How to Confirm Your Voice Range

When singing a song out of your range, you may find yourself straining to sing some notes. Use this guide to figure out what songs are in your range.

1. Use an accompanist and a recently tuned piano to identify the top and bottom pitches. The person sitting in front of the piano needs good ears to be able to tell whether or not you are hitting the right notes. It is very difficult to tell where your own voice is without training. Also, keep in mind that you must trust what your friend/pianist is telling you. If they say ‘you’re not hitting that last note right’, then you’re really not hitting it.
2. Sing the first five notes of the D-major scale going up and down, using the words, “one-two-three-four-five-four-three-two-one.” Or an alternative (to learn the scale degrees rather than just singing nonsense); “one, two, three, four, five, six, sev, eight” (Sev being short for seven)
3. Breathe deeply and be relaxed. Sing the same pitches on “me-oh-my-oh-meee-oh-my-oh-meeee.” Hold the top and the final pitch. Be at ease.
4. Have the pianist change the scale by moving up one half-step and playing the E-flat major scale.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 in this new key. Continue moving up scales a half-step at a time, using a relaxed jaw and tongue. Avoid any strain or tension in the throat or neck.
6. Produce the top note of this exercise in F major. The pitch is C. If this pitch is at your highest comfort level, C is the top of your vocal range.
7. Continue your ascent as your comfort allows without pinching the sound. The pianist can identify the uppermost notes and the degree of ease you exhibit.
8. Start on the note G and reverse this exercise by singing “five-four-three-two-one-two-three-four-five” in the key of C major.
9. Identify your lowest note in the same manner. The lowest note must resonate and be clear. Your vocal range will grow slowly with wise guidance, regular practice and care.