The Vocal Range Extension Trainer is designed to be operated using your computer keyboard and mouse; you can use these to navigate the session and operate the controls. This little widget will guide you up a note that’s one semitone outside your personal comfort zone. In turn, this will help you extend your vocal range in a structured way across just seven notes. You’re asked to rate how it feels at the end of each attempt so you can monitor improvement over time.
First up is setting out the limits of your voice. From a drop down menu select the lowest note (the floor) and highest note (ceiling) you feel comfortable singing. These values establishes the safe range within which you will rehearse. You need to make sure that your floor value is less than your ceiling as otherwise the tool won’t do its magic.
How to Use the Vocal Range Extension Trainer
After this, decide whether you wish to work on your lower edge or upper edge. The direction selector decides whether the target note will be a semitone away from your ceiling/floor, either upwards or downwards.
The next setting is the approach trail where you configure how the approach pattern leads to your target note. Here there are three approach patterns: the first is the close foothold, which has an interval of four, two then one semitone. The second is the chromatic staircase, which is more dense with three, two, then one semitone. Finally, the wide support option is a broader feel using seven, four then two semitones.
The guide syllable alters the resonance of the tone generator. With the NG option, it has an easy ring; the Noo has a rounded tone whilst the Gee has a clear onset. Pick the syllable that feels most natural for the passage in question.
You can use the tool to rehearse within your current limits or to work on extending your range. Before you get started you’ll need to set the pace and volume. The tempo slider moves through the seven-note sequence at a rate that ranges from fifty-five to one hundred ten beats per minute. If you’re less comfortable with faster tempos then you might choose something slower so there’s time to prepare yourself between each note.
The master level slider sets how loud or soft the generated tones are. You can tailor them to suit your physical needs and your focus. There’s an option in the app to go full-screen which maximizes the visual space used by the trail visualization.
After setting up the parameters, you’re ready to go. Simply hit the Climb today’s edge button. Or simply tap the C key on your computer keyboard. The widget then plays a seven-note sequence that begins in your comfortable range, moves toward the target note, and comes back to the baseline.
Want to rehearse but not extend beyond where you know yourself to be? Tap the Rehearse inside the boundary button (or tap the B key) and the sequence will stop at your known limit instead of pushing into new territory.
While listening to the sequence, follow the progression of the trail visualization as it goes up or down the scale. It will highlight the current note and the target note is also clearly shown. Once the sequence has completed, give a rating for how well the note coordinated. There are three choices that come up for you to pick from. If the note was easy and came freely, choose Easy and free. If it was a bit more stretchy and you still had control, choose A little stretchy. Choose Stop for today if it hurt, or you just couldn’t get it to be the right note at all. These are rated by using the number keys 1,2 and 3 on your computer keyboard. That makes them quick and easy to click.
On the right side of the widget is a trail notes section where it keeps track of your ratings. You can look back at your history to see how consistent you are (or aren’t!) and whether you’ve recovered between attempts. When you rate something as free, you’ll know it’s safe to keep going with that one-semitone extension for the rest of the day. When you rate something as stretchy, the system will tell you to go back to the baseline before extending again. And if you rate something as stop for today, then it will lock your session so you don’t try any more for the time being. A good way to make sure you don’t strain your voice.
To reset the session anytime, click on Fold today’s trail map button. That will clear out the log, reopen the session, and let you begin again from scratch. If you want to reset the visualization but keep your log, press the Escape key on your keyboard. It will take you back to base camp.
For a refresher on the keyboard shortcuts and other rules, refer to the Help panel. Remember that this is an aid for coordinating, not about how high you can go. Go with what feels right in your body and stop if you lose control or have persistent hoarseness.
Choose your comfort zone range and pick a direction. To get a firm footing on this, try starting with the close footholds approach. Test the range edges while saying the Ng syllable for clear resonance. Be honest about your rating and listen to the voice when it says ‘stop’ and it is time to rest. You can adjust the syllable and the approach pattern to best fit the flow or sound of your voice over time. Take the leap and start clicking Climb today’s edge where you’ll find yourself guided along the trail visualization.