VOCAL WARM-UPS

Written By Good Studios

Vocal warm-ups are an essential routine for any performer. Doing so will help you release tension in the vocal cords, which will improve your technique and range, regardless of your style. Also, just like any other muscle in your body, warming up will help you prevent irritation or injury to the vocal cords.

Here are five essential vocal warm-ups:

1. BREATHING EXERCISES

Your lungs are like the engine of a car, while your vocals cords are the steering wheel. Before you begin working the vocal cords, it is important to warm up the lungs first.

Expand your diaphragm as you inhale, and relax your shoulders and neck as you exhale. Do several repetitions until your lungs maintain a steady tempo.

2. LIP & TONGUE TRILLS

Lip and tongue trills are great exercises to relax the vocal cords and improve breath control. Press your lips together and blow air out as long as you can, while making "brrr" and “grrr” sounds. It’s best to supplement these exercises by doing (music) scales.

3. HUMMING & SIRENING

Improve the resonance and flexibility of your voice by humming and sirening. For humming, make sure to utilize your breath by pushing air from your diaphragm in various pitches. For sirens, modulate your voice from a low pitch to a high pitch gradually, back and forth.

4. VOWELS

Vowel sounds are another great way to improve resonance and to keep the vocal cords warm. Alternate between different vowel sounds such as “ah”, “ee”, “eh”, “oo”, and “oh”. Try to sustain each vowel as long and consistent as you can with a single breath.

5. PRACTICE SCALES

Practicing scales in various keys is the best way to optimize your vocal range. Vocalizing scales can also help challenge your ear to be within the key of a song as close as possible. Whether you are an experienced singer, or a novice when it comes to staying in key, practicing scales will improve both your ears and your vocal range, which will allow you to develop and deliver melodic ideas more effectively. 

Remember, it’s just a warm-up, so make sure to gradually increase the intensity of each exercise. Don’t push your voice too hard as you want to save energy for the actual recording session.

Good luck!

Good Studios