Vocal Warmups

Always complete a full warmup across your range before singing in rehearsal or services.
A proper warmup prepares the voice, improves stamina, and helps prevent strain.

Work through these exercises slowly and gently. The goal is relaxation and coordination, not volume or power.

Jaw Release

This exercise helps release tension in the jaw and facial muscles.

  1. Place the heels of your hands just below your cheekbones.

  2. Gently massage downward toward your jaw.

  3. Allow your jaw to open naturally as you move your hands down your face.

Repeat several times, keeping the movement slow and relaxed.

Lip Rolls

Lip rolls release lip tension and help connect breath and voice.

  1. Place your lips loosely together.

  2. Let air flow steadily through your lips to create a trill or “raspberry” sound.

  3. Think of a soft “b” sound, not a “p.”

Once the trill feels steady, begin gliding your voice gently up and down in pitch.

Avoid pushing beyond what feels comfortable at the top or bottom of your range.

Tongue Trill

This exercise relaxes the tongue and connects breath with phonation.

  1. Place the tip of your tongue just behind your upper teeth.

  2. Exhale and allow your tongue to trill with an “r” sound.

  3. Keep the airflow steady and relaxed.

Once the trill is stable, gently glide your pitch up and down a scale.

Again, stay within a comfortable range.

Two Octave Scales

This exercise stretches the vocal folds and expands range.

  1. Start on a comfortable low pitch.

  2. Glide upward through the scale on a “me” sound.

  3. Then glide downward from the top of the scale on an “ee” sound.

You can also repeat this exercise using an “oo” vowel.

Do not force the extremes of your range. Instead, allow the range to expand gradually over time.

Resonance Wake-Up

This exercise helps activate vocal resonance.

  1. Take a comfortable breath.

  2. Keep your mouth slightly open and relaxed.

  3. Rest the tip of your tongue against the back of your bottom teeth.

  4. Place the back of your tongue in the “ng” position.

Sustain a comfortable midrange pitch and notice the vibration along the roof of your mouth.

These warmups are adapted from the American Academy of Otolaryngology article “Vocal Warmup: Put Your Best Voice Forward.”