How to Practice Notes on a Scale for Vocal Exercise

One of the most basic, important and necessary exercises a singer does are vocal scales. Scales consist of five to 12 notes and come in different varieties. Knowing and practicing musical scales can help improve your ear, tune and strengthen your voice and help you feel more confident in your ability.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Sit in front of a piano and play middle C. Move up the piano to high C (eight white keys up), playing every white key. The order is C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C. This is a C major scale.
2. Play middle C again and match your voice pitch to the sound. Sing either la or lay, ee or oo. Play D and do the same. Go slowly at first, making sure you have the right pitch each time.
3. Reach high C and come back down as slowly as you went up. Develop a rhythm. Hold the notes for a whole note or half-note as you see fit. Continue to focus on pitch. Repeat the C scale a few times until you feel comfortable with it.
4. Practice with a short five-note scale. This type of scale is easy to play as you learn the notes and their placement. Start with middle C again and sing C-D-E-F-G and back down G-F-E-D-C. Play five white keys up and four down.
5. Change your starting position to begin a step higher, starting at D. The order is D-E-F#-G-A and back down A-G-F#-E-D. Then move to an E scale: E-F#-G#-A-B. Continue in this pattern until you've reached the top of your singing range. Then go one scale higher to stretch and train your vocal cords, and come down.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not familiar with the piano, ask a friend who is to help you out. During your practice, bring a tape recorder and tape the different scales. Take it home with you and practice on your own anytime.
• Change the vocal sounds you use as you continue practicing. Do each scale using "la" for each note, for example, then do each scale with "oo" or "ee."