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What Is Speech Level Singing? Seth Riggs Method Explained

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:06:28 GMT

What Is Speech Level Singing? Understanding the Seth Riggs Method

Have you ever wondered how singers hit high notes without sounding strained, move smoothly between low and high notes, or maintain a consistent tone throughout a song? The answer often starts with learning how to coordinate the voice properly.

Speech Level Singing (SLS) is a vocal training approach developed by renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs that focuses on maintaining balanced vocal coordination throughout a singer's range. Rather than forcing the voice to reach higher notes, the method uses targeted vocal exercises to help singers develop smoother transitions between vocal registers, greater control, and more consistent tone.

At The Singing Place, vocal coach Kathleen Kernohan brings her Speech Level Singing training into personalized voice lessons for children, teens, and adults. Whether you're just discovering your voice, preparing for a musical theater audition, or looking to improve your pop singing technique, understanding SLS can help you take a more informed approach to vocal development.

What Is the Seth Riggs Method?

Seth Riggs is a renowned vocal coach who developed Speech Level Singing to help singers improve vocal coordination across their range. The approach emphasizes keeping the voice balanced and avoiding unnecessary tension as singers move between lower and higher pitches.

Many singers experience a noticeable break when moving from their lower register into their upper register. Others find themselves pushing harder to reach high notes, losing vocal consistency, or struggling to maintain control as a song becomes more demanding.

Speech Level Singing addresses these challenges through structured vocal exercises designed to help singers coordinate their registers more effectively.

The goal isn't simply to sing higher or louder. It's to develop a voice that feels more manageable, responds more consistently, and can adapt to the demands of different songs and styles.

How Does Speech Level Singing Work?

Speech Level Singing uses exercises that help singers explore how their voices respond to changes in pitch, volume, and vocal register. A vocal coach can identify areas where a singer may be pushing, squeezing, or losing coordination and introduce exercises suited to their individual needs.

Here are a few key areas the technique can address.

1. Smoother Transitions Between Vocal Registers

Your voice may feel and sound different as you move from lower notes to higher ones. Some singers experience a noticeable vocal break, while others compensate by pushing more weight into their upper range.

SLS exercises work toward smoother transitions between registers, helping singers develop a more connected sound across their range. This can be especially useful for pop, R&B, and musical theater singers who need to move between different parts of their voice without an abrupt change in tone.

2. Expanding Your Vocal Range

Many singers want to reach higher notes, but increasing vocal range isn't simply a matter of trying harder.

Healthy range development involves learning how to coordinate the voice at different pitches without relying on excessive tension or volume. With consistent practice and appropriate instruction, singers may gradually develop access to notes that previously felt difficult.

The aim is to build range in a way that supports vocal comfort and control rather than forcing notes that aren't ready.

3. Improving Vocal Control and Consistency

A note might sound great one day and feel difficult the next. Changes in coordination, fatigue, technique, and other factors can affect how reliably a singer produces sound.

Speech Level Singing exercises help singers become more aware of their vocal coordination and work toward greater consistency in pitch, tone, and register transitions. These skills can make rehearsals, auditions, and performances feel more manageable over time.

4. Developing a Stronger Mix and Healthy Belting

Singers often want the power of a strong belt without feeling as though they're shouting. Developing that sound requires coordination, appropriate vocal choices, and an understanding of how the voice responds to increasing pitch and intensity.

SLS training can support work on register blending and the coordination needed for different contemporary singing styles. A qualified vocal coach can help determine which exercises and approaches are appropriate for each singer, rather than encouraging everyone to produce the same sound.

Is Speech Level Singing Good for Beginners?

Yes. Speech Level Singing principles can be incorporated into lessons for beginners as well as more experienced performers, provided the exercises are appropriate for the individual singer.

You don't need to be a professional singer or have an extensive musical background to benefit from vocal coaching. Beginners can start by developing pitch awareness, learning basic vocal coordination, and becoming more comfortable using their voices.

For adults, lessons may focus on building confidence, expanding vocal range, or working toward specific musical goals. For children and teens, instruction should be adapted to their age, experience, attention span, and developing voices.

The most important part of learning any vocal technique is receiving guidance that fits your voice rather than trying to force your way through exercises designed for someone else.

Can Children Learn Speech Level Singing?

Children can benefit from age-appropriate vocal exercises that encourage pitch accuracy, musicality, coordination, and confidence. However, their lessons should be tailored to their developmental stage and avoid unnecessary vocal strain.

