The thing with zipping is most singers are doing it without even realizing it. It's not something you can see, and you are right, it won't occur below middle C. It might not even occur right at the break, that's just typically, but people are different. When a teacher has you do an exercise over and over again and follow a certain set of rules, eventually over a few weeks or months the exercises become easy and effortless. You are devloping muscle memory. It's nice to know what is going on vocally with the cords and muscles, but don't let it freak you out. It will eventually happen naturally. If you follow the main rules, like utilizing the Power Push, feeling the resonance, maintaining your placement by adding the Yawning Sensation, and keeping either the teeth, cheeks and/or nose buzzing, you will get there. If say you are only reaching a G above middle C but have to strain to get it, then you need more time to develop the muscles and trust in training the cords to zip properly. But, a month from now, you are hitting up to an A, although that A is a little tough, suddenly that G is very easy. Congratulations, you have developed the muscles to work, stretch and zip the cords properly up to that note and are now working towards higher notes. Just try to feel those top notes up in your head. I know I throw a TON of information at you and it can be aggravating, but once you become familiar with getting your voice working for you, it'll get easier and you won't have to think about it so much. That's why I say at the end of the book to forget everything I taught you and be passionate about singing. Singing can be a mind game and that's what you are going through right now brother. Don't fret, you aren't alone. I want you to forget about trying to "zip" the cords and just concentrate on doing the exercises as high as comfortable, without feeling any strain, as pure a note as possible. If you feel you need to do some scales too, wait until after week 4, then you can add some scales from the Members section. Building a divine instrument takes time and patience ;)

JV

Jamie rules

But anyway, I've been using the program for a few months now, and I'm still absolutely nowhere near where I'd like to be. LegatoMan, being on your second week, you've still got tons of practice time ahead of you. When Jamie says its takes lots of practice, he really means it takes lots of practice times a thousand. Since I think you said you were a guitar player(in a dream theater cover band), just think about how long it took you to get to where you are at guitar. Seeing as you're playing dream theater, it probably has been quite a while. How much did you know after 2 weeks of guitar?
You shouldn't expect to have singing be that different. It's a skill that takes tons of practice.

One thing that I think Jamie might not stress enough is the importance of the falsetto exercises. In my experience so far, I've found that you shouldn't attempt a full voice note if it's not super smooth and easy in falsetto. Remember, if there's any strain or tension you're doing it wrong. Even if you think you're not straining, you still might be.

Keep experimenting man, you'll figure out what works for you. All it takes is practice.

Jaime: Thanks alot! It all makes sense to me now.

RX88: I know I need alot of practice, and I'm more than ready to put as much time and effort as I need into becoming better- I just wanted to clarify whether the zipping technique must be practiced, or not.