Singing warmups

Vocal Warm-Up Techniques

So I'm filming this in London at an awesome recording studio, and just as we're starting to film some of this singing, a thunderstorm has started, and it's pouring rain on the ceiling. It's really quite cozy, though, so you might hear a little bit of the storm.

My Go-To Vocal Warm-Ups

When it comes to vocal warm-ups, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

• Scales: A lot of vocal warm-ups involve scales, but I like to be aware of my breath as well.

Breathing Technique

One important technique to remember is when you breathe in, take a quick second in inhalation. This is crucial when you're on stage, especially when you're stopping your feet and preparing to hit a high note.

• Quick Inhalation: This method allows you to get more air to support your notes.

Additionally, you can practice this breathing technique with your lips:

• Bubbling Lips: This helps to loosen up the sinus and cheek space. You can apply the bubbling of your lips to almost any scale, which helps to open up and relax your jaw, lips, and face.

Vocal Exercises

• Bubble Exercise: Try the bubbling technique with any scale of your choosing.

I've also developed a silly noise that helps me loosen that space.

• Silly Noise: It's simply a lot of going "Huang Hung." It may sound ridiculous, but this exercise creates vibrations that break up tightness and really allows the notes to flow.

Visualization Techniques

I picture the sound kind of coming up, going over my head, and out. This visualization allows me to support my notes through breath, control, and using my body almost like an instrument, similar to how an athlete warms up before a big run.

Belting Scales

Additionally, I like to do a belty scale to see how high I can sing on a given day.

• Expansiveness: You can feel there's an expansiveness that makes it feel effortless to hit potentially challenging notes.

Some days I can get higher than others, but these strategies have truly been lifesavers.

Conclusion

As a professional singer, I recognize that my voice, my instrument, lives inside my body. Therefore, figuring out how to best nourish and support it is a vital part of being a singer.