Vocal Exercises

The following pages will guide you through exercises that will take you through all parts of the vocal range.  Before you begin the vocal warm-ups realize that every voice is different, do not compare your self with another.

 You will hear a vocal example of each exercise.  You may try it along with the example if you would like.  When you are clear of the scale, proceed to try it yourself with the prerecorded piano. Please join in with the exercises when you feel comfortable and stop when you feel the range is either too low, too high, or unnatural for your voice.  There is no need to push and you definitely do not want to strain your vocal cords by singing out of your vocal range.  You will hear me give you tips from time to time.  Always remember, you can stop and start the exercises at your discretion.  You do not have to do them all at one time.  Make sure you can comfortably sing each scale before moving on to the next one.

Eventually, by practicing these exercises, you will notice your range expanding, however wait for this natural feeling to happen. 

Are you ready!!

Keep a positive attitude, relax, and let’s learn to sing like a star!!!!

In exercise 1, you will begin your warm-up with a succession of lip trills called “bubbles.”

This exercise involves lip and breath coordination.  You are going to use your thumb and middle finger to gently squeeze your cheeks, thus creating a pout.  If it is difficult for you to coordinate your lips and air this way, do not worry; for most, this exercise takes some practice.  Before ascending the scale, try to get a good breath from your diaphragm.  When ascending the scale, use your abdominal muscles to give you extra support.  As you begin to sing, start to lightly compress your stomach muscles in and down.  Try not to let too much air out at this time as to avoid becoming “breathy.”  Also, focus on raising your soft palate at this time so the sound moves comfortably away from any vocal tension that may occur in or around your throat muscles.

In exercise 2, you will be using the same scale as in exercise 1, however you will substitute the bubbles for the word Ma.  Try to begin the scale in your chest voice as you comfortably blend your tone into your mask and ultimately your head voice.  When ascending the scale, gradually open your mouth and project your voice.  Try not to push your tone or your volume will increase unnecessarily. 

The word you will be focusing on is Ah, the vowel A followed by the consonant H. With this exercise, focus on achieving a rounded shape of your mouth, especially as you ascend the scale.  As you sing higher, watch as your bottom jaw comfortably lowers to accommodate the opening of the vowel. (Imagine biting into a large apple.)  Make sure however, you do not sing too far back into your soft palate or your tone may drop and appear “dull” sounding.  Let your natural vibrato come in when it is ready.  Note- if your goal is to achieve a Pop sound try not to drop your jaw too low when ascending the scale; instead, focus on creating a smile as this will keep the tone forward.  (Towards the front of your lips.)  Try looking in a mirror if possible.

Exercise 4 uses the descending scale Oh, the letters O and H.  Your goal should be to develop a smooth gliding effect.  In music, the name for this technique is legato.  Since you are starting at the highest note of each scale, try not to push out too much air from your diaphragm at the entrance of each scale, or you will have a tendency to sound breathy.  Do not forget to open your mouth as you continue to ascend the scale. 

In exercise 5, you will concentrate on the use of diction, as you sing the numbers 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.  As in the previous exercise, try not to push too much air on each scales entrance or you will loose your breath too soon and sound airy.  Try to be precise as you concentrate on your lips while enunciating each number 

Exercise 6 introduces the use of the staccato approach.  (In music, the staccato sound uses distinct breaks between successive tones.)  The word you will be focusing on is GOO – G - O - O.  This scale will enable you to move in a rapid “pulse like” motion.  As you ascend the scale, increase your lip movement and slightly use a springboard effect on your lower jaw.  (Try not to drop you jaw too low.)

In exercise 7 you will focus on Solfeggio-  (The symbols Do Re Mi Fa Sol La Ti Do.)  If you would like to experiment with the Pop sound, begin in your chest voice and ascend the scale comfortably.  If your tone should begin to feel uncomfortable, use your mask placement instead of your chest voice. For a Classical approach, start the tone in your mask for a few of the scales, as your goal will be to blend the tone into your head voice.  While ascending the scale, keep opening your mouth as you continue to raise your soft palate (the back roof of your mouth).  Let your natural vibrato come in.

The E vowel.   In this exercise, you will be using the legato approach to ascend the scale.  If your goal is to sing Classically, let your jaw drop gradually as you raise your soft palate.  You may also want to use vibrato at the ends of each scale.  For a Pop sound, shape your lips in the form of a smile.  By doing so, your tone will maintain a brighter sound and resonated closer to the front of your lips.

In exercise 9, you will be using the legato approach using the words La - Eh - Oh.  Try to experiment by starting in your chest voice.  When you are ready, enter your mask until you can comfortably blend into your head voice.  As you ascend the scale, open your palate to accommodate the use of vibrato.  Make sure, when you approach the scale, you do so in a way that is comfortable for your voice.  If you want to approach this Classically, and only use your head voice, that is fine also.  Always remember, when ascending the scale, it is best to open your mouth as comfortably as possible. 

The last Exercise, exercise 10, utilizes a variety of vowels and consonants with the phrase “I Love The Way You Look At Me.”
Try both placements.  First, concentrate on a Classical approach by beginning in your mask or head voice, opening your palate and adding vibrato.  Next, try the Pop style as you begin the tone in your chest voice and continue in your mask.