At The Singing Place, children's voice lessons provide an opportunity to explore singing in a supportive environment while developing foundational musical skills. Exercises can be adjusted to suit a young singer's interests and experience, whether they're singing for fun, preparing for a school performance, or considering musical theater.

Speech Level Singing principles may be incorporated where appropriate, but the focus should remain on healthy vocal development, enjoyment, and steady progress rather than pushing for an adult-style sound.

Learning Speech Level Singing With Kathleen Kernohan

Finding the right vocal coach can make a significant difference in how you approach singing. Technique is important, but so is having an instructor who understands your goals and can help you work through challenges at a comfortable pace.

Kathleen Kernohan is a certified Speech Level Singing instructor who trained with Seth Riggs and other master teachers of the method. With extensive experience in singing, acting, and performance, she works with students at different stages of their musical development.

Her approach combines individualized vocal instruction with practical performance experience. Lessons can address vocal range, register blending, tone, breath coordination, healthy belting, and the skills needed for auditions or personal musical goals.

Whether you're a beginner who has always wanted to sing, an adult returning to music, or a young performer building confidence, lessons are tailored to your needs and experience.

Speech Level Singing vs. Traditional Voice Lessons

Speech Level Singing is one approach to vocal training, not a replacement for every other singing technique. Traditional voice lessons can encompass a broad range of methods, including classical technique, musical theater training, contemporary commercial singing, and performance coaching.

The best approach depends on the singer's goals and the music they want to perform.

For example, a student preparing for a Broadway audition may need to work on diction, character interpretation, and storytelling alongside vocal technique. Someone interested in contemporary pop may prioritize register blending, stylistic phrasing, and vocal flexibility.

A vocal coach can help identify which skills deserve the most attention and incorporate appropriate exercises into a well-rounded lesson plan.

Start Developing Your Voice at The Singing Place

You don't have to wait until you're an experienced singer to start working on your technique. With individualized instruction and consistent practice, you can build a better understanding of your voice, work through challenging passages, and develop skills that support your musical goals.

The Singing Place offers personalized voice lessons for children, teens, and adults, with instruction tailored to each student's experience, interests, and aspirations. If you're interested in Speech Level Singing or want to explore ways to improve your vocal control, Kathleen Kernohan can help you find a starting point that makes sense for your voice.

Ready to work on your singing? Contact The Singing Place in Hollywood & Westlake, CA to learn more about voice lessons and find out how personalized vocal coaching can support your goals.

How to Sing Like Stevie Wonder | Vocal Tips

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:06:25 GMT

How to Sing Like Stevie Wonder: Soulful Tone, Vocal Runs and Expression

Stevie Wonder is known for a voice that can sound powerful, smooth, playful, and deeply emotional, sometimes all within the same song. His signature style combines soulful phrasing, expressive vocal runs, rhythmic precision, and a natural ability to make every lyric feel personal.

If you want to learn how to sing like Stevie Wonder , the goal is not to copy his voice note for note. It is to develop the vocal control, musicality, and expression that make his performances so memorable.

At The Singing Place, singers can work on the fundamentals behind this style, including breath control, pitch accuracy, vocal flexibility, and smooth transitions between vocal registers. Whether you are a beginner, an adult returning to singing, or a young singer developing your voice, these skills can help you build a more expressive sound.

What Makes Stevie Wonder's Singing Style So Unique?

Stevie Wonder's voice stands out because he combines technical ability with an unmistakable sense of feeling and rhythm. You can hear these qualities throughout songs such as Isn't She Lovely, Superstition, My Cherie Amour, and Lately.

Here are four elements to focus on as you develop your own soulful singing style.

1. A Warm, Expressive Vocal Tone

Stevie Wonder can move between a light, gentle sound and a more powerful, full-bodied tone without losing the character of his voice. His sound is expressive rather than overly polished, which helps his performances feel personal and authentic.

To develop a more expressive tone, start by singing at a comfortable volume. Focus on producing a clear, steady sound without squeezing your throat or pushing extra air through your vocal cords.

Try singing a short phrase three times:

First, sing it softly and gently.
Next, sing it with more energy while keeping your throat relaxed.
Finally, focus on the emotion behind the lyrics and let that feeling influence your delivery.

The goal is to develop control over your tone rather than force your voice to sound like someone else's.

2. Soulful Vocal Runs and Melisma

One of the most recognizable features of Stevie Wonder's singing is his use of vocal runs. These are sequences of notes sung across a single syllable, often moving quickly through a musical phrase.

