Ever feel like your vocal technique needs a boost? It happens to the best of us! Of course, the best way to improve your technique is under the tutelage of an experienced vocal coach who can work with you one on one to address problem areas and make sure you're approaching your singing in the healthiest way possible. However, if you're still in the stages of self guidance, we have 6 exercises you can start incorporating today into your vocal regimen to help improve your singing and create your most beautiful sounds yet! 🎵
Exercise 1: Sirens
How: Start from a comfortable low pitch and glide smoothly to a high pitch, then back down again. Imagine your voice following the shape of a siren or a slide.
Benefits: Improves pitch accuracy, smooths out vocal breaks, and extends vocal range. (Not to mention, if you don't spend much time in the bottom and top of your range, this exercise will help break you out of your comfort zone!)
Exercise 2: Lip Trills
How: Blow air through your lips to create a vibrating sound, like a motorboat. Try to maintain this trill while singing scales or simple melodies.
Benefits: Loosens up the vocal cords, reduces tension, and increases blood flow to the vocal folds. (If it's too difficult to maintain, try doing it in only very short bursts until you can work up the stamina!)
Exercise 3: Diaphragmatic Breathing
How: Lie on your back with one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. Breathe in deeply through your nose, making sure that only your abdomen rises while your chest remains still. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Benefits: Improves breath control, supports sustained singing, and reduces vocal strain.
Exercise 4: Humming
How: Hum a basic tune or scale while focusing on vibrating sensations in your lips, nose, and forehead. Experiment with different mouth shapes to enhance resonance.
Benefits: Enhances vocal resonance, clarity, and projection without straining the vocal cords. (Perfect for a day when your voice feels a bit fatigued!)
Exercise 5: Crescendo and Decrescendo
How: Sing a single note or phrase, gradually increasing the volume (crescendo) and then gradually decreasing it (decrescendo). Practice maintaining pitch and tone quality throughout.
Benefits: Improves control over vocal dynamics, adds emotional expression to singing, and enhances performance versatility. (Maintaining the pitch is very important and a challenge for many. Try to not let the pitch go down as you get quieter!)
Exercise 6: Jaw Massages and Tongue Stretches
How: Gently massage your jaw muscles in circular motions before and after singing. For tongue stretches, stick your tongue out as far as possible, then move it up, down, left, and right.
Benefits: Reduces tension in the jaw and tongue, prevents vocal strain, and improves articulation. (Yes it feels and looks silly, but it will help!)
Let us know how these exercises help your vocal health, quality and control! Remember that like anything else, perfecting your vocal technique takes a lot of practice, patience and time. And if you need any help from the professionals, you know where to find us!
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