Warming Up for the Stage
As a lifelong singer and voice teacher, I can confidently say that vocal warmups are an absolute necessity for any performer, especially those in the world of musical theater. After all, singing on stage is a full-body workout – it takes an incredible amount of stamina and energy to belt out those show-stopping numbers and captivate the audience.
That’s why I make vocal warmups a ritual, whether it’s before a singing lesson or a big rehearsal. These quick exercises may only take 10-20 minutes, but they’re an integral part of any successful practice routine. Warming up your voice allows you to sing better, extend your range comfortably, and protect your instrument from damage. It’s absolutely essential to always warm up before diving into the demanding vocal performances required in musical theater.
Vocal Warmup Exercises
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Vocal warmups? Great, another list of boring exercises to trudge through.” But trust me, these aren’t your average scales and arpeggios. The team at the Musical Theater Center has curated some of the best vocal warmups used by professional singers and Broadway stars. Let’s dive in, shall we?
The Yawn-Sigh
One of the simplest yet most effective warmups, the yawn-sigh is all about relaxation. You just yawn, take in a deep breath through your mouth, then exhale slowly through your nose as if you’re letting out a big sigh. This helps relax your voice and improve your range.
Humming Scales
Humming is a fantastic warmup because it’s easy on the vocal cords. Just place the tip of your tongue behind your bottom front teeth, and hum up and down the major scale, keeping your mouth closed. The “hmmm” sound is less taxing on your voice than an “ah” or “oh.”
Straw Phonation
This one’s a little more challenging, but super beneficial. Take a straw and hum through it, starting at the bottom of your range and slowly sliding up to the top. You can also try humming your favorite song through the straw. The resistance of the straw helps strengthen your vocal cords.
Lip Trills
Also known as a “lip buzz,” this warmup is delightfully silly. The goal is to make a motorboat sound by vibrating your lips as you blow air through your mouth and nose. You can even incorporate some pitch slides for extra fun.
Tongue Twisters
If you really want to get your articulators warmed up, try some tongue twisters. The tongue trill exercise involves curling your tongue and rolling your Rs as you ascend and descend your vocal range. Tricky, but oh-so-satisfying when you nail it.
Jaw Drops
Proper jaw placement is crucial for singing, so don’t skip this one. Place your finger on your jawline, from your chin to your ear, and feel that space widen as you pretend to yawn with your mouth closed. This helps you drop your jaw lower than normal speech.
Pitch Glides
For this easy exercise, make an “eeee” or “ohhh” sound and glide smoothly through the chromatic notes of a two-octave range, up and then back down. It’ll help you transition from chest voice to head voice.
Sirens
Similar to the pitch glide, the siren exercise has you slide from the lowest note in your range to the highest and back down, making a continuous “ooo” sound like an emergency vehicle. It’s a great way to cover your entire vocal register.
Portamento
Also known as “sliding,” this technique has you smoothly transition between notes in your range without singing the in-between pitches. It’s like a more controlled version of the siren.
Phew, that’s quite the vocal workout! But trust me, dedicating just 10-20 minutes to these warmups before a rehearsal or performance can make a world of difference. Your voice will be stronger, more flexible, and better equipped to handle the demands of musical theater.
Breathing Techniques
Of course, proper vocal warmups are only one piece of the puzzle. Breathing technique is also crucial for singers, especially when it comes to supporting your voice and protecting your instrument.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Most of us tend to breathe from the chest during everyday activities, but singing requires breathing from the diaphragm. This powerful muscle between your chest and belly governs how much air you inhale and exhale. Singing from the diaphragm gives your voice more power, control, and a richer, more expressive tone.
Exhaling on a Hiss
A great way to train diaphragmatic breathing is the hissing exhale. Inhale for a count of seven, then exhale slowly for a count of twelve while making a gentle hissing sound. This forces you to use your diaphragm and improves your breath control.
Mastering these breathing techniques, combined with a solid warmup routine, will keep your voice in top shape for those grueling musical theater rehearsals and performances. Your vocal cords will thank you!
Cooling Down
Alright, so you’ve nailed your warmup and given an electrifying performance. But the work isn’t done yet – it’s time to cool down your voice. Just like any other physical activity, singing requires a proper cooldown to help your vocal muscles relax and recover.
You can use the same vocal exercises from your warmup, starting with the most intense and gradually working your way down to the gentler humming. This allows your voice to slowly transition back to a resting state, preventing strain or fatigue.
I also recommend incorporating some light neck and shoulder stretches, as tension in those areas can absolutely impact your singing. Taking a few deep breaths, rolling your shoulders, and letting your head gently tilt from side to side can do wonders.
The cooldown is just as important as the warmup, so don’t skimp on this crucial step. Keeping your vocal instrument limber and relaxed will ensure you’re ready to tackle the next rehearsal or show.
The Importance of Vocal Maintenance
At the end of the day, vocal warmups and cooldowns aren’t just a good idea – they’re an absolute necessity for any serious singer, especially those in the demanding world of musical theater. Think of it like any other athlete – you wouldn’t dream of running a marathon without properly preparing your body, right?
The voice is our primary instrument as performers, and it requires the same level of care and attention. Neglecting your vocal warmups and cooldowns is like trying to play a piano with broken strings. It just doesn’t work.
So, my fellow theater kids, take the time to prioritize your vocal health. Develop a consistent warmup and cooldown routine, and stick to it religiously. Your voice (and your audience) will thank you. Break a leg out there!
