Is Mixed Voice 'In-Between'?

“What exactly is mixed voice?”

This is probably one of the questions I have been asked most since becoming a vocal trainer.
And in fact, it is also the question I find most difficult to explain.

For example—

Let's say the questioner's understanding of mixed voice is different from the facts.
It is difficult for me to say clearly, “That is wrong.”

In particular, explaining it to a singer who is confident in their vocal knowledge

is like a task where you have to replace the entire first and third floors while being careful not to destroy the castle of blocks they have already built
.

……Setting the analogy aside.

Do you think of mixed voice as
“a voice between chest voice and falsetto”?

Certainly, it is often explained that way.

But if it really were “in-between,”
where would the vocal cords decide on that position?

They aren't choosing inside the throat, saying, “Let's go with the middle today.”

What is actually happening is much more concrete.

Another common explanation:

“A voice that is a mix of chest voice and falsetto.”

This is a bit closer to the essence.

However, it doesn't “blend nicely”
like a café au lait.

Voice is not a product of sensation;
it is built upon a proper structure.

Talk of voice and talent

Especially in Japan,

“Strong chest voice equals a good voice”

is a prevailing trend.

You can hit high notes if you push with your breath.
If you can belt it out even when it's painful, you win.

And as a result,

you tighten your throat, increase closure,
and finally say this:

'I can't do mixed voice!'

It is a very strange sequence of events.

Let's compare this to pitching a baseball.

You grip the ball tightly with all five fingers,
and slam it into the ground with immense arm strength.

And then you say,

'I can't throw the ball!'

...Is this a matter of talent?

Even someone who has only played soccer their whole life
would think, 'Fix your form.'

The reason you can't do it is not talent,
it is a problem with your form.

The Structure of the Voice

Broadly speaking, the voice consists of:

1. Exhaled air flows
2. Vocal cords vibrate to create sound
3. That sound is shaped by the throat and mouth

It is made up of these three stages.

Mixed voice is
a state where these three are 'aligned simultaneously'.

It is not about strengthening your chest voice,
nor is it about mixing in falsetto.

It is a phenomenon that occurs as a result
when the use of the vocal cords and the design of the resonance are in sync.

Therefore, this is not 'in-between',
but 'alignment'.

Just by having this perspective,
the direction of your practice will change significantly.

Next time, we will discuss why that alignment occurs.
We will move on to the topic of structure.