Vocal Warm-ups and Technical Exercises 

Physical 

Full body wake-up Singing is very physical, therefore, it is important to warm-up the entire body before singing. Like any type of physical exercise, singers require a strong and energized body in order to sing most effectively. In this exercise we focus on all parts of the body, isolating them, and energizing them. By zoning in and focusing on specific body parts, we not only achieve a more thorough warm-up but we identify how each part of the body is involved in singing. Starting with the toes and feet and working up to the head, isolate and focus on separate parts of the body. Shaking, Wiggling, stretching, whatever is necessary in order to free and energize the body before singing. 

Breathing 

This exercise encourages a low-expansive breath and is executed sitting down on a sturdy chair or stool. Leaning forward with the elbows on the thighs and the neck free, the singer breathes freely in their own time through the mouth; focusing on where the breath is felt. This position allows the singer to easily feel expansion in the abdomen as well as through the entire back on inhalation. Once the singer has repeated this pattern a few times they can stand up and attempt to recreate the same sensation (expansion) whilst standing.

Diction 

Simamaka is an exercise I put to music based on a Swahili saying my student, of Tanzanian decent, taught me. It is particularly useful for young singers but can work for any age. This is a fun diction exercise as there are many fast consonants to be articulated. Switching between Swahili and English while gradually getting faster requires focus. This is a great exercise for diction, focus, intonation, and energizing a group of singers.

Resonance

Ascending on ‘ve’ and opening to a vowel ([e] [a]) as the singer descends, this arpeggio exercise ties together a number of technical concepts, while focusing on finding a balanced resonance. The ‘ve’ (similar to a lip trill) helps the singer find engagement through the abdominal and intercostal muscles. This engagement is very important for breath connection.

Flexibility 

This technical exercise consists of three quick ascending/descending scales (of a fifth) sung on one breath to [e], [a], and [o]. This exercise helps build vocal flexibility as well as vowel clarity.