03 Head Voice

In this lesson, we’ll talk about head voice (what it is and how to access it), the difference between head voice and falsetto, and the importance of developing head voice for the contemporary mix voice. You’ll learn head voice exercises to build your upper range.

See the lesson resources below to:

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Responses

Kyra Mendez September 26, 2022

Hi Charmaine,
Another question- When I’m singing in church in head voice a lot (e.g., at a higher tone), then I sort of lose my voice for a bit and have difficulty talking in my “normal” voice. Can you explain why this happens and what I can do to prevent it?

fjoel1405 August 24, 2022

Hey Charmaine, This is Joel. The ‘Goo’ sound in my head voice comes out very pointed and strong but ‘Gee’ sound is breathy. How can I improve it? Is this a natural thing?

Charmaine Brown August 25, 2022

Hey Joel! Ideally we want both of those sounds to be clear, not breathy—but I do find more singers have trouble with the GEE than the GOO. Try making a BEEP BEEP BEEP sound like a truck backing up… really pointed. That can sometimes get you into a clear tone! Also, try narrowing your mouth more, and try replacing the G with a W! If you’re still having trouble with it, I would recommend submitting a Checkpoint at the end of the course or booking a private lesson to get some extra help: http://www.worshipvocalist.com/lessons

Lonni Campbell July 9, 2022

Hi Charmaine, I have always struggled with my head voice and that has limited me to the songs I can lead for the past couple years. My chest voice has been where all the power lies. Is it ok that I am starting with week 3 instead of going in order? I intend to go back to week 1&2 but wanted to make sure its ok to do that.

Charmaine Brown July 16, 2022

Hi Lonni! I would recommend doing the lessons in order because everything builds on one another. No need to spend long on the chest voice lesson if that is already a strong area for you though!

Dave325 July 8, 2022

Staying on track. Week 3 is going well… I think. I keep hearing the “trust the process” words. My lip rolls are getting better. The head voice still sounds a bit odd, but trusting the process and hoping there is a usable range somewhere in there. In the meantime, I moved the keys of all my songs I do in personal worship to use my chest voice without straining. Question …. To work on the head voice… does it make sense (for practice purposes only) to sing a complete song in a higher head voice key to get more accustomed to it? Thanks for your help. Enjoying thd course and the journey. Thanks.

Charmaine Brown July 8, 2022

Hey Dave! I’m proud of you for trusting the process! Yes, for practice purposes, singing all in your head voice will absolutely help develop that coordination in your voice!

1. Dave325 July 8, 2022
  
  Thanks, Charmaine.

Dave325 July 4, 2022

Just started week 3. I had a good, consistent week 1 and 2. I think these were the stronger parts of my voice. I never thought about there being a head voice, so I’m looking forward to discovering more about this area. I noticed that my head voice sounds like someone else ( not my voice). I’d this normal at the start?

Charmaine Brown July 8, 2022

Yes it’s absolutely normal to feel this way! I felt that way when I started developing my head voice too, because it sounded SO different from my lower voice. Stick with it—the goal is to develop a mixed/blended resonance, and head voice is so important for that!

1. Dave325 July 8, 2022
  
  Thanks much!

03 Head Voice

Doxology by Thomas Ken

Nothing but the Blood by Robert Lowry

What a Beautiful Name by Ben Fielding, Brooke Ligertwood

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