Jay Althouse is a prolific composer of choral anthems, vocal warm-ups, and solo songs. Althouse's vocal music is known for its melodic beauty, sophisticated harmonies, and flexible arrangements. A choir director and vocal coach, Althouse's music appeals to singers of all skill levels and ages. Here's how to learn singing like Jay Althouse.

Breathing and Posture

Breathing is the foundation of vocal sound. Jay Althouse emphasizes the importance of proper breathing and posture. Strive for tall posture, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Imagine a helium balloon attached to the crown of your head, pulling you up. Contract your abs gently to support your diaphragm. Breathe in slowly and deeply, filling your lungs from the bottom to the top. Exhale smoothly, releasing the air gradually.

Singing is an athletic activity and, like every sport, requires training. Exercise your core muscles and diaphragm regularly. Consider Jay Althouse's Farinelli Breathing video (link in the resources) that promotes belly breathing. The video demonstrates a simple exercise that teaches you to use your abdominal muscles and breath control.

Vocal Registers

Jay Althouse's vocal music often features a smooth transition between registers, from chest voice to head voice. Chest voice is the lowest and thickest part of your voice. Head voice, also known as falsetto, creates a lighter and brighter sound in the highest part of your range. The most challenging transition is the "bridge" from chest to head voice. Singing with good breath support, proper posture, and resonance help you move smoothly through the bridge.

Jay Althouse emphasises the importance of developing the middle register of the voice, known as the mix voice. This transitional part between chest and head is where the voice is most versatile. To learn how to make this transition, follow the tips in the "Voice Break" and "Mixed Voice" videos (links in the resources).

Articulation

Jay Althouse is particularly conscious of diction and vocal clarity. Practice articulating words crisply while still maintaining good breath control and voice quality. Jay Althouse's Finger Bite video (link in the resources) teaches how to articulate the consonants without tightening the lips, throat, or larynx.

Expressive Singing

Singers need to express emotions to connect with the audience effectively. Jay Althouse's music is rich with melodies and harmonies that inspire emotional investment. Practice with songs that are expressive, emotionally compelling, and melodic.

Jay Althouse offers multiple warm-up and training exercises on his website to improve your expressive singing. Focus on breathing exercises, pitch accuracy exercises, and phrases that stretch your vocal limits in a healthy way. Use warm-ups to enhance your voice's expressive capabilities.

Resource Guide:

• Farinelli Breathing: Video Link
• Voice Break: Video Link
• Mixed Voice: Video Link
• Finger Bite: Video Link
• Search songs by vocal range: Song Search
• Vocal ranges of famous singers: Artists
• Educational singing course: Course Link