Every singer who has taken voice lessons has probably been told that a good vocal warm-up is essential.

A good warm-up should last between 10-20 minutes (some voices need more time than others) These three tips should be the foundation of how you get your vocalizing started:

1. SOVT Exercise (Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract)

Done correctly, these vocal exercises provide a back pressure of air and even sound waves that press back on the vocal cords, making it difficult to strain or sing out of balance. This can be accomplished with on a lip bubble or tongue trill or – even better – singing through a small straw the size of a coffee stir stick.

2. KEEP YOUR LARYNX STABLE

Raising your larynx when you go up in pitch places unnecessary strain on your vocal chords. It’s a good thing to start with a warm-up that gets you started in the right direction. You can use your hand, at first, to monitor the movement of your larynx (to feel it: put your hand flat on your neck. If you swallow the bump will go up, if you yawn it will go down). Say, “Oooh”. Then challenge yourself to sing that same sensation on a five-tone scale (or just vocalize) without your larynx moving around with the pitch.

3. SING WITH BETTER CORD CLOSURE.

First say, “Haaaa” like you are sighing – this tends to be a more “breathy” sound with less of what I call “cord closure”. Now say “Mmm-mmm-mmm!”, like something is delicious. Feel how clear and complete your vocal cords are closing? Now use that same “Mmmm” sensation in your vocal warm up to get used to singing with more cord closure.

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Where you go from here will depend on the style of music you are singing. Although rock singers will want to prepare their voices differently from opera singers, the goal for any vocal style is to start with a good vocal warm-up that promotes a balance of air and muscle. These three tips are a good place to start for any singer.