Would you like to be a singer? Good for you! Whether it’s when you’re in the bathroom singing your favourite songs or dreaming of performing on stage, you can be assured that singing is an art form which anyone can learn by just getting a little practice in. What to start with? With some basic singing exercises, of course.

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You can relate these activities to working out at the gym, except that you are not using your muscles; instead, you will be stretching your vocal cords. While you need warm up exercises before tough exercise routines, you need to get ready to give your vocal cords a good workout while singing. And with these ten top tips, you will be more than ready to start your singing journey...

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1. Humming

Let us begin with the easiest vocal warm-up of all; the act of humming. All you have to do is shut your mouth and hum at a frequency which feels easy for you. Notice the vibrations in your lips and face? This vibration is referred to as resonance.

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When to use it: Humming is ideal as a starting point when you begin your practice routine. You should spend two or three minutes humming softly prior to engaging in any other activities. Another great exercise to do while commuting to your voice training lessons or performance venue is humming.

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2. Lip Trills (Lip Bubbles)

Gently close your lips and blow through them. The air will cause your lips to vibrate, resulting in the “brr” sound. Do the same when trying to produce different pitches, moving up and down throughout your vocal range, still blowing air through your vibrating lips. This exercise is among the most useful for new singers since it helps keep your voice relaxed.

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When to use it: Use lip trills as a warmup tool, especially if your voice feels tired or you have been talking a lot. They are also brilliant for exploring your upper range without fear of cracking.

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3. Sirens

Be your own siren! Begin at a soft pitch and slide your voice easily through to the top of your vocal range and then back down to the bottom in a smooth motion, just like a siren. The voice will create an easy "wee" or "ooh" noise. Sirens work by training the voice to go smoothly from the chest voice (the powerful voice used in singing) to the head voice (the light voice used in singing). This crossing place in your voice is known as the passaggio.

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When to use it: Do several siren repetitions mid warmup, after humming and lip trills. They are also useful when your voice feels stuck in one register.

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4. The "Ng" Exercise

Create the sound “ng” as in the ending of the word “sing,” and sustain it on one pitch. Try moving up and down on the same sound. This may seem awkward to do, but it is the best method there is for forward placement. Forward placement means putting your voice in your face rather than keeping it in your throat.

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When to use it: Use this one a few times during your warmup, especially if you tend to sound muffled or feel like your voice is stuck in your throat.

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5. Vowel Exercises (Ah, Eh, Ee, Oh, Oo)

Singing five main vowels on one single pitch, "ah, eh, ee, oh, oo," without changing the quality of your voice, is easier said than done because when you change from one vowel to another, it alters the shape of your throat. This will, therefore, affect the quality of your voice. After mastering that, try doing it using a five-note scale.

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When to use it: This is a fantastic mid warmup exercise that also doubles as a great practice tool for working on consistency and tone. Try it every single practice session.

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6. Scales on "Ma Ma Ma"

Sing a simple scale with five notes (do, re, mi, fa, sol, fa, mi, re, do) on the syllable "ma." The "m" assists in placement, while the "ah" vowel sound makes sure you get into that open vocal production. Begin in your home key and slowly work your way up a half step at a time as you warm up.

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When to use it: This exercise is ideal once your voice is warmed up. It helps build flexibility and evenness across your range. Ten minutes on this a day will make a noticeable difference over just a few weeks.

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7. The Octave Jump

First, sing a pitch, then move one octave (eight pitches) higher on an open “ee” or “yay” vowel sound, then back down. It’s designed to strengthen your singing skills when moving from one register to another without breaking or sounding airy. Begin with caution and listen carefully to where your voice feels inclined to shift gears. Shifting registers is entirely natural, and octave jumps will train you through this process.

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When to use it: Save this one for after a good warmup. It is brilliant for building range and confidence in your upper notes. Use it three to four times per practice session.

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8. Breathing Exercises: The Hiss

Proper breath control is key to excellent singing. Here’s an easy way to develop this. Breathe in slowly and deeply (like you are filling your abdomen before filling your chest), and exhale slowly through the mouth in the form of an even "ssss" sound for as long as you possibly can. Try your best to maintain the consistency of the "ssss" sound as far as pressure and volume are concerned. The ideal goal should be 30 seconds.

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When to use it: Do this before you even begin singing. Two to three repetitions at the start of every practice session will build the breathing muscle memory that supports everything else you do vocally.

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9. Staccato Notes

Sing a scale or melody, but keep each tone short and bouncy. Imagine each tone as if it were a little ball bouncing on a trampoline. Each tone should be sung as if saying “ha” or “ya.” Staccato practice is great for developing vocal agility and building the muscles used to produce clean tones.

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When to use it: Try these after your warmup is complete. They are especially helpful for singers who tend to let their notes sound heavy or sluggish. A few minutes of staccato work can instantly brighten and energise your sound.

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10. Cool Down: Gentle Humming and Sighing

Also, an important step is the relaxation phase after you are done singing. You should start by humming softly with an easy tone first, followed by relaxing breathing techniques wherein you start with a high pitch and allow yourself to drop. This way, you will find that the tension has left your voice.

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When to use it: Always do this at the end of your session. Even five minutes of cool down makes a real difference to how your voice feels the next day.

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A Few Final Tips for Beginners

Consistency always wins against intensity. It is better to spend 15 to 20 minutes each day singing than having one two-hour intensive practice on the weekends. Practice little and often. Always practice within comfort limits; do not practice under pain conditions. When there is a pain sensation in your voice, take some rest to allow healing of the vocal cords to take place. Hydrate your body well by drinking enough water all day long because hydration allows a smooth performance from the singer. Finally, be patient with your learning process. As a beginner, these tips will help you develop a solid foundation and be assured that all professional singers were at the same starting point as you at some time, so go ahead, warm up that voice, because you’ve got this!

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