Getting ready to perform is always exciting! Before you step onto the stage, it’s super important to make sure your voice is ready, too. Just like stretching before a big game, warming up your voice helps you perform your best, whether you're acting, singing, or both. Here’s a quick and easy guide to vocal warm-ups that will help your voice shine when it’s time to perform!
1. Take in a deep breath
I like to have my performers take in a huge breath from their toes to their finger tips. Hold and then release on a "sh sh sh sh" as they shake theirs arm and any part of their body that needs to be woken up.
Do it 2-3 three times and I always do it with them
Take in another huge breath and this time slowly release the air on an "S" for as long as they can hold it
I like to share the image of a balloon slowly deflating. Some days this warm-up will be easier than others. Do it again.
Depending on time, take in more deeps breath and let out different sounds, if you are in a group you can have different performers make the sounds for everyone to follow
Try to connect your body while taking in these deep breaths. The more the body is connected the better energy you will have and more strength in the voice.
2. Make a Big Yawn
Take a deep breath, and let out a big yawn. Feel how it stretches your mouth and throat.
Do this a few times to release any tension and get your vocal cords ready to work.
Yawning is a great way to connect the roof of your mouth (your soft palette) and make it easier for sound to come out of the body.
3. Lip Trills (a.k.a. “Motorboats”)
Lip trills are when you blow air through your lips, making a “brrrr” sound, like a motorboat.
Try holding a pitch while you do it. You can go up and down in pitch like a siren.
This exercise helps your lips and vocal cords relax while getting your voice ready for action.
Do not do this with too much force. You want to start slow and quiet. When you add pitch you want to make it easy and do not push too hard.
Lip drills may make your mouth feel a little tingly or it may be hard for some performers to do, but it is a great exercises to warm-up the vocal chords.
4. Hum Your Favorite Tune
Humming gently warms up your voice without putting too much strain on it.
Pick a favourite song or just hum any note. Make sure your lips are closed and feel the vibrations in your face.
Try sliding your hum from a low note to a high note and back down again. Repeat this a few times.
5. Siren Sounds
Siren sounds are a fun way to warm up! Start with a low note and slide up to the highest note you can, then back down again.
Imagine making the sound of a fire truck or ambulance.
This will stretch your vocal cords gently and help with your vocal range.
Once again do not push too hard when doing this. You don't want to hurt your voice just warm it up so you are ready to work.
6. Tongue Twisters for Clarity
Speaking clearly is just as important as singing well. Practice a few tongue twisters to warm up your mouth and tongue.
Try these:
“Red leather, yellow leather.”
“Unique New York, Unique New York.”
“She sells seashells by the seashore.”
Say each one slowly at first, then try to go faster! See if you can say each one three times without stumbling.
I like to play around with the tempo but also the emphasis of the words for the diferent tongue twisters.
7. Stick out Your Tongue and Count
A simple and fun exercise is to stick out your tongue and count 1-10, put your tongue back in and count again
Do this a few times
If you are working on a script or monologue this can be a great way to make your words really clear by speaking the line with your tongue out first and then like you normally would.
8. Gentle Vowel Sounds
Make the sounds “Ah,” “Eh,” “Ee,” “Oh,” and “Oo.” Start with a low note, and slide up to a higher one with each sound.
Imagine you’re singing to a friend on each sound. This will help you control your voice while warming it up.
9. The “Mmm…” Sound
Close your mouth and make an “Mmm…” sound. Let it vibrate in your mouth and feel the vibrations around your lips and cheeks.
Hold the sound, then try sliding it up and down in pitch.
This one is great for making your voice sound rich and full!
Wake up the Nasal Area
A great way to get your vocals and words bright you wake up the nasal part of your voice.
Squish your nose and pretend you are talking like a witch
"Nah Nah Nah", "Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah" Neeeyah, Neeeyah, Neeyah"
Tips for Making Vocal Warm-Ups Fun
Set a timer: Spend 5-10 minutes warming up. Try a few of these exercises, or do them all!
Use silly sounds: Play around with your voice. The sillier, the better!
Practice with friends: Doing warm-ups together makes it more fun. You can even make it a game!
By warming up your voice before you perform, you’re giving yourself the best chance to do an amazing job on stage. Plus, vocal warm-ups can help you feel less nervous and more confident. Remember, the more you practice these exercises, the easier they’ll become. So, get ready, warm up, and have an incredible performance!
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