Vocal runs can add personality and emotion to a performance, but they require accurate pitch, coordination, and timing. Singing notes quickly is not enough. Each note should be clear and intentional.

Beginner vocal run exercise:

Choose three comfortable notes that move up or down a simple scale.
Sing each note separately, making sure your pitch is accurate.
Connect the notes slowly on a single vowel, such as "ah" or "oo."
Repeat the pattern a little faster while keeping each note clear.
Try adding the pattern to the end of a short lyric.

Start slowly and build speed only when the notes feel easy. If your jaw tightens or your throat starts to feel strained, slow down or return to a more comfortable range.

You do not need elaborate runs to sound soulful. A small, well-placed musical variation can be more effective than a long, complicated sequence.

3. Rhythm, Phrasing, and Musical Timing

Stevie Wonder's singing is closely connected to the rhythm of the music. He plays with timing, stretches certain words, adds rhythmic accents, and sometimes moves around the beat to create a distinctive groove.

To practise this skill, choose a short phrase from a song you enjoy. Listen to how Stevie shapes the words, where he holds a note, and how he places the ends of phrases.

Then try singing the phrase over a slow backing track or metronome.

Pay attention to:

Keeping the beat steady while changing the rhythm of the melody.
Holding longer notes without running out of breath.
Emphasizing important words rather than singing every syllable with equal weight.
Leaving small spaces between phrases instead of filling every moment with sound.

Good phrasing helps a singer communicate meaning. The objective is not simply to hit the right notes, but to make those notes feel connected to the song.

4. Emotion and Storytelling

Perhaps the most important lesson to take from Stevie Wonder is that technical ability should support expression. His performances can communicate joy, tenderness, longing, or excitement through subtle changes in tone, timing, and intensity.

Before singing a song, read through the lyrics and consider what the singer is communicating. Identify the words that carry the most meaning, then experiment with changes in volume, tone, and phrasing to bring those moments forward.

Try singing the same verse in two different ways. In the first version, concentrate only on pitch and rhythm. In the second, think about the story and emotional meaning of each line.

Notice how your delivery changes. Developing that awareness can help you become a more convincing and engaging performer.

Vocal Exercises to Help You Sing Like Stevie Wonder

You do not need an advanced vocal range to begin developing a soulful singing style. Consistent practice with simple exercises can help improve the coordination and control needed for more expressive singing.

Exercise 1: Gentle Humming

Humming is a useful way to warm up your voice without immediately jumping into demanding notes.

Start on a comfortable pitch.
Hum gently with your lips together.
Move up and down through a small range.
Keep your jaw relaxed and avoid pressing for higher notes.

Focus on a steady, easy sound. If you feel tension in your throat, reduce the volume and return to a comfortable pitch.

Exercise 2: Lip Trills for Vocal Flexibility

Lip trills involve blowing air through relaxed lips while producing a sound, similar to a loose motorboat noise. They can help you practise moving through your range without gripping or pushing.

Start with a few comfortable notes, then gently glide upward and downward. Keep the airflow consistent and avoid trying to reach the highest note possible.

This exercise can be especially helpful before practising vocal runs or moving between lower and higher notes.

Exercise 3: Slow Vocal Runs

Choose a simple three- or five-note pattern. Sing it slowly on one vowel, making sure each pitch is accurate before increasing the speed.

Once the pattern feels comfortable, try changing the vowel or using a short word. Keep your rhythm consistent and resist the temptation to rush through the notes.

Practising a few notes accurately is more useful than repeating a complicated run that feels uncontrolled.

Exercise 4: Sing With Different Dynamics

Dynamics refer to changes in loudness and intensity. Expressive singers use these changes to shape a phrase and create contrast.

Choose one line from a song and sing it softly, then repeat it with a little more energy. Try gradually increasing the volume through the phrase before easing back at the end.

Do not confuse volume with vocal effort. A stronger sound should still feel coordinated and comfortable.

Exercise 5: Practise Register Transitions

A singer's voice may feel different when moving between lower, middle, and higher notes. Developing smoother transitions can help you sing a wider variety of phrases with less tension.

Try a gentle siren or a short scale through a comfortable range. Keep the sound light as you move upward rather than forcing your chest voice higher.

Speech Level Singing, the approach developed by vocal coach Seth Riggs, focuses on maintaining balanced vocal coordination as singers move through their range. This type of training can be useful for developing flexibility and control while working toward a more expressive singing style.

