Jim, the only test I know of is to execute a scale with good technique -- warm the singer up effectively first -- get them moving (but even in this case, over time, if I'm teaching them as I should, their available range grows). Students typically come in with less than an octave feeling comfortable to sing, but as they learn how the instrument works that quickly changes.

I do know that range varies a little according to the condition of the singer. And I also know that the highest note we can sing in an exercise is not the highest note we can sing in music. Like a runner who runs 10 miles daily so they can ace a 5 mile marathon, a singer exercises their voice with good vocal technique, say, to an C6 daily, so that they have a good A5 or Bb5 that they can sing in music.

In addition, our high range can be compromised by pushing the chest voice (singing too heavily), screaming, smoking, chest congestion, allergies, lack of sleep, etc. And sometimes age has an effect as well.

Vikki Flawith: Songwriter/Composer, Singer/Voice Teacher

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