Extension (music)

In music an extension is a set of musical notes that lie outside the standard range.

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A note that lies outside the lines of a musical staff is an extension of the staff. The note will lie on a ledger line. Middle C for example is an extension note on both treble and bass clefs, however is not outside the grandstaff. Soprano C and Deep C lie two ledger lines above treble and below bass respectively (as well as the grand staff).

Instruments

An instrumental extension is a range of playable notes outside the normal range of the instrument. A baritone horn, if played by a skillful player, can be played an octave above the normal range. Since this isn't standard, these notes would be an extension.

Voice

In vocal performance, a singer's extension is all notes that are a part of the singer's vocal range that lie outside the vocal range of the singer's tessitura. This usually include notes that a singer can hit, but doesn't use on a regular basis. For example, a coloratura soprano regularly, as defined by range, will sing in the whistle register. A standard mezzo-soprano has a range to the high F or G above middle C, however a rangy mezzo with good head voice extension can rival the coloratura soprano in range. A mezzo-soprano however, may be able to access the whistle register as well. However since the her normal tessitura is mezzo-soprano (or under Soprano C), her abilities in the whistle register would be considered her extension.

Although not commonly thought of, extension can be applied to the lower register as well. A baritone may actually be able to reach depths of low D or E below low C, but is more comfortable in the higher baritone tessitura.

For men, their vocal extension is usually co-terminus with his falsetto, unless they are a countertenor, barbershop tenor, or its equivalent in popular music.