Vocal placement is a technique that helps singers channel their sound to resonate in specific parts of their body—like the face, chest, or head—to enhance tone, power, and control. By mastering vocal placement, singers can improve resonance, minimize strain, and boost vocal agility. Let’s break it down:

What is Vocal Placement ?

Vocal placement refers to where you "feel" or "project" your sound within your body. It’s not about forcing the sound into these areas; rather, it’s about directing your resonance and vibration there. Singers often use terms like "forward placement," "mask resonance," or "chest/head voice" to describe this experience.

Key Types of Vocal Placement

A. Chest Placement

Where you feel it:Lower throat, upper chest.

Used for: Lower notes and powerful belting.

How to find it:

Start by speaking or singing in your natural voice.

Place your hand on your chest—do you feel it vibrate? That’s your chest resonance.

Exercise:

Try singing “Mmm-hmm” (as if you’re agreeing) in your natural voice.

Then, slide down to a low “Ahh” while maintaining that chest sensation.

B. Head Placement

Where you feel it: Upper sinuses, crown of the head.

Used for:High notes and light, airy tones.

How to find it:

Mimic an “Oooo” like an owl.

Direct the sound upward toward the top of your head.

Exercise:

Do a siren exercise, starting from low to high on an “ng” sound like “sing.”

Notice how the vibration travels up behind your nose and eyes.

C. Mask/Forward Placement (Mixed Resonance)

Where you feel it:Nose, cheekbones, hard palate.

Used for: The most balanced and efficient singing, often referred to as mix voice.

How to find it:

Hum “Mmm” and feel the vibrations in your nose and lips.

Say “Nay Nay Nay” in a playful, bratty tone—sharp and bright.

Exercise:

Sing “MEE” on a comfortable pitch, directing the sound forward.

Use bright vowels like “EE” and “AY” to help focus the sound in the mask.

How to Train Vocal Placement

Step-by-Step Routine

Start with a gentle warm-up (lip trills, humming).

Begin with humming and nasal sounds (“Mmm,” “Nnn") to build awareness.

Try using vocal slides, like sirens, to see how the sound moves through your voice.

Experiment with exaggerated tones, such as bratty or nasal sounds, to help you find the right mask placement.

Change up your vowels to notice how your placement changes—like “EE” feeling more forward and “AH” feeling deeper.

Common Vocal Placement Mistakes
Pushing your chest voice too high can lead to strain and cracks.
Singing from your throat often lacks resonance and can make you feel fatigued.
Overdoing nasality is tricky; a bit of mask resonance is great, but too much can sound pinched.
Not using enough breath support can make your placement feel inconsistent.

Tips for Mastery
Use a mirror to check for any tension in your face and neck.
Record yourself to listen for tone quality and make adjustments.
If you can, work with a vocal coach for personalized guidance.
And don’t forget to stay hydrated and well-rested—having a healthy voice makes placement so much easier!