A strong and resilient voice is the cornerstone of every great singer’s arsenal. Building such a voice demands dedication, consistent practice, and the right set of exercises. Whether you’re preparing for a demanding performance or simply looking to enhance your vocal abilities, these exercises will help you achieve greater strength and control. I don’t recommend that beginners do these exercises unless they take private lessons first. It is important to follow your teacher’s directions and exercises. It’s a bad idea to take lessons from an instructor and then do someone else exercises as you could ruin your progress.

1. Breathing Exercises

Proper breath support is fundamental to strong singing. Practice breathing by inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your belly to expand, and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This strengthens your breath control, essential for sustained and powerful singing.

2. Lip Trills and Tongue Trills

Lip trills (blowing air through closed lips) and tongue trills (rolling your tongue) are excellent for warming up and strengthening your vocal cords. These exercises help you maintain consistent airflow and engage.

3. Sirens and Glides

Sirens involve sliding your voice from the lowest to the highest note in your range and back down. This exercise improves vocal flexibility and range. Start gently and gradually.

4. Scales and Arpeggios

Singing scales and arpeggios enhances pitch accuracy and vocal agility. Begin with simple scales and progress to more complex patterns. Focus on maintaining even tone and consistent breath support throughout the exercise.

5. Resonance Exercises

Developing resonance is crucial for a powerful and rich vocal sound. Humming and nasal consonants like “m” and “n” help develop resonance. Try humming on a single pitch and feeling the vibrations in your face, particularly around the lips and nose.

Additional Tips for Strengthening the Voice

6. Dynamic Control Exercises

Practicing dynamics (varying the loudness of your voice) can significantly strengthen your vocal control. Sing scales or simple melodies, gradually increasing from soft (piano) to loud (forte) and then back to soft. This helps in controlling your breath and vocal strength.

7. Vocal Range Expansion

Work on expanding your vocal range with careful exercises. Use slides (glissandos) that start from a comfortable note and slide up or down to your highest or lowest note. Ensure you’re not straining, and always warm up before attempting to stretch your range.

8. Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters can improve diction and clarity, which are essential for singing. Practice phrases like “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” at varying speeds. This not only helps with articulation but also strengthens the muscles used for singing.

9. Stamina Building

To build stamina for long performances, practice singing songs or scales for extended periods without a break. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the time.

10. Visualization Techniques

Visualization can be a powerful tool for vocal improvement. Imagine the sound moving in a specific direction or filling up a room. This mental practice can help in achieving a more focused and projected sound.

For personalized vocal strength training and to refine your techniques, book a lesson with Wendy. Her expert guidance can elevate your vocal performance to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vocal Exercises