Practice Songs Helpful for Learning Mixed Voice (Middle Voice) [For Women]
The term “mixed voice.” If you’re interested in singing, you’ve probably heard or seen it at least once.
Many of my vocal training students say, “I want to be able to use mixed voice!” However, I feel that surprisingly few people actually understand what it is.
So what exactly is mixed voice? Simply put, it’s “the voice between chest voice and head voice.” That’s why it’s also called middle voice.
In actual songs, it’s mainly used to cover the high-tone range that’s hard to hit with chest voice, but by changing the balance of how much chest and head voice you mix, you can create a wide range of vocal expressions.
In this feature, I’ve gathered female singers who skillfully use mixed (middle) voice to express their songs.
I’m sure you’ll find plenty to reference when you practice with the goal of mastering mixed voice yourself.
I hope you find it helpful.
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[For Women] Practice Songs Helpful for Learning Mixed Voice (Middle Voice) (51–60)
First LoveUtada Hikaru
This is Hikaru Utada’s third single overall, released in April 1999.
It was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Majo no Jōken” (A Witch’s Requirements) and in an NTT East Japan commercial, becoming a major hit that sold over 900,000 copies.
Utada debuted with the single “Automatic,” which was a massive hit with over two million copies sold.
With Utada’s arrival, the term “mixed voice” also seemed to gain attention in Japan.
In fact, the high notes in this song feature a very soft high tone that doesn’t rely on head voice, making it no exaggeration to call the track a model example of how to use mixed voice effectively within a song.
Because it’s a song by Utada, who possesses extremely high vocal ability, there are likely many difficult parts to tackle when actually singing it.
Please study the original thoroughly and practice.
In the sections where mixed voice is used, try producing the sound as if you’re gently and slowly placing the voice against your upper palate; this approach can be a shortcut to mastering the technique.
Give it a try!
Under the same skyayaka
Ayaka’s 10th single, released in July 2009.
Among female singers, Ayaka has a relatively robust voice.
I think her use of mixed voice is very clear.
In particular, the phrasing before the chorus and in the B section is an excellent example of skillful use of mixed voice.
She tends to use a falsetto-leaning mix to support the higher range, and because this is used effectively in the B section, it creates a contrast with the high tones of the chorus that enter in chest voice, successfully emphasizing the song’s overall image.
If you sing it yourself, try practicing so that the transitions in your vocal production are smooth.
Are you alive?Kotone
It’s the sixth release in Kotone’s series of digital-only singles, released on June 21, 2021.
I believe you can hear her mixed voice at the very beginning of the track.
The song is crafted to let you enjoy her exquisite switching between vocal techniques to optimize both the vocal melody and the way the lyrics resonate.
As for her use of mixed voice, it often leans toward a falsetto-like quality with strong nasal resonance.
By frequently using mixed voice to achieve a soft high tone, the song also serves as a good reference for creating contrast with the powerful singing in the chorus, where she shifts to chest voice and chest-leaning mixed voice.
I’m crazy about youUtada Hikaru
A digital-only single by Hikaru Utada, released on November 26, 2021.
It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Saiai.” To me, it feels like ever since Hikaru Utada debuted—the singer of this track—the term “mix voice” has frequently appeared across various media.
In this song as well, Utada delivers vocals worthy of being called the original “mix voice.” If you focus on the contrast between the slightly speech-like parts and the sung parts, you may get a clear sense of how effectively mix voice is used.
[For Women] Practice Songs Helpful for Mastering Mixed Voice (Middle Voice) (61–70)
Last sceneikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari’s 32nd single, released in August 2016.
Vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka has a very bright voice, and her chest voice covers such a wide high range that she doesn’t need to use mixed voice very often; there aren’t many songs where it seems to be used.
However, in this gentle ballad, you can hear a beautiful mixed voice employed to sing with a soft, resonant tone.
It’s a good example of switching vocal techniques not to cover range, but for expressive purposes.
In Ikimonogakari’s case, because Yoshioka’s voice is, as mentioned, bright and high, and many of their songs are upbeat and lively, the frequency of mixed voice or falsetto is very low.
Even so, you can appreciate how richly expressive singing can become through vocal technique alone.
May it be filled with kindnessJUJU
Released in February 2009 as her ninth single.
Since JUJU’s natural speaking voice seems to be on the lower side, the frequent use of mid-to-high range notes in the song is likely sung primarily in mixed voice.
You could say she uses mixed voice in a way that compensates for a lower chest voice.
It’s a mixed voice with firmly adducted vocal folds that minimizes breathiness, resulting in fewer high overtones.
If you’re looking to expand your singable range, studying her phonation and vocal technique would be beneficial.
While the notes near the highest point of the chorus are sung in falsetto, the transitions from the pre-chorus to the chorus, as well as the onset of the chorus, serve as a good example of mixed voice for female singers.
Can I visit you with cream?zutto mayonaka de ii no ni.
For those who think, “I don’t just want to sing chest-voice mid–low songs; I want to sing falsetto-style songs too,” this track might be perfect.
The overall range is A#3–F#5, and while the bridge has some high notes, if you’re good with falsetto, you’ll find those parts feel great to sing! It’s not a song where you belt throughout, so keep your body relaxed and aim to resonate in your head, singing gently.
Also, since there’s a lot of falsetto, it’s important to clearly decide where to breathe and how to space those breaths.
Being mindful of breathing will also enhance your expressiveness and make the performance much better as a song! In the slightly fast-paced parts of the chorus, rather than enunciating each word sharply, lock into the rhythm.
When practicing, try fitting it to the rhythm first using syllables like “ta-ka-ta-ka-tan-ta.” Then, when you switch to the actual lyrics, sing so that the accents fall in the same places.
