Which Beginners Course Best Suits Me?

Hi, I'm new here. I'm undecided which course to take. A little background about me ...

I used to sing for a living. I sang in pubs, holiday sites, that kind of thing. Did some studio recording, run karaoke nights, and did a little DJ'ing. But that was in my 20's and I'm 46 years now -- so yeah, very long time ago and because I haven't done much singing during this time, my voice is right back at beginner level.

I've always felt that I have a low voice and was initially going to start with Johathan's course -- have actually started it. I dd this because I assumed Camille's couse may be too high for me. But after following her 'find your range video' the other day, turns out I'm a similar range to Camille (I think?). If I did the test right, then my vocal range is E3 to D5 -- which I think makes me an alto.

Is that range an Alto Camille?

That said, in song, I'm not yet able to use this full range. My strength is chest voice. And I also feel I have issues with breathing. Feels like I'm taking in too much breath, so I get stuck and feel tension in my lower chest. But that's a topic for a another day.

Please advise :)

Kind Regards

Kerry

Hi, Kerry!

Yes, that'a alto range for sure. I recommend following along with my course and dropping out or dropping 1 octave lower if/when the pitches get too high for comfort (for example, if I'm singing/playing E5 and that's too high, drop to E4). If you find the tenor range exercises are a better fit, you can use those mp3's instead of the alto ones, too! Or go back and forth between tenor and alto depending on how your voice is feeling that day. More tips on exercises going too high/low below!

You can always drop out if an exercise gets too high or low to be sung comfortably. But before dropping out, try three things:

1. Modify the exercise to make it easier (ie: sing on a lip trill, hum or NN/NG instead of an open vowel or other syllable, if that's more doable). 

2. Sing most of the exercise, and just "think" (audiate, or sing in your head) the pitches you can't reach without straining or going sharp/flat. This gives your vocal folds an opportunity to still adjust and prepare to sing those out-of-reach pitches, even if just air comes out. 

3. Make sure you're shifting registers when necessary. For example, you may be unable to sing higher pitches because you're still in chest voice, in which case you'd need to "shift gears" and find your head voice placement. 

Thanks for the tips Camille :) Tip 3 is definitely something I need to work on. I do feel like I often get stuck in chest voice.I see you have courses on head voice too. Once I complete the 30 day beginner's course, think I'll be heading straight there. I really like that you offer the exercises in audio for different voice types. Not something I've found in other courses I've checked out.

BTW. Love your cover songs on YouTube. Great job!

Look forward to learning with you.

Glad to help, Kerry! Becoming comfortable in head voice will serve you well. 

Thank you so much!