Can Singing Lessons Help You Develop a Soulful Voice?

Yes. Vocal lessons can help you understand how your voice works and identify the techniques that will make the biggest difference for your individual goals.

A singing instructor can help you work on:

Pitch accuracy: Singing notes consistently and accurately.
Breath control: Managing airflow through longer phrases.
Vocal runs: Improving note clarity, timing, and flexibility.
Tone and dynamics: Developing a range of vocal colors without unnecessary tension.
Register transitions: Moving between lower and higher notes more comfortably.
Musical expression: Using phrasing, rhythm, and tone to communicate emotion.

At The Singing Place, Kathleen Kernohan works with singers on vocal technique and musical development, including the principles of Speech Level Singing. Lessons can be adapted to the singer's experience, goals, and current abilities.

Children and teens can build healthy vocal habits as they explore songs they love, while adult singers can work toward greater confidence, improved control, and a more expressive sound.

Speech Level Singing and the Path to Better Vocal Control

When studying a singer with Stevie Wonder's range of expression, it is easy to focus on the impressive notes and vocal runs. But the underlying coordination matters just as much.

Speech Level Singing, developed by Seth Riggs, emphasizes balanced vocal production and smooth movement through the vocal registers. Rather than forcing the voice to reach a note, singers work toward producing it with greater ease and coordination.

This approach may help singers who want to:

Move between registers more smoothly.
Develop more consistent tone across their range.
Practise vocal flexibility without unnecessary strain.
Build the control needed for expressive phrasing and runs.

Every singer's voice is different, and there is no single method that guarantees a particular sound. With appropriate instruction and regular practice, however, you can develop the skills that support a more flexible and confident voice.

Learn to Sing With More Soul, Control, and Confidence

Learning how to sing like Stevie Wonder is about more than imitating a distinctive voice. It is about developing the musical instincts, vocal flexibility, rhythmic awareness, and emotional connection that make a performance memorable.

Start with the fundamentals. Practise short vocal runs slowly, pay attention to your phrasing, explore different tones, and let the meaning of the song guide your delivery. As your control improves, you can gradually experiment with more complex musical ideas.

If you are ready to develop your voice, The Singing Place in Hollywood & Westlake, CA can help you build stronger technique and greater confidence through personalized singing lessons. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your style, the right guidance can help you make the most of your natural voice.

Explore singing lessons at The Singing Place to learn more about working on your vocal technique, range, and expression.

How to Sing Like Bernadette Peters | Musical Theatre Tips

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:06:23 GMT

How to Sing Like Bernadette Peters: Musical Theatre Singing Tips

Bernadette Peters is one of Broadway's most distinctive performers, known for her expressive voice, thoughtful phrasing, and ability to bring a character to life through song. From Stephen Sondheim musicals to beloved Broadway classics, her performances show that great singing is about more than hitting the right notes. It's about telling a story.

If you want to learn how to sing like Bernadette Peters, there are several techniques you can explore, whether you're interested in musical theatre, preparing for an audition, or simply becoming a more expressive singer.

You don't need to imitate her unique sound to learn from her approach. By working on diction, phrasing, vocal flexibility, and emotional interpretation, you can develop your own musical theatre style and connect more naturally with your audience.

What Makes Bernadette Peters' Singing So Distinctive?

Bernadette Peters has a recognizable vocal style, but what makes her performances especially compelling is the way she uses her voice to communicate a character's thoughts and emotions.

1. She Treats Every Song Like a Story

In musical theatre, a song is rarely just a song. It usually represents a moment in a character's life, whether they're making a decision, expressing a fear, celebrating a victory, or trying to understand a relationship.

Peters is particularly admired for the detail she brings to lyrics. A small pause, a change in emphasis, or a shift in vocal intensity can make a line feel spontaneous and meaningful.

To practise this yourself, read the lyrics of a song before singing it. Ask yourself what the character wants, who they're addressing, and how their feelings change throughout the song. Then sing the lyrics with those intentions in mind.

2. Her Diction Makes the Lyrics Count

Clear diction is an important part of musical theatre singing. Audiences need to understand the words, especially when the lyrics carry the story forward.

Listen to how Peters shapes individual words and consonants. Notice how she makes the lyrics understandable without making every word sound overly deliberate.

Try speaking a short section of a song at a natural conversational pace. Then sing it while keeping the words just as clear. Avoid overpronouncing every syllable, which can make the performance sound stiff.

