Daily Singing Exercises for Beginners

Updated on 8/5/2024

Hey, I’m Camille with 30 Day Singer here to teach you how to sing!

Below are 3 exercises to use for a great daily vocal routine.

These exercises in particular are great for register blending and helping you find more ease in your voice.

Let's begin!

1. Puffer Fish

Vocal exercises are essential for beginner singers for several reasons, laying the groundwork for a healthy, sustainable, and enjoyable singing practice.

These singing exercises are designed to warm up the vocal cords, enhance breath control, improve pitch accuracy, and establish good vocal habits.

Firstly, vocal warm ups are crucial.

Just like athletes need to warm up their muscles before intense physical activity, singers need to prepare their vocal cords.

Warm-ups increase blood flow to the vocal folds, making them more flexible and reducing the risk of strain or injury.

Simple exercises like humming, lip trills, and gentle scales help ease the voice into singing mode, ensuring that the vocal cords are ready for more demanding tasks.

Let's go over the first technique - the 'puffer fish.'

While it may seem silly, this exercise is an awesome warmup, cooldown, and vocal “reset.”

This voice lesson is great if your voice is feeling tired or tight.

Doing the puffer fish will loosen all aspects of your vocal system; lungs, vocal chords, tongue, cheeks, etc.

Start by exhaling through semi-closed lips, letting your cheeks puff out.

Now keep that shape and airflow, and add sound.

If you’d like even more resistance, place a finger on your lips.

Then, try this on a few "sirens" going from low to high.

After this exercise you'll feel refreshed and able to tackle any vocal passage.

2. Creaky Hum 

Breath control is another vital aspect of singing that exercises address.

Proper breath support allows singers to maintain consistent tone and volume, and to sustain notes without strain.

Beginners often struggle with breath management, leading to shaky or weak notes.

Exercises that focus on diaphragmatic breathing, such as sustained "s" sounds or controlled exhalations, help singers learn how to use their breath effectively.

Pitch accuracy is a common challenge for beginners.

Vocal exercises that involve scales, intervals, and arpeggios train the ear to recognize and reproduce accurate pitches.

This helps develop muscle memory in the vocal cords, making it easier to hit the right notes consistently.

Over time, this singing practice leads to improved intonation and a more pleasing overall sound.

Let's talk about the 'creaky hum' exercise.

Pretend you’re a door slowly creaking open.

That “creaky” sound is called vocal fry.

Vocal fry is great for bringing the vocal folds together in a really relaxed way.

Use this creaky fry sound now on a hum.

Doing this technique on some major chord arpeggios is a great way to warm your voice up.

3. Spacious Inhale

Establishing good vocal habits from the start is crucial for long-term vocal health.

Beginners may unintentionally develop bad habits, such as throat tension or poor posture, which can lead to vocal fatigue or damage.

Vocal exercises promote proper singing technique, encouraging relaxed, open throat singing, and good posture.

These habits not only protect the voice but also enhance vocal quality and endurance.

Now for the 'spacious inhale.'

Many singers constrict or close up for high notes.

This exercise trains us to prepare for high notes with space instead.

Inhale like you’re surprised, and notice the extra space you feel in your mouth and throat.

Now take in a slower, relaxed breath, creating space in the same areas.

It's a subtle feeling, but you should feel space open up in the back of your mouth and your throat.

Do the spacious inhale, then with that extra space, sing a simple descending arpeggio "ooo."

You'll feel like you have tons more room with your notes!

In summary, singing exercises are vital for beginner singers because they warm up the vocal cords, improve breath control, enhance pitch accuracy, and promote healthy vocal habits.

By incorporating these exercises into their practice routine, beginner singers can build a strong foundation that supports their vocal development and overall enjoyment of singing.

FAQ

What are good vocal exercises?

Humming, lip trills, and sirens are fantastic vocal exercises. They help warm up your voice gently and improve your range and control.

How can I improve my vocal skills?

Regular practice, staying hydrated, and taking care of your vocal health are key. Working with a vocal coach can also provide personalized guidance.

What are the 4 vocal function exercises?

The four vocal function exercises include lip trills, tongue trills, humming, and straw phonation. They help balance the voice and improve vocal efficiency.

Do vocal exercises improve your voice?

Absolutely! Regular vocal exercises strengthen your vocal cords, improve your range, and help maintain vocal health.

How to fix a weak singing voice?

Strengthening a weak singing voice involves consistent practice, proper breathing techniques, and exercises like scales and arpeggios. Staying hydrated and avoiding strain also help.

Does swallowing bananas help the voice?

Bananas can help coat the throat and provide a quick source of energy, but they aren't a magical fix. They might make your throat feel more comfortable, though.

What drink makes your voice better?

Warm water with honey and lemon is a popular choice. It soothes the throat and keeps your vocal cords hydrated.

What exercises strengthen your speaking voice?

Diaphragmatic breathing, vocal warm-ups like humming, and practicing projection can strengthen your speaking voice. Consistency is key.

What can I drink to get my voice back fast?

Herbal teas, especially ones with licorice or slippery elm, can soothe and help your voice recover. Staying hydrated with water is also crucial.

How to restore vocal cords?

Resting your voice, staying hydrated, and avoiding irritants like smoke can help restore your vocal cords. In severe cases, consulting a voice specialist is a good idea.