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Understanding Mix: The Sound, the Feeling, & the Science

  • Writer: Luke
    Luke
  • Mar 28
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 2

I don’t like using vocabulary that isn’t crystal clear.


I prefer language that is rooted in something you can control.


When the word "mix" is used in voice training, it often causes more confusion than clarity. See my blog post on other confusing voice terminology (head & chest voice).


But as an Estill Master Trainer (EMT), I am passionate about helping singers define real world vocal terminology.


Estill Voice Training® Introductory Workshop for Tu Experiencia Broadway in New York City
Estill Voice Training® Introductory Workshop for Tu Experiencia Broadway in New York City

So, let’s take a deeper dive into the popular voice quality: “mix.”


The Sound

A 'mix' voice quality is light and sweet in tone, but usually retains enough resonance to carry acoustically.


It’s most commonly heard in musical theatre, pop, and light opera.


Here are two of my favorite “mixers” :

Lisa Howard singing “The I Love You Song” from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Reeve Carney singing “Epic III” from Hadestown

The Science

Inside the Larynx are the True Vocal Folds. The True Vocal Folds can take various positions.


In my opinion, a mix lives somewhere between Thick and Thin True Vocal Folds. A “thinner” Thick Fold—or from the opposite angle, a “thicker” Thin Fold.


Build Your Mix

To “thin out” your Thick Folds, one effective strategy is Thyroid: Tilt.


Your True Vocal Folds are attached to your Thyroid Cartilage. When the Thyroid tilts, the vocal folds lengthen and quite literally, “thin out.”


Try it:

  1. Demonstrate a descending major scale on the word “you” using Thick True Vocal Folds with a Vertical Thyroid (no tilt). This should sound and feel harsh. Don’t adjust the recipe—just notice it.

  2. Now, repeat the descending scale on “you,” still using Thick Folds, but this time add Thyroid Tilt. The result should sound sweeter and less “Thick.”

  3. You’ll likely need to lean even more towards Thin Folds. Experiment with the intensity of your Thyroid Tilt—try it at a 5, an 8, even a 10. The more you tilt, the thinner your vocal folds become.

  4. Still sounding too heavy? Try raising your Larynx and/ or raising your Tongue.


Pro Tip: Start Top Down

Without any manipulation, your vocal folds are Thicker on lower pitches and thinner on higher ones. So when building your mix, work from the top of your range down.


About the author: Luke Steinhauer, MBA, is a premier Vocal Coach, Director of Operations @ Estill Voice International, a TEDx speaker, and Estill Master Trainer (EMT) based in New York City. Luke is a graduate of The University of Michigan and Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business, CUNY. Socials: @lukesteinhauervoice @estillvoice

 

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