Expert: Wanda Reinholdt - 4/4/2010

Question
What are the best vocal exercises that i can do that can help me increase my vocal range??? Will these exercises give me quick results??

Answer
Hi there, Brandi...

Are you same Brandi that emailed about a R&B and pop career?  If so, a vocal coach will assist you with exercises.  

If you are not, then I would suggest that you first work on your breath.  Breathe in through your nose and out through the mouth.  
1. As you breathe in, breathe in as much air as you can into your abdomen and hold and then breathe in more air and hold.  Increase the count of the hold until you can hold that amount of air for a count of 20.  
2.  Do the same with the breath coming out.  Try to breathe in as much air as you can and hold and then release it for the same count.
BREATHING WORK SHOULD BE AN ONGOING EXERCISE TO WARM UP AND TO IMPROVE YOUR CAPACITY

Also, work on your range.  With breath in place, range will be assisted.  To increase range:
1.  Breathe in deep to the abdomen and do as many octave scales going up by semi-tones.  So C scale, then Db scale, then D scale, etc.  Do as many as you can before breathing again.  The idea is that you breathe out doing the scale controlling your breath.
2.  Do scales and try to go as high as you can and as low as you can.  But always use your breath well.
3.  Do arpeggios - going up - C E G C and going down G E C and go up using semi-tones.  Always use your breath well.  You can do these in staccato form or legato.

Does that help you?

Wanda