8/11/2019 The Singers Warm Up

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TThhee SSiinnggeer r ss WWaar r mm UUpp By Tammy Frederick

www.simplysing.ca

The number one thing you can do to make an immediate impact in your singing

is to start warming up your voice before you sing. Rehearsing and performing

with no warm up is like a runner choosing not to stretch before hitting the

pavement. Developing a warm up routine can benefit you for more than

physical reasons; by taking the time to connect to your voice and prepare, you

will set yourself up mentally for a great performance, practice or recording

session.

The length of your warm-up can vary based on the demands of the

performance. A minimum fifteen minutes should be spent on your warm-up. If

you are going to be performing all night I would suggest upwards of 45 minutes

or an hour including a physical warm-up, vocalizing, and running through your

songs or a few of them. For long recording sessions or multi-set performances

vocalize during your breaks to keep your vocal cords working efficiently. This is

not the time to over-exert yourself. Take this time to slow it down and do some

gentle exercises like liprolls, tongue trills, or “m’s” as explained below.

PPhhyyssiiccaall WWaar r mm UUpp 

A physical warm up could involve any number of activities including walking,

doing some yoga, jumping on a mini-trampoline, biking, etc… Ultimately, you

want to get the blood pumping and the air flowing. If you don’t have time for

any of the above, you can achieve similar results in the confines of your own

space.

Start by walking around your space and bring attention to your breathing. Place

a hand on your stomach just above the belly button and make sure you are

allowing your diaphragm to drop. As you continue walking start to roll your

shoulders backwards and forwards. Loosening up any tension. Keep breathing.Do some easy stretching and movements. Be sure to target all major muscle

groups. Warm up as you would if you were going for a run or about to play a

sport. Stretch your arms, shoulders, hamstrings, calves, quads, etc… Then stop

walking and find a spot in the room where you have space to move freely. Plant

your feet hip-width apart both feet pointing forward and parallel to one

another. Imagine a string attached to the top of your head pulling up upward.

This will help bring your body into proper alignment.

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