3. She Uses Phrasing to Create Character

Phrasing refers to how a singer shapes a musical line, including timing, emphasis, pauses, and breath. Peters often brings a theatrical quality to her phrasing, making a lyric sound like a genuine thought rather than a rehearsed line.

Choose a short passage and experiment with singing it in different ways. Try emphasizing a different word each time and notice how the meaning changes. You can also explore small pauses where they make sense for the character, while staying within the song's musical structure.

The goal isn't to add dramatic flourishes everywhere. It's to make deliberate choices that help the audience follow the story.

How to Develop a More Expressive Musical Theatre Voice

You don't need a naturally theatrical voice to become a more engaging musical theatre singer. Many of these skills can be developed through focused practice.

Practise Vocal Flexibility

Musical theatre songs can move between speech-like passages, sustained notes, and more demanding melodic lines. Developing flexibility helps you move between these styles without losing control.

Start with gentle humming or lip trills, then sing a short, comfortable scale. Keep the sound easy and consistent rather than trying to make it louder or more dramatic.

As you become more comfortable, apply the same sense of ease to a short phrase from a musical theatre song. If your voice feels tight, reduce the volume or choose an easier passage.

Focus on Breath and Musical Phrasing

Long phrases and sustained notes can be challenging when you're also trying to communicate a character's emotions. Planning your breaths can help you maintain a steady sound without interrupting the meaning of the lyric.

Mark the natural breathing points in your song. Practise each phrase separately, keeping your shoulders and jaw relaxed. Once the phrases feel comfortable, connect them while maintaining the character's intention.

Explore Vocal Colour

Expressive singers don't use the same tone for every lyric. A lighter sound may communicate curiosity or vulnerability, while a fuller, more intense sound can suggest determination or frustration.

Experiment with subtle changes in tone while keeping your voice comfortable. Think about what the character is feeling at each moment and how the sound might reflect that feeling.

You don't need to force a particular vocal colour. The aim is to discover how different sounds can support the story while preserving healthy vocal habits.

An Exercise Inspired by Bernadette Peters' Approach

Try this exercise with a musical theatre song you enjoy.

Step 1: Choose a short section. Select four to eight lines with a clear emotional shift.

Step 2: Speak the lyrics. Imagine you're the character speaking directly to another person. Focus on what each line means.

Step 3: Identify the important words. Choose one or two words in each phrase that carry the main message.

Step 4: Sing the passage naturally. Keep the sound comfortable and let the meaning guide your phrasing.

Step 5: Experiment with the character's emotions. Sing the passage again as the character becomes more excited, uncertain, frustrated, or hopeful. Adjust your timing and vocal intensity without forcing your voice.

Step 6: Record and listen. Ask yourself whether the lyrics are clear and whether the emotional progression comes across. Focus on storytelling as much as vocal accuracy.

This exercise can help you move beyond simply singing the notes and begin making stronger interpretive choices.

Choosing Musical Theatre Songs That Suit Your Voice

It's tempting to choose a song because you admire the performer who sings it. However, a song that suits Bernadette Peters may not be the best fit for your current range, experience, or vocal style.

When choosing audition material or songs to practise, consider:

Range: Can you sing the notes comfortably without pushing?
Character: Do you understand the person singing and what they want?
Phrasing: Does the song give you opportunities to explore timing and expression?
Style: Does the material suit your voice and the kind of performer you want to become?
Preparation: Can you perform the song confidently and consistently, rather than only getting through it on a good day?

A song that fits your voice and gives you room to tell a story will usually be more effective than one chosen only because it's famous.

Develop Your Musical Theatre Skills at The Singing Place

Bernadette Peters demonstrates how technique and storytelling work together to create memorable performances. Her approach is a useful source of inspiration for singers who want to develop their musical theatre skills, improve their phrasing, and become more confident performers.

At The Singing Place, instructor Kathleen Kernohan helps singers work on vocal technique, control, confidence, and expression. Whether you're exploring musical theatre for the first time, preparing for an audition, or looking to bring more personality to your performances, lessons can help you build skills that support your individual voice.

You don't have to sound like Bernadette Peters to learn from her. The goal is to develop the technique and interpretive skills that allow you to communicate a song's story in your own way.

Contact The Singing Place to learn more about singing lessons and take the next step toward becoming a more confident, expressive singer.

How to Sing Like Adele - A Step By Step Guide

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:06:19 GMT

Adele is known for more than her powerful voice. Her ability to communicate emotion, shape a phrase, and move effortlessly between intimate moments and big, dramatic notes is what makes her singing so memorable. Whether she's performing a quiet verse or reaching an emotional high point in a chorus, her voice feels personal and authentic.

