“Head voice is for classical”

“Head Voice Is For Classical”

A common myth concerns something called “Head Voice,” specifically what it is and whether it is reserved solely for classical music. To understand head voice, we must first look at its counterpart. When we sing lower, we normally use a texture of sound called "chest voice," named for the vibrations felt in the chest. However, both textures have the same physical origin: the larynx.

Sensations of the "Upper Full Voice"

As we sing higher, it often feels as though the sound is emanating from somewhere in our heads. This sensation is actually a type of sympathetic resonance vibration combined with air movement in the sinus cavities. While the true source remains the complex balanced interplay between the "closer" and "stretcher" muscles in the throat, the feeling of the sound going "back, up, and over" is why we call it head voice.

Beyond Classical Singing

One might think of head voice more accurately as the “upper full voice.” While it is a staple for male and female classical singers navigating their upper range, it is by no means exclusive to them. Popular singers also need and utilize this vocal texture to achieve a connected, resonant sound in their higher registers.

Style vs. Technique

The weight, compression factors, and specific tonal colors may differ between a classical aria and a pop ballad, but the underlying mechanics of a healthy head voice remain the same. Good vocalism is universal; whether you are belting on a Broadway stage or singing in an opera house, mastering the head voice is essential for a complete and healthy vocal range.