How to Sing Better: Five Issues with the Upper Male Passaggio

Tenors have been plagued for centuries upon centuries with learning how to gracefully slide through their upper passaggio. While it differs from singer to singer, in general, the upper male passaggio for tenors lies anywhere between the E flat above middle C and the F sharp above middle C¹. Many men struggle with this range because their voice begins to "break" or "crack" when the right techniques are not put in place. Here are five issues that are common for males when approaching their upper passaggio.

How To Sing Better: Issue With the Upper Male Passaggio #1:
The larynx is too high when approaching the passaggio.

When you begin to approach your passaggio (also referred to as your bridge, your break, the area where your voice cracks, etc.), your larynx position is very, very important. Many tenors suffer from having a high larynx when approaching their passaggio which restricts the vocal cords and tone when attempting to sing those higher notes. Thus, you end up sounding constricted and strained, almost as if you are being choked when singing those notes.
Tip: Keep your larynx neutral throughout the whole process and begin to narrow your vowels.

How To Sing Better: Issue With the Upper Male Passaggio #2:
The mouth is spread too far apart when approaching the passaggio.

Singers often make the mistake of spreading out their mouth when trying to sing those high notes because it gives the impression that "the more my mouth is open, the easier it will be to sing the high notes". This is only partly true. An open mouth is essential to hitting the notes throughout the passaggio, but your mouth must open vertically, not horizontally. When you open your mouth vertically, it helps you naturally narrow your vowels and makes the vocal transition much easier.
Tip: Learn to open your mouth vertically by placing your hands on the side of your face and sliding them down your face while opening your mouth.

How To Sing Better: Issue With the Upper Male Passaggio #3:
Too much air is used when approaching the passaggio.

You would think that since you are singing higher notes, you would need more air, right? Wrong! Your vocal cords actually need less air to hit those higher notes because they begin to close off (not completely, only 2/3 to 3/4 of the way) as your ascend in your range. Blasting through those notes is not healthy for your vocal cords and will only cause vocal damage (a major factor in vocal nodules).
Tip: Learn vocal cord closure to help correctly regulate your air support.

How To Sing Better: Issue With the Upper Male Passaggio #4:
Not enough head voice presence when approaching the passaggio.

In order to effectively sing through your passaggio, you must have a developed head voice (not to be confused with falsetto). Head voice has more bottom presence and tone color than falsetto. Falsetto is airy and light; head voice is clear and colorful.
Tip: Once again, learn vocal cord closure to help develop your head voice. Also, practice exercises such as 'wee' on octave and arpeggio scales.

How To Sing Better: Issue With the Upper Male Passaggio #5:
You must be mentally prepared when approaching your passaggio.

Singing is just as much mental as it is physical. Nerves and stress kill your vocal tone. Too often singers think too much when they are trying to sing through their passaggio. Do your best to practice without strain or stress. With time, you will have your "ah ha" moment and the passaggio will no longer be an issue!

If you are looking for more vocal tips, be sure to check out my other vocal articles today!

1. Jones, David L. "Male Voice Protection: Understanding the "Cover"" Voice Teacher