How Do You Know if Your Voice Is Changing?
All boys go through a voice change during puberty. On average, the voice starts changing at age 12 ½, but it may occur anytime between the ages of 10 and 15. As boys mature, their larynxes get bigger and their vocal cords thicken, producing a deeper sound. Most boys will notice some huskiness or cracking in their voices for a few months as they adjust to these changes. A changing voice may be embarrassing at times -- for child actors and singers, the change can be life altering. Nevertheless, all boys' voices eventually change, and it's best to go with the flow to prevent vocal damage.
Instructions
Listen for huskiness or unpredictable cracks and breaks in your voice when you talk, sing or laugh. These noises may occur if you have a cold, or if you have recently strained your voice through excessive singing or shouting. If these noises occur in the absence of illness or strain, they may indicate a changing voice. Sing a favorite song in the treble range. Sing along to an album you like, or ask someone to play a song in its usual key. If you find yourself straining to reach high notes when you had no difficulty before, your voice may be changing. If your voice range used to be soprano or alto, your voice may have dropped in pitch to the next lowest range. Try singing the alto or tenor part to prevent straining your voice. Count backwards quickly from 20 to 1 and sustain the last pitch. Have a helper play a piano or familiar instrument to find the pitch where your voice settles. An unchanged boy's voice typically rests below middle C. A changing voice typically settles around A flat or G.
