or fourth time I am passing my personal comment to yourself. You have proven to be utmost valuable to me in vocal singing practice, like many of your other students which you have endowed upon us unconditionally and with touch of kind heart and refined attitude and gesture. I deem to always keep continuing learning the vocal skills you are providing or would make available to us in future, for the long run. So may almighty keep you in good health, spirit and exuberance which in turn would reflect in the lives of all your student followers and remember you as a unique part and parcel of their mundane lives. Thanks and take care and keep up the best work perennially for all times to come. Kulwant Chandel, Toronto, Canada.
Thanks for writing Kulwant. I'm glad to know my work is helping.
Okay so I found that Im moving so ouch slower through the changes when singing without. I also had to remind myself to "walk up the staircase" as the notes were descending so that I could hear good quality all throughout. Your absolutely right about not having that float-like quality when the piano wasnt present. I nearly had to remind myself ever 4 seconds that I was able when the piano was present, Sooo Im capable.
*repeats I am capable* Lol
Yes - it's always surprising (and humbling) when you realize how much of a crutch singing along with a piano can be!
Great Work out.!
Missed your videos! ☺️👍
Thank you!! 🍀
You're welcome!
Tx Mark! Will try what you suggested and hopefully divine intervention shows up! Lol. Much Appreciated!
I will try this singing exercise, however, for the last 3 months my voice is really raspy and goes in and out while singing, or talking..I quit singing for awhile and I thought that would help, but no, still the same problem, even happens when I speak sometimes. Anyways I do know what you are talking about. I do not sing well without music and I can hear how bad I sound, but masked with music and mic, sounds good to me, if my voice does not go raspy on me. I believe I can sing metal songs now. or maybe alternative, some rasp with some clarity, would describe my voice..And I am out of tune and was told by someone else that my vabrato makes me sound this way, because I use too much vabrato when singing, which makes me sound flat and sharp.(They told me my vabrato goes in and out and to sing straight)..And they told me not to strain, and I sound nasal. I believe there is no singing hope left for me. I also have problems hitting high notes and I need proper breath support..Well with all these singing issues I might not become famous and people may not want to hear me, but I still love to sing for myself. I mean that is if I have a voice left to sing with. I will say this much, that I will still sing until I die, even if I sound like a cat in heat. lol
Be patient and deal with the raspiness first.
Ok I will do so, but like today; I was trying to leave a message for my sister and I was about to lose my voice. I can't hardly speak right now. But than other times I can talk, it wont be today. Darn. I was so looking forward to talking people's ears off. Well off to the voice doctor I go.. I make a-lot more cash now, so they better help me out. I cant go on talking, or singing this way. What singing exercises would be good for raspy voice? I can try those videos as well. Would vocal fry help? I have plenty of that sound in my voice.I know you talk about lip trills to and I know you have other videos for voice repair as well. (I will try first)..I wonder what doc will say when I can hardly speak to him or her. I must learn sign language. lol ..Thanks for the reply.
I really like it, because when the piano stop, I hear what's wrong. I need to focus better, to work more :)
Glad to help!
Tx Mark for sending the lesson! Yes we always sound better in stairwells and along with the radio! There is a crutch with something in the backround! Got to sing an anniversary party in less than 3 weeks and my voice sounds like shit right now! Haven't sang in front of an audience in 5 years. Im a bit concerned! Gettin machine gun rattle around D note, my breaking range. Tryin not to push it with more air pressure! Will keep vocalizing! Tx again! Blessings!
Slide up and down through that D nice and light a thousand times before gradually raising the volume. Good luck with the party performance!
I love your videos, really helped me a lot, I have a question, why do I always get a lot of phlem when I go high, I always have to get it out of my throat every time, multiple times, I don't clear my throat because I know that is bad I just swallow with some water, I have done everything the Internet says like drink more water, I'm not a beginner but I'm not very advanced so I am wondering if this sounds like a problem you can help me resolve? Thank you so much Mark, you are a great teacher!!!💜
It's a very common problem Rebekah - because it's common for people to drive their voices harder when singing higher. To produce a high note your vocal folds are stretched tighter across your larynx. This naturally causes the little gap between them to close tighter. Without pushing any harder the air that's streaming through the folds becomes pressurized - like when you put your thumb over a garden hose to make the water shoot harder. This extra pressure pushes up the mucus that lines your windpipe and it collects under your folds - disrupting their vibrations and making you want to clear.
This is why I'm always advising in the videos to pull back the effort when singing higher and focus on keeping the volume exactly the same. It will feel like you're not doing enough at first. But after you get used to backing off a touch you'll notice your high notes sound richer and don't burdened by phlegm. After practicing this way you'll be able to add some "weight" when singing higher when you want to add some drama - but you won't have to in order to hit the pitch. Win/win!
When with an instrument we feel like we need to carry the belted chest voice to higher notes to compensate the volume difference. When solo, it is easier to stay neutral. Maybe this should also be considered as a side note.
That's true for you - but not all. My observation has been that people tend to relax with the piano and allow a better blend of registers. Without the piano, many people tend to feel exposed and so they over compensate with force. Either way the goal remains the same - ask for consistency!
