The Truth About Vocal Range: Why It's Not as Important as Many New Singers Think
Aspiring singers are often very concerned with their vocal range, believing that a wide range of notes is the key to becoming a successful singer. While vocal range is an important aspect of singing in regards to song choice and vocal safety, it's not the most important thing. In this blog post, we'll explore why vocal range is not as crucial as many new singers might think it is.
1. Expression Over Extremes
Some famous singers are celebrated for their amazing vocal range, hitting impressive notes, both high and low. It’s important to understand that they are equally recognised for their ability to convey the emotion of their songs and connect with the audience. Singing isn't just about athlete level vocals; it's about telling a story, expressing yourself, and creating a connection with the audience. A singer with a smaller range can still be incredibly moving, especially if they are skilled in emotional expression.
2. Versatility Over Range
A wide vocal range might be impressive, but versatility in singing is often even more important to expression. Versatility involves understanding various vocal techniques that you might learn during lessons, including dynamics, tone control, and the ability to switch between chest and head voice. A singer who can adapt their voice to suit different styles and genres is more employable. A singer who embraces their unique voice is more enjoyable to listen to, and more relatable to a broader audience.
3. Healthy Singing
Growing range is a very common request from new students. It makes sense that singers want to replicate what they hear on the radio, but it’s important to understand that it’s more than likely the techniques (like pushing and loud volume) being used in the extremes of the voice are causing the notes to fail. Straining to reach extreme high or low notes in your vocal range can be detrimental to your vocal health over time too. It can lead to vocal fatigue, damage, and potential long-term problems. Healthy singing that respects your current vocal range not only sounds better but also ensures a longer and more fulfilling singing career.
4. Artistry Over Acrobatics
Singing is an art form, not a vocal acrobatics show. While it's fascinating to hear singers hit astonishingly high notes, it doesn't always translate to a deeper emotional connection with the audience. There is such a thing as too many riffs! The quality of the performance is often determined by the singer's ability to interpret and convey the lyrics and melodies in a meaningful way. A singer who can connect with their audience and tell a compelling story will be more memorable than one who focuses solely on vocal gymnastics.
5. Iconic Singers Aren't Defined by Range
If you take a look at the careers of some of the most iconic singers in the business, many of them don't have the widest vocal ranges. Their unique tone, interpretation, the lyrics they write (if they wrote the songs) and the emotion they bring to a performance, is what sets them apart. Artists like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, or Billie Holiday, do not have an exceptionally large vocal range, but they have left an undeniable mark on music. They lean into what makes them special and unique.
While vocal range is an important aspect of singing, it's not the only mark of a great singer. Great singers are skilled in emotional expression, versatility, healthy singing, and a deep connection with the audience. New singers should focus on developing these aspects of their craft, as they will ultimately be the keys to artistic growth, satisfying expression and longevity.
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