If you’ve ever wondered why your voice doesn’t sound quite right at the start of a singing lesson, the answer might be simpler than you think—your vocal cords need a warm-up! As teachers who specialize in voice lessons for beginners, we rely on consistent singing lesson warm ups to prepare students for healthy, confident singing. Whether you’re practicing at home or working with your teacher, these two exercises are a great place to begin.
Why Warm-Ups Matter
Just like athletes stretch before a workout, singers need to ease into vocal activity. Warming up:
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Helps prevent strain or injury
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Improves breath control and tone
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Focuses the mind and body for singing
Plus, a fun warm-up can break the ice and set a positive tone for your lesson.
Warm-Up #1: Lip Trills
Lip trills (or “lip bubbles”) are exactly what they sound like—gently blowing air through relaxed lips while making a pitch.
Here’s how to try it:
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Relax your face and cheeks.
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Take a deep breath and exhale while letting your lips vibrate.
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Add pitch by humming as you trill.
This simple warm-up supports breath connection, loosens tension, and gently activates your vocal cords.
For more tips on vocal prep and healthy technique, check out this helpful vocal health guide from SingWise.
Warm-Up #2: Sirens
Sirens involve sliding your voice up and down in pitch, mimicking the sound of a police or ambulance siren.
To practice:
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Start in a low comfortable pitch
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Glide upward to your highest note
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Glide back down
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Repeat on “oo,” “ee,” or “ah”
Sirens stretch your vocal range and smooth out vocal transitions. We often use them in beginner voice lessons to help students build confidence across registers.
FAQ
How long should I warm up before singing?
Beginners should spend 5–10 minutes warming up. Keep it short but focused for the best results.
Can I skip warm-ups if I’m short on time?
It’s better to do a short warm-up than none at all. Even one minute of lip trills can make a difference.
Are these warm-ups okay for kids?
Yes! Both are safe and effective for children, teens, and adult beginners.
