Trouble With Mixed Voice? The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Singing

Learning how to sing in your mixed voice is undoubtedly important for singers. However, it's crucial not to get too caught up in this one component of your vocal technique. In this article, we'll explore why a holistic approach to singing is essential for long-term success and why the mixed voice is just one tool among many.

The Elusive Concept of the Mixed Voice:

The mixed voice has often been a source of fascination and confusion for singers. It's a challenging coordination to master, and many aspiring vocalists obsess over it. However, depending on your goals as a singer, it may not be necessary in the immediate moment. Instead of fixating solely on achieving a mixed voice, it's important to consider your overall objectives.

Understanding Your Goals:

To clarify, learning the mixed voice is beneficial for singers aiming for longevity, such as those going on tour. It helps prevent vocal strain and burnout. But if your goal is to go viral on TikTok, release original music, or have a career as a singer, the mixed voice might not be the make-or-break factor. There are plenty of successful artists who have achieved remarkable feats without relying heavily on the mixed voice.

The Eight Components of a Great Voice:

A great voice is a culmination of various factors. While the mixed voice plays a role, it's crucial to focus on other components as well. Let's take a closer look at the eight key elements of a fantastic voice:

Breathing: Mastering breath control is fundamental to singing.
Pitch: Developing accuracy and control over pitch enhances your vocal performance.
Tone: Understanding and shaping your vocal tone adds depth and character.
Range Expansion: Expanding your vocal range allows for greater versatility.
Range Connection: Smoothly connecting different parts of your range eliminates breaks.
Volume Dynamics: Learning to control volume throughout your range adds expressiveness.
Agility: Mastering riffs and runs enhances your vocal flexibility.
Emotional Connection: Connecting emotionally and developing a unique vocal style are crucial aspects of your artistic expression.

Examples from the Music Industry:

When we look at successful artists, we realize that the mixed voice isn't the sole determinant of their accomplishments. Take Billie Eilish, for instance. Her breathy, whisper-like style doesn't heavily rely on the mixed voice. Yet, she has carved out a niche and created her own brand of success. Similarly, artists like Post Malone prioritize chest voice and can captivate audiences without extensively utilizing the mixed voice.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing:

It's crucial not to lose sight of your primary goal as a singer. Rather than letting vocal coaches convince you that the mixed voice is the ultimate key to success, focus on building a well-rounded vocal foundation. Work on developing a unique vocal tone, emotional connection, pitch accuracy, and agility before diving deep into the intricacies of the mixed voice.

The Role of the Mixed Voice:

While we emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, it's not to undermine the significance of the mixed voice. It remains a valuable tool for singers who seek longevity and want to excel in specific genres like rock or certain subgenres of R&B. However, it's not essential for every singer in every situation.

Recap:

Learning how to sing in your mixed voice is important, but it should not become the sole focus of your vocal journey. A great voice encompasses a variety of components, and each singer has unique goals and strengths. By adopting a holistic approach to singing, you can develop a well-rounded voice that empowers you to achieve your dreams. So, let go of the pressure to chase the elusive mixed voice and instead focus on building a voice that connects