Vocal Warmups for Beginners

In the introduction video I will cover the different aspects of the lessons and what to expect from the process, talking briefly about the different vocal registers, basic vocal health, how we use vowel sounds in singing and how to adapt them to your musical needs,  and how to go about practicing to the backing tracks. Bass and tenor listen low to the cello/flute (panned to the left).

In this warmup we move by step. You will be able to follow along to the notes in the treble clef and watch the piano keyboard as we do the exercise. Remember, posture is important for producing the best sound, and if you can you should be standing up with your feet slightly apart and your head and shoulders relaxed. 

In this warmup we will be singing in thirds. Notice how the notes on the page move from a line to a line or a step to a step. Remember, if the range feels too low or too high for you, just listen! Trust your voice.

In this lesson we will be singing the five note scale on eighth notes. Remember, if you are a bass or a tenor (low voices) you should be singing down an octave (8 notes) below where I am singing. Singing is a process and it takes time. Do a little everyday and record yourself to track your progress. (Only listen back a few weeks or months later to compare).

In this lesson we will learn how an arpeggio is built and how to sing it smoothly (legato) and detached (staccato). We will also discuss sharps and flats.

In this lesson we work on an exercise that incorporates the arpeggio and the five note scale. We sing legato and staccato and work on creating a balanced, beautiful sound. Again, when the range is too low or too high, just listen or come in and out as it works for your individual voice. There is no one size fits all, so you have to trust your instincts. If it feels wrong, it probably is. Please treat your instrument with care, no one in the world has a voice like yours!

This is one of my favorite warmups that I have composed, and I find it very effective for developing stamina and breath control. When you start learning it, breathe after the whole note (the long note) and after time you should notice improved control. If it ever becomes too easy, try slowing the tempo down a little, or increasing your volume (projecting) ever so slightly! Any exercise can always be made more challenging by trying these simple measures.

In this lesson we will be "running" by step in eighth notes. This exercise can feel challenging at the outset, so take your time with it and be patient with yourself. Watch the video a few times first until you feel ready to tackle it in your voice. Try it without the accompaniment at a slower pace and build up speed over time.

In this lesson we will be singing in "compound" rhythm, counting in 6/8. You will learn a little about how to read different rhythms and work out time signatures. We will be skipping both in the melody (notes) and in the rhythm. The exercise is deceptively tricky to sing, so do your best! If it's too challenging to sing all the notes in the beginning, just listen as you follow along in the music or on the piano (and imagine singing it) until you feel ready to try it. The imagination is a very powerful tool!

In this lesson we will be singing in sustained octaves, moving from our chest voice to our head voice (falsetto) as needed. Remember, we are trying to achieve a balanced and beautiful tone, and sometimes changing our dynamics (louds and softs) can help to create that sound. The octave is a wide range, don't try to over-sing. Keep it smooth and gentle.

Here is a ten minute warmup I might do before a concert or gig. PLEASE make sure you have watched all the videos before trying this warmup so that you understand how to adapt these exercises for your own, unique voice and range. I encourage you to record yourself the first time you try these exercises (but don't listen back), and then record yourself a few weeks/months later to compare and track your progress! Remember, singing should never hurt. If anything is uncomfortable you might be singing in the wrong range, or putting too much pressure on your vocal cords and larynx. So stop singing immediately, and just listen to the lessons. Your voice is precious, and like any other muscle in your body, it can be strained. So please proceed with caution!