If you want to learn how to sing like Adele, there's plenty you can take from her approach without trying to copy her voice exactly. By developing your vocal control, working on emotional expression, and learning to sing with power without unnecessary tension, you can bring more depth and confidence to your own performances.

There is also a special connection between Adele's musical journey and The Singing Place. Our instructor attended The BRIT School in London , the performing arts school Adele also attended. Adele's development as a singer is a great reminder that technique, artistic growth, and a willingness to keep learning can all play a role in finding your voice.

Adele was also mentored by singing teacher Sam Marlowe at City Vocal Coach in London . Her journey offers aspiring singers another reason to look beyond the big notes and explore the technique, interpretation, and individuality behind a memorable performance.

At The Singing Place, we help singers develop those broader skills in their own voices, from shaping emotional phrases to building confidence and singing with greater control. You don't need to sound exactly like Adele to learn from what makes her performances so compelling.

What Makes Adele's Singing So Emotional?

One of Adele's greatest strengths is her ability to make a song feel like a conversation. Rather than delivering every line at the same intensity, she varies her volume, tone, and phrasing to bring the meaning of the lyrics to life.

Here are a few elements worth exploring in your own singing.

1. Use Vocal Dynamics to Tell a Story

Adele often begins a phrase gently before gradually building intensity. This contrast gives the listener a reason to pay attention and makes the more powerful moments feel earned.

Try singing a verse softly, then gradually increase your volume as you approach the chorus. Focus on keeping your voice supported and relaxed rather than simply pushing harder. The goal is to create contrast, not strain.

2. Pay Attention to Phrasing

Phrasing is the way you shape a line of music. It includes where you breathe, which words you emphasize, and how you connect one phrase to the next.

Listen to how Adele delivers the lyrics of a song. Notice which words she stretches, where she pauses, and how she changes the timing to emphasize a particular emotion.

Choose a short section of one of her songs and speak the lyrics naturally before singing them. This can help you find a more conversational delivery and make the words feel more personal.

3. Connect Emotionally With the Lyrics

You don't have to imitate Adele's tone or mannerisms to deliver an emotional performance. Start by understanding what the song is about and what the lyrics mean to you.

Before singing, consider a few questions:

What is the main emotion behind the song?
Which lyric feels most important to the story?
Where does the emotion change or intensify?
How would you say these words if you were speaking directly to someone?

These questions can help you make intentional choices instead of concentrating only on hitting the right notes.

How to Sing With Power Without Straining Your Voice

Adele's powerful choruses can make singers want to push their voices harder, but more volume doesn't automatically mean better singing. Forcing a high note can create tension in your throat, jaw, and neck, making the sound less controlled and leaving your voice feeling tired.

Instead, focus on building a reliable foundation.

Find a Comfortable Key

Adele's original recordings may not sit comfortably in your vocal range. That's completely normal. Try singing the song in a different key or starting with a section that feels manageable.

The aim is to develop control and expression in a range that works for your voice. You can gradually work on more challenging passages as your coordination improves.

Keep Your Jaw and Neck Relaxed

Tension can interfere with your ability to sing freely, especially during louder passages. Before you begin, gently loosen your jaw and shoulders. As you sing, pay attention to whether you're clenching your teeth, lifting your chin, or tightening your neck.

If a note feels uncomfortable, stop and try it more gently. Persistent pain or hoarseness is a sign to rest your voice rather than push through.

Plan Your Breaths

Long phrases can be challenging, particularly when you're trying to maintain an emotional delivery. Identify natural places to breathe before you sing the song all the way through.

Practise one phrase at a time, focusing on a steady, comfortable flow of air. With repetition, you can develop a more consistent delivery without rushing through the lyrics or running out of breath at the end of a line.

An Exercise to Develop More Expressive Singing

You can practise Adele-inspired vocal expression without immediately attempting her most demanding songs.

Step 1: Choose a short lyric. Pick two or three lines from a song you enjoy.

Step 2: Speak the words naturally. Focus on the meaning and imagine you're communicating the message directly to another person.

Step 3: Sing the passage gently. Keep the volume comfortable and maintain the natural rhythm of your speech.

Step 4: Experiment with dynamics. Sing the passage again, making one phrase softer and another more intense. Avoid increasing volume by squeezing or forcing your voice.

Step 5: Record yourself. Listen for whether the words sound clear and expressive. Notice which moments feel convincing and which could use more variety.

