VOCAL WARM-UPS/DOWNS
10 tips for vocal exercises and warm-ups/downs
. Lip trills
Make a buzzing sound with your lips. Start with a low pitch and gradually increase the pitch. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
Sirens
Start with a low note and gradually increase the pitch, then slowly decrease the pitch, reverting to starting note. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
Humming
Hum a note and gradually slide up and down the scale. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
Tongue trills
Make a rolling “r” sound with your tongue as you hum a note. Start with a low pitch and gradually increase the pitch. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
Vocal slides
Start with a low pitch and gradually slide up and down the scale, pausing briefly at each note. Repeat for 1-2 minutes.
The “NG” sound
Say the “ng” sound as in the word “sing” and hold it for a few seconds at a time at various pitches. This exercise helps to relax the jaw and open up the throat.
The “V” sound
Say the “v” sound and hold it for a few seconds at various pitches. This exercise helps to strengthen the vocal cords.
Tongue twisters
Recite tongue twisters to loosen up the tongue and lips. Examples include “She sells seashells by the seashore” and “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
“Ma-Me-Mi-Mo-Mu”
Sing each syllable of these vowels on a single pitch, starting with “ma” and going up the scale to “mu.” Repeat several times.
Yawn and swallow
Yawn deeply to stretch the vocal cords, then swallow to release any tension. Repeat several times.
By incorporating these vocal exercises and warmups into your daily routine, you can improve your vocal range, control, and endurance. It’s important to warm up your voice before any singing or speaking activity to prevent vocal strain or injury.