Oh that was something unexpected for me and it's my arrogance to generalize in the first place. You obviously had hundreds of that situation before. Thanks for the explanation sir! \m/
Hello, I was diagnosed with vocal nodules and I have been doing speech therapy. But my speech therapist says there's only so much she can do as a speech therapist and that I should see a voice focused therapist instead. The problem is there is literally no voice therapists in my area. I was wondering, would just regular singing lessons help at all?
First - it depends if you're a singer. Next I will cautiously say yes - but you'll want to find a singing instructor with lots of experience in dealing with pathologies. It seems you haven't had surgery - which is a good thing. It means your nodes are small and immature. There are many singing exercises that can help your vocal folds return to a healthy condition - but they need to be demonstrated with care and you'll need to be monitored until you adopt a more balanced approach to your voice. If you're interested in me guiding you - please contact me via my email at mbaxter@voicelesson.com for more info.
Thank you. Yes, I am a singer. In fact, my vocal nodules were most likely the result of singing incorrectly. The problem is, I can't seem to find any voice teachers with experiences with pathologies. But, since my vocal nodules came from a result of singing incorrectly, would it help at all to get a regular singing teacher who can teach me how to sing correctly?
Yes - it would help. I have much experience working with singers dealing with nodes and do so via Skype every day. I have also posted a few helpful videos to start your journey to recovery. You'll find the playlist here: ua-cam.com/video/ySgg2YUDGH4/v-deo.html
I don't vocalize or warmup with any musical accompaniment. I just watch your exercises and vocalize accapella. Should I'd be working on my voice with piano as well sometimes ( maybe to assess whether I'm off the pitch ?)
And also is there any benefit of vocalizing with an instrument ?
It's best to vocalize a cappella. But record yourself and check with an instrument occasionally to assess your pitch accuracy.
@@voicelessondotcom noted !! Really appreciate that
Hi Mark,
I‘m a 15 year old boy who‘s voice is still changing and more in a baritone range. Listening to Rob Lundgren‘s covers inspired me to excercise my voice more. He also recommended me your video lessons.
So you can call it a baritone curse, unfortunately my favorite music genres and singers sit way up in the tenor range and they even sing in the 5th octave. I‘m taking lessons soon and hope to sing with more ease, freedom and range. Til then, I still have 3 months to maybe figure out stuff for myself.
Maybe it‘s impossible, but I have the ultimate dedication to sneak into the tenor‘s territory and sing the 4th octave with ease and „belt“ the 5th octave in full voice (preferably in the most healthy way and without damaging strain).
Not gonna lie, sometimes I‘m so desperate I forget about the more important things in life and cry because I can‘t do all of that yet lol.
My question is, if it is possible and on which aspects of the voice I should focus to get closer to the end goal.
I heard, you gotta train the head voice, so that it matches with your chest and you should use it at around E4 to avoid the F#4-G4 break? Also some call it mix voice and some in the old classical singing a strong falsetto.
Sorry for this long comment, I‘d really love to make my dreams come true and any help will be deeply appreciated.
Thanks for your videos Mark, I love your examples and metaphors!
Rock on,
Jeff
Hey Jeff - Train head voice but not so that it matches - so that you don't avoid it. The same two vocal folds produce every pitch we sing. The terms chest, head, mix, belt etc. are really just behaviors we switch through for different sounds. Most guys get stuck in one behavior after puberty - just out of fear of their cracking from a lack of coordination. But if you keep asking for those high notes (lightly at first) you'll coordinate the ability to create lots of different textures and tones. Seems like you have the passion - now it's about putting in the time.
Hi Mark, thanks alot for your reply.
These terms are all really confusing. I can connect falsetto and head voice to my chest voice. The NG-tongue position makes it easier for me to connect or slide (for example "She's Gone" by Steelheart, where he slides from chest to head voice, probably a G5?). However, when I sing in head voice, it sounds rather like a dying cat. Is that normal? How can I make it sound more like my chest voice? Now, I don't want to sound like that when I'm singing above my chest range and I really hate that sound (including my neighbors lol) because it sounds too nasty.
I'm able to sing gently up to F4 (without carrying too much weight) after warming up and like described previously, above that F it doesn't sound pretty.
Thanks again for helping passionate singers like me to fulfill their dreams!
Rock on,
Jeff
I Agree! The terms are very confusing - so let's not use them. I just posted a video about a better way to think of the sounds we sing with. ua-cam.com/video/37nAdtz2iQw/v-deo.html
Hi Mark, I have been trying to email you. I did info@ and I sent a message on your web page. Your name did not appear on the page. ??? Thanks
My email is mbaxter@voicelesson.com
I tried that, and it was returned to me. Ill try again
Which is good. 👍🏽
Thanks!
Thanks sir
You're welcome!
so u back again good to see you. can you explain what Dr cooper say about voice disorders in his videos and in his book change your voice change your life. i thing you are most knowledgeable to explain it. thank you
I'll let Dr. Cooper speak for himself - but basically he is advocating a "mask" resonance when speaking to avoid vocal fatigue. His concentration is Spasmodic Dysphonia and he is generally speaking to non-singers with his information. Many people restrict their voice (usually due to an emotional perspective) and he is recommending more breath underneath, nasal resonance and more melody in voice when speaking. Those are all good points for a healthy vocal foundation.
I find this lesson to be more difficult.
Then you found the perfect exercise!
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