Comments on: How to Do Vocal Exercises

on 11/22/2005 Sing a half scale (e.g. c, d, e, f, g) with the word "voley" (pronounced VO-LEE). Use the VO for c, lee for d, vo for e, lee for f, vo for g, lee for f, vo for e, lee for d, vo for c. Repeat this a good few times and really move your mouth (exaggerate it). Pronounce the VOLEY very clearly. It opens up your vocal folds.

on 11/22/2005 To train for controlling breathe and holding out notes longer, take a deep breathe without raising your shoulders. Immediately begin to count out loud "1,2,3..." letting out a controlled amount of breathe as you go. Fight the urge to count faster and faster (Tip: use a metronome). As soon as you feel you need to take another breathe, do so. If you feel dizziness or any discomfort, you are holding your breathe too long. Note which number you ended on. Repeat, and set yourself goals to work up to. This conditions your diaphragm so you can hold out those killer long notes.

on 11/22/2005 I recommend singing the following songs for warm-up. They have a great range: Somewhere Over the Rainbow, A Whole New World, and Ray Boltz' Watch The Lamb. Excellent material for practice!

on 11/22/2005 In order to get a clearer sound, press your tongue against the back of your teeth. And, when warming up, do not clear your throat - this only hurts the vocal cords.

on 11/22/2005 Keep your head up high, shoulders back, and eyes and mouth open. Say, 1 2 3 4 5 4 3 2 1 2 3 4 5 4 3 2, and so on and so on. Do this fast and in the right order. This will warm you up for singing.