Lip Roll Exercise

The next exercise we're going to do is one of my personal favorites: the lip roll.

Instructions

1. Finger Placement

   • Put one finger on either side of your lips.
   • Pull gently, not too close to the lips, but not too far.
   • We want to be right around here and just lift the cheeks off of your lips.

2. Creating Sound

   • Next, blow air and think of making a motorboat sound through your lips.
   • Your turn!
   • It may take a couple of tries to get a feel for this, so don't worry.
   • Give it a try a few times and you'll find that roll.

Common Problems

The places where a lot of people run into problems is when they stifle the sound from continuing to roll.

• We want to try to keep that airflow moving.
• Feel that squeeze from your support system.
• Continue breathing out the entire time, allowing your abdominals to contract.

When you're done, fill with air by relaxing your abdominals.

Lowering the Larynx

With this exercise, we want to try to do it with a slightly lowered larynx.

• Your larynx is your Adam's apple located right here.
• You can feel the little notch in your throat; that is your larynx.
• Right behind it is where your vocal cords are.

When your vocal cords are high in your throat, it creates a very tight, squeezed sound. Conversely, when they're nice and low, it results in a wider, more open sound.

• Aim for a lowered larynx sound, a dumb, dopey sound underneath it.
• Keep a little bit of imposition down on the larynx, but not too much.
• Many people tend to overdo it, which can cut out nasality, and we don't want that.

Benefits for Males

This technique will significantly help males, as it aids in maintaining a lowered larynx when moving into head voice. This keeps the throat nice and relaxed, even on high notes.

• This is a common problem for many men, and this exercise really helps to undo that issue.

Conclusion

Now, jump over to the audio portion to get the full demonstration of this exercise.