Identifying Mix Voice

Find recordings to the examples below. Listen

and identify where the singer is using mix
voice, head voice (or falsetto), or chest
voice (full voice). It can be tricky to tell!
This is because a skilled singer is blending
different registers constantly. In these
examples, part of what you're doing is
learning to recognize the sound of a voice
that is strong, but not pushed all the way
(mix) against one that is strong, but full
force (chest belting). Remember, too, the
answer is not necessarily if the singer is
high or low in their range.

Jessie J ‐ Flashlight

Michael Buble ‐ Save the Last Dance for

Me

Eva Cassidy ‐ People Get Ready

In this song, notice how Eva Cassidy sings

between full mix voice , a kind of belt
voice, and softer tones to finish her
phrases. Yet this dynamic singing is
seamless, which is one reason why it is so
expressive.

Ariana Grande ‐ One Last Time

Barbra Streisand ‐ Don't Rain On My

Parade

With this classic example of extraordinary

singing by Barbra Streisand, it is difficult
to tell where she is in full chest voice or
mix voice. And that is ultimately the point.
Famously, Streisand said when she was young
that she "just sings" and doesn't know how
she does it; her seemingly effortless use of
her full vocal instrument is what we are
hearing and humbled by.

Kurt Elling ‐ Steppin' Out