Voice lessons going well, but . . . being flat SUCKS

[Not Heidi]

I started voice lessons in September because I want to audition for a particular chorus. My teacher/coach, Erik, is amazing. We've known each other since we sang together in another chorus in the '90s. When he heard (saw my Facebook post) that I wanted to take voice lessons, he offered his services at no cost. I'm telling you, he is a god.

Erik says that in the two months we've been working together, my voice and skill have grown better and stronger. But I have a problem that we've only begun to address today.

I'm preparing three songs from which to choose for my audition: America the Beautiful, I Wish I Knew (Carole King), and Make Someone Happy (from Broadway musical Do Re Mi).

In "Happy," I keep going flat (I'm singing a cappella). I'm aware but I can't tell where I begin to lose the pitch. Even though Erik points it out to me and gives me ideas of how to stay on pitch, I've still lost it by the time I reach a certain phrase.

America and I Wish I Knew are fine, maybe because I've known them forever. I'd never heard "Happy" until Erik suggested it as a possible audition song. It fits perfectly in my range and, except for where I go flat, I sound good with it.

Are there any voice coaches out there?

[Ocelot II]

1. Not a voice coach but a long-time voice student.

Singing flat is usually caused by insufficient breath support. Be sure you are breathing with your diaphragm and your whole core, as low in your abdomen as possible, and don't let those muscles relax even when you're letting your breath out. Ask your voice teacher about this. It takes awhile to get the hang of it.

[Not Heidi]

5. Hi, Ocelot

Erik has told me the same, but I haven't yet mastered my diaphragm. I don't know why it didn't occur to me to mention it in my O.P. Maybe because I want to be a master of voice performance right the **** now, and I'm embarrassed that I haven't perfected it yet. 🙄

Maybe I can catch someone on YouTube teaching how to tame, how to use, the diaphragm.

I truly appreciate your reply, Ocelot.

[choie]

2. I studied voice

And I agree with Ocelet, lack of breath support is often the cause of pitch issues.

[Not Heidi]

4. Thank you, choie. N/T

[Ocelot II]

6. Ask about the Farinelli exercise:

This is a breathing technique that helps improvebreath support and posture. It's named after an 18th-century Italian castrato singer who was known for his exceptional breath control. The exercise involves inhaling, suspending, and exhaling for a set amount of time. Here are some tips for performing the Farinelli exercise:

Inhale: Inhale slowly through your nose while activating your diaphragm.

Suspend: Keep your throat open and relaxed, and don't hold your breath by closing off your windpipe. Leave it open and keep from exhaling using your core.

Exhale: Keep your sternum raised while exhaling. Your belly button will move toward your spine, and your lower ribs will move inward. If you run out of air, slightly pull your belly button in.

If you really want to get down in the weeds, check out this article: https://www.singwise.com/articles/correct-breathing-and-support-for-singing

[Not Heidi]

7. Ocelot II, I apologize . . .

. . . for not replying sooner. Given that my teacher/coach has studied music from age eight, has a masters in music -- composition and analysis; his BA is in vocal performance -- I'm certain that he know the Farinelli exercise.

Thank you!

[Ocelot II]

8. I'm sorry if I gave the impression that I thought your teacher wasn't knowledgeable;

obviously he is highly qualified. I was just wondering if he'd ever mentioned the Farinelli exercise to you, since it's one of the exercises that's sometimes recommended for developing breath support. Singing is kind of an athletic endeavor - it takes awhile to develop strength and control, and you just have to be patient and keep at it. So - keep at it!