Why warm up?

If you’re looking to improve your singing, there are some fundamental goals to focus on.  Some might involve breath control and stamina, releasing tongue tension, understanding vowel modification, smoothing out your vocal break, building agility and flexibility, expanding your range, developing consistent airflow, and mastering a clean onset. Every skill we expect of the voice needs a unique approach in your training, and often this is where the real power of the warmup exercise lies.  If we set the voice up for success, we prepare it to cope with the challenges listed above.

The following suggestions are a ‘kick-start’ to get the voice and the body ready to sing. These focus on reducing strain, supporting air flow, and placing vocal resonance in the face and not the throat. They are a fundamental underpinning of efficient phonation, crucial for maintaining an healthy voice which is ready to engage in the task of learning and developing.

Tension Release

Begin with tension release rather than singing straight away.  When muscles are tense the potential exists for strain at the start of your practice routine.

1. Inhale as if starting a wide yawn to lower the larynx, then release a soft, relaxed sigh on an "ah" or "oo" sound.

2. Use your thumb and index finger to gently massage the area along the jaw line and under the jaw in circular motions to release tension.

3.  Use the heel of your hands to draw down the muscles of the front of the face to assist with releasing the jaw. Focus particularly on just in front of your ears.

4. Gentle head tilts from side-to-side, turns from side to side, and gentle lifts and dips of the the chin.

5.  Slow shoulder rolls to release neck and shoulder tension which can contribute to vocal strain. 

SOVT’s (Semi-Occluded Vocal Track exercises)

Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) exercises improve vocal health, stamina, and efficiency by creating backpressure that balances breath support and reduces vocal cord tension.

1.  Straw Phonation – sing an “oo” sound through the straw.  Make sure your lips seal around the straw.  Best to use a small, cocktail straw rather than full sized.

2.       Lip and Tongue Trills – aim for a gentle “brr” or “rrr” sustained sound.

3.       Humming – gently hum on an “mm” sound, seeking to keep the vibration in the front of the face and on the lips, not the throat.

VFE’s (Vocal Function Exercises)

These exercises were developed by vocal therapist, Joseph Stemple.  The aim of these exercises is to systematically strengthen and balance laryngeal muscles. 

1. Sustain the vowel “i” (ee) on a comfortable note for as long as possible. Focus on maintaining flow of breath to promote a smooth, long note.

2.       Slowly glide from low to high pitch on “o” (as in hot) or “oo” (as in too).  Begin with a small range, gradually increasing until you can glide from your lowest through to your highest note.

3.       Sustain five different musical notes for as long as possible on the sound “o” (as in hot). Middle C to G is a good range.

These exercises provide greatest benefit when done in short, frequent sessions (e.g., 2–5 minutes, several times a day). 

Breath Support & Flow Exercises 

Muscle tension often results from "holding back" airflow. These exercises encourage a steady stream of air to power the voice. 

1. Place one hand on your belly and breathe in so that your belly expands while your chest remains still. Exhale on an SS, SH,FF or TH sound (unvoiced).  Aim for consistent flow of air and to control the release.

Whilst the benefits derived from these exercises should be felt immediately in both

clearer tone and a freer production, the big benefits will be felt weeks down the track. After a month or two, if done consistently, you will feel and hear the differernce!