Repeat the exercise with different lyrics. Over time, you'll become more comfortable making expressive choices instead of relying on volume alone.

Learn From Adele While Developing Your Own Voice

Adele's performances show how much impact a singer can create through phrasing, vocal dynamics, emotional connection, and thoughtful interpretation. Her journey, including her time at The BRIT School and her work with vocal mentor Sam Marlowe, also highlights the value of learning and developing as an artist.

You can take inspiration from her approach while discovering what makes your own voice distinctive. With practice, you can develop greater confidence, improve your control, and learn to communicate a song's meaning more naturally.

At The Singing Place in Hollywood & Westlake, CA , instructor Kathleen Kernohan works with singers to help them build vocal technique, confidence, and expressive ability. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced singer looking to refine your skills, singing lessons can help you work toward your goals without forcing your voice to fit someone else's sound.

If you're ready to explore your voice and become a more confident, expressive singer, get in touch with The Singing Place to learn more about lessons.

How to Sing Higher Notes Like Michael Jackson

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 03:06:16 GMT

How to Sing Higher Notes Like Michael Jackson: Vocal Exercises for Beginners

Want to sing higher notes like Michael Jackson? From his smooth vocal transitions to his distinctive high-pitched phrases, MJ developed a signature sound that continues to inspire singers of all ages. While nobody can replicate his voice exactly, you can learn from the vocal techniques that helped make his performances so memorable.

Whether you're a beginner singing along to Michael Jackson songs, a teen interested in pop vocals, or an adult looking to expand your range, the right exercises can help you develop your own voice while exploring the techniques behind his distinctive style.

At The Singing Place, vocal coach Kathleen Kernohan incorporates Speech Level Singing (SLS) principles into personalized voice lessons for children, teens, and adults. Developed by renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs, this approach focuses on balanced vocal coordination and smoother transitions between registers.

What Makes Michael Jackson's Voice So Distinctive?

Michael Jackson's singing combined vocal agility, expressive phrasing, rhythmic precision, and a remarkable range of vocal colors. His performances often shifted between lighter upper-register sounds, more direct melodic phrases, and energetic vocal accents.

Rather than relying on high notes alone, he used changes in tone, dynamics, and phrasing to bring songs to life.

If you want to sing higher notes like Michael Jackson, there are several skills worth exploring:

Register transitions: Moving between lower and higher parts of your voice with greater smoothness.
Vocal agility: Navigating quick melodic changes while maintaining pitch accuracy.
Tone control: Exploring lighter, brighter, and more expressive vocal qualities.
Rhythmic precision: Matching vocal phrases and accents to the groove of the music.
Dynamic control: Changing intensity without automatically pushing more volume.

These skills take time to develop, but beginners can start working on them through simple, comfortable exercises.

How to Sing Higher Notes Without Straining

One of the most common mistakes singers make is trying to carry the same heavy feeling of their lower voice into every high note. This can lead to a tight throat, excessive volume, or a sudden vocal break.

To develop your upper range, focus on coordination rather than force. Start with notes that feel comfortable and gradually explore higher pitches without pushing through discomfort.

1. Warm Up With Gentle Humming

Before attempting challenging high notes, give your voice time to warm up.

Begin by humming a comfortable pitch with your lips gently together. Slowly move up and down a few notes, keeping the sound relaxed and easy.

This exercise helps you focus on pitch and vocal comfort without immediately demanding a loud or powerful sound.

Try this: Hum a short, familiar melody from a Michael Jackson song in a comfortable key. Keep the melody within your current range rather than trying to match the original recording's highest notes.

2. Practise Gentle Vocal Sirens

Vocal sirens involve gliding from a lower pitch to a higher one and back again. They can help you become more aware of how your voice changes as you move through your range.

Start with a gentle “oo” sound and glide upward a short distance before returning to your starting note. Keep the movement smooth and avoid reaching for notes that cause your throat to tighten.

Over time, a vocal coach can help you adjust the exercise to address the parts of your range that feel most challenging.

3. Use Lip Trills to Explore Higher Pitches

Lip trills involve gently vibrating your lips while producing a vocal sound. They offer a useful way to explore pitch changes without relying on a forceful attack.

Relax your lips, maintain a gentle stream of air, and add a comfortable note. Then glide upward a few pitches and return to where you started.

The goal is not to reach the highest note possible. It's to maintain an easy, controlled sound as the pitch changes.

