Ask Jacqueline Jax- A 4 Octave Range

The average untrained singer may have an octave or less, perhaps an octave and a half (strained). Professional singers (with extensive specific training) have a practice singing range of about 3 octaves (un-strained), and a performance range of 1.5-2 octaves. It is thought to be EXTREMELY rare, but there are singers with 4 octave practice ranges, these tend to be female singers as their vocal cords are lighter and shorter than males. We have seen these powerful ranges in singers like Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Whitney Houston- etc.

Now I have to note, we all know that everyone would love to have a very accomplished and unusual range but it's not what makes or breaks a beautiful & successful vocal. It's the quality of the vocal that is most important. When I work with a new artist, I find it best to determine the natural range of the artist and then train them to vocalize and perform in that range.  You would be surprised to hear what I hear. Voices that are struggling with 1 to 1.5 octaves usually have a big 3 or 4 octave natural range at their finger tips but they just don't know how to access it. And most vocal instructors either can't sing themselves or don't have any idea of what it takes to build a range in a voice. They just teach a standard set of exercises and expect the voice to magically change on it's own. If you have taken voice lessons before, you know that this method just doesn't cut it. Thus you still can't fix your vocal problems and you move on...Hopefully without a strained voice.

The program that I train not only teaches the artist about their own voices but gains access to all those wonderful areas that the singer is not able to use and builds a strong and flexible vocal connection. With the help of the top vocal instructors from all over the world, I have been able to develop an excellent vocal program that can be customized for each individual. By discovering their natural ability and determining their needs in contrast to their vocal goals, I am seeing more 4 octave vocals emerge than I would have ever expected.  It appears that alot more singers have this ability than previously thought. This week alone, I discovered 3 beautiful and natural 4 Octave ranges in singers that I am working with. Soon you will be able to hear their wonderful voices in our A.V.A Music video projects currently in the works for Christmas 2010 into mixed themed projects for 2011. It's very exciting to see new artists come into their individual voices and be able to utilize their full range.

By using the American Vocal Academy Vocal Development exercises in specific ways customized to your needs, you can enjoy a healthy, strong and versatile singing voice in all of your natural range. Be sure to warm-up, cool down, get lots of rest and hydrate your body.

Take care of your voice and it will take care of you...
 Jacqueline Jax
Director of Artist Development A.V.A

Check out the American Vocal Academy Vocal Development Program.