How to Sing Higher in Full Voice Without Straining

Singing in full voice without straining requires strong work ethic and practice routines to increase endurance through the vocal range. Vocal development must not be rushed. However, if you practice consistently, gradually the length of time you can sing in the highest register of your voice at full volume will increase. Effective vocal exercises exist to help you increase your range and dynamic contrast. Avoid the tendency to push yourself too much, too soon and you will increase the longevity of your voice.

Step 1 Breathe from your diaphragm when singing to use a concept called diaphragmatic breathing. To do this, expand your stomach and waist area to increase the amount of air you are taking in. You will sing more powerfully when you breathe and exhale from your diaphragm using the muscles in your stomach to control the airstream.

Step 2 Play middle C on the piano and match the pitch with your voice. Middle C is the white key directly to the left of the set of two black keys in the middle of the piano. Ascend by half-steps to the highest pitch you can sing easily. Do not go any higher than comfortable. Determine the pitch five notes below your highest pitch.

Step 3 Sing your pitch that you found in Step 2. Sing the sound "hmm" down a fifth. Singing this exercise will expand your range, making it easier to sing high. Continue this exercise, each time ascending a half-step.

Step 4 Sing a major scale which is comfortable for you to sing from bottom to top. Sopranos or altos can start on middle C. Tenors or lower voices, start on the octave below middle C. Begin with a normal volume crescendoing to the last note in the scale. Your lung capacity and ability to sing stronger will improve. Breath every four notes so you will breath after "F" and the octave "C."

Step 5 Add a half-step to the scale each time until you can no longer complete a scale comfortably. Do not stretch your voice; sing only what is comfortable.

Seek the help of a qualified voice instructor to ensure a safe practice regimen. Warnings Never sing higher, or louder, than is comfortable for you. Singing loudly requires consistent time and effort. You can damage your voice if you practice too much, too soon or attempt to sing higher than your current ability permits.