How can I warm up my voice so it does not crack and go higher than it should? Feel like I can’t control what pitch I’m singing. This is scary. What’s going on?! Thank you.
Hi Stephanie and thanks for this important and valuable question!
First we have to know why the voice is cracking, what’s causing it. You say it’s cracking and then “goes higher than it should.”
What I’m worried about is whether you have been using “whistle register.” When singers use “whistle register,” meaning that they use their false vocal folds for making sound, this can cause involuntary cracking, with the voice suddenly—and out of your control— “going higher than it should.”
The false vocal folds are not meant to be used for making sound. When a singer is trained to use the false vocal folds it will wreak havoc on singing in general. For example, in one moment, you can normally using the true vocal folds for singing, and then, the voice will suddenly be taken over by the false vocal folds. This happens involuntarily, meaning it’s out of your control. So you’re not even able to sing normally, using the true vocal folds, because the false vocal folds will involuntarily engage, suddenly creating this “whistle register” sound.
I will take flak for this, but my experience is that “whistle register” is dangerous. Forcing your voice to make that sound is going to cost your entire normal singing voice.
My understanding is that the remedy for this (involuntary phonation of the false vocal folds) is specialized rehabilitative training that takes month (sometimes years) to correct the problem. It requires a voice teacher who has special expertise to patiently work with the singer, over a long period of months, to free the voice from being held hostage, essentially, by the false cords.
Let’s get real: I am not saying this is your situation, but merely that it could be, IF you have been using “whistle register.” Don’t use “whistle register.” A good voice teacher will help you develop your whole range so that you can sing higher and in a healthy way, that has nothing to do with vibration of the false vocal folds.
“But, but, but…so and so sings with whistle register and it sounds so awesome. I want to sound like that, too?” —Even if it costs you the use of your entire singing voice? —Because those are the stakes.
And there will be exceptions: some singers might not have this same experience, when they use “whistle register.” My advice has to be that you should not take this chance, as it definitely can and often does cause serious damage to the voice.
What if you were taught to sing high notes beautifully and in a healthy way, so you can sing your high note consistently and with plenty of natural beautiful sound? Would that allow you to forget about using “whistle register?” (Hint: PLEASE SAY YES!)
Stephanie, because singing lessons are not given here on Quora, if you email me I will help you with the problem of being “scared” and/or nervous, anxious, etc., for finding and singing for a good teacher. Just relax. You’re about to get passed this and be able to do what you want with your singing progress! Wow, this is going to be a fantastic accomplishment!
Here is an article I wrote that might help:
Do let me know how I can help and all the best to you!
Gretchen Greenfield
Listening to YOU!