4. Learn to Blend Your Vocal Registers

If your voice cracks when you try to sing high notes, you may be struggling to coordinate the transition between registers.

Singers often refer to chest voice, head voice, and mixed voice when describing different aspects of vocal production. Learning how these parts of your range work together can help you approach challenging melodies with greater control.

Speech Level Singing, developed by Seth Riggs, uses vocal exercises designed to help singers work toward balanced coordination and smoother register transitions.

For someone hoping to sing higher notes like Michael Jackson, this can be a useful area to explore. Rather than forcing a heavy sound upward, you can work with a vocal coach to discover a more comfortable approach to your upper range.

5. PractiCe Short Scales Before Singing Full Songs

Once your voice feels warmed up, practise a simple five-note scale on a comfortable vowel such as “oo.”

Start in an easy part of your range and move the pattern up gradually, stopping before you feel the need to shout or squeeze your throat.

Afterward, try applying the same sense of control to a short phrase from a song you enjoy.

Breaking a challenging melody into smaller sections makes it easier to focus on pitch, timing, and vocal coordination without becoming overwhelmed.

How to Practise Singing Like Michael Jackson

If your goal is to sing higher notes like Michael Jackson, choose a song that inspires you and approach it as a learning exercise rather than a test of how closely you can copy his voice.

Start by listening for where the melody rises, where the vocal tone becomes lighter, and how the phrases fit the rhythm. Then try singing a short section at a comfortable volume and in a key that suits your voice.

You can gradually work on the more challenging sections as your coordination improves.

Keep these tips in mind:

Choose the right key. You don't have to sing in the original key if it puts the melody outside your comfortable range.
Work on short phrases. Practise one difficult section at a time instead of repeatedly attempting the entire song.
Avoid forcing the original sound. MJ's distinctive vocal qualities developed through his own anatomy, experience, and artistry.
Focus on musicality. Timing, phrasing, and expression are just as important as reaching high notes.
Take breaks. Stop if you experience pain, persistent hoarseness, or unusual vocal fatigue.

The goal is to learn from his style while developing a sound that works for your own voice.

Can Speech Level Singing Help You Sing Higher Notes Like Michael Jackson?

Speech Level Singing is a vocal training approach developed by Seth Riggs that focuses on balanced vocal coordination throughout a singer's range.

The method is relevant to singers who want to improve register transitions, explore their upper range, and develop more consistent vocal control. It does not guarantee a particular range or reproduce another artist's sound, but it can provide a structured way to work on vocal technique.

With individualized instruction, singers can work on areas such as:

Moving more smoothly between registers.
Reducing unnecessary tension when approaching higher notes.
Improving pitch consistency and vocal flexibility.
Developing a more coordinated upper range.
Applying technique to contemporary pop songs and other musical styles.

The right exercises depend on your current abilities and goals. A beginner may need to focus on comfortable pitch changes and basic coordination before attempting the more demanding phrases found in Michael Jackson's music.

Singing Lessons for Children, Teens, and Adults

You don't have to be an experienced performer to start developing your voice. Singing lessons can help beginners build confidence, improve pitch awareness, and explore the music they love.

For children and teens who enjoy Michael Jackson or contemporary pop, age-appropriate instruction can provide a foundation in melody, rhythm, vocal coordination, and musical expression without encouraging them to force their voices into an adult sound.

Adults can also benefit from vocal coaching, whether they're returning to singing after years away, learning a new hobby, or hoping to improve their technique for auditions and performances.

At The Singing Place, lessons are tailored to each student's experience, interests, and goals. Vocal coach Kathleen Kernohan is a certified Speech Level Singing instructor who trained with Seth Riggs and other master teachers of the method.

Her personalized approach helps students explore their voices, develop their technique, and work toward greater confidence as singers.

Start Working Toward Your Higher Notes

Learning to sing higher notes like Michael Jackson takes patience, practice, and an understanding of how your own voice works. You don't need to force high notes or imitate every detail of another singer's sound to make progress.

Start with gentle warm-ups, practise short melodic patterns, and pay attention to how your voice feels as you move upward in pitch. If you're struggling with vocal breaks or tension, working with an experienced vocal coach can help you identify the skills you need to develop.

The Singing Place offers personalized voice lessons for children, teens, and adults who want to strengthen their vocal technique, explore their musical interests, and build confidence.

Ready to work on your high notes? Contact The Singing Place in Hollywood & Westlake, CA , to learn more about voice lessons and discover how personalized vocal coaching can help you develop your own sound.