Have you ever heard Handel, Purcell or Bach dreaming of having the same male soprano voice? Does the music of Scarlatti, Monteverdi or Lully fill you with emotion? This guide will tell you how to become a countertenor and sing to impress your audience!
For those who don't know, a countertenor is a male soprano singer who uses the falsetto. Countertenors were used extensively from the Middle Ages until the end of the 18th century (especially after the Baroque era) due to the fact that women could not sing in churches and at the opera. You can find a link to a video of a performance by a countertenor at this address: https://www.youtube.com/embed/5PVkj3UIPSA - it's Robin Blaze singing Bach's aria "Von den Stricken "from the Passion according to John.
Steps
Step 1. Consult a singing teacher
Trying to become a countertenor without professional guidance could ruin your voice. You need a qualified instructor who can help you breathe properly and not strain your vocal cords too much.
Step 2. Test your vocal range
Not all males can be a countertenor. You have to know how to make a very strong falsetto, which reaches very high. You also need to be able to sing very low (around F2) while "mixing" the head voice and chest voice.
Step 3. Learn correct breathing
Your stomach needs to expand and fill with air. It must be tight and firm. Don't sing from your chest or throat. When you sing high notes, it should feel like all the pressure comes out of your stomach and then your mouth - not up to your head.
Step 4. Pay attention to the pronunciation
Remember all consonants and emphasize all vowels. If you want to produce the intense countertenor sound, make your vowels more "open" - don't make "closed" shapes with your mouth.
Step 5. Tightening your stomach muscles will cause your body to take less air to produce notes and will be a hindrance
This way, you won't be able to hold notes for long periods of time when singing.
Warnings
- Don't push your voice too hard. If you can't do high C, don't strain your vocal cords too much to do it.
- It is highly recommended that you consult a singing teacher before attempting to become a countertenor. If you sing wrong, you could ruin your voice!
