Singing is not just about hitting the right notes. It’s also about preparing your voice to move, stretch, and stay steady through every phrase. That’s why warmups are so important. When you warm up the right way, your vocal cords get the flexibility they need. You also reduce the chances of strain and help your voice last longer. Even five to ten minutes can make a big difference.
If you’re new to singing or returning after a break, these warmups will help you ease in with better control and comfort.
Start with Gentle Lip Trills
Lip trills might feel silly at first, but they work like magic. You simply blow air through your lips while making a soft buzzing sound. This relaxes your lips, face, and vocal cords all at once.
Lip trills help keep your throat open. They also give you a steady airflow, which supports better tone and smoother phrasing. You can do them on a single note or glide up and down your range. Either way, it’s a safe and helpful way to start your session.
Use Humming to Wake Up the Voice
Humming is one of the softest ways to begin singing. It lets your vocal cords come together without too much pressure. You feel the vibration in your face and chest, which helps build awareness of where your sound comes from.
Start in a comfortable range. Slide up and down like a siren or hum a simple tune. Keep your mouth relaxed and your breath steady. This step warms up your tone without tiring you out.
Practice Sirens for Range and Smoothness
Sirens are vocal slides that help you move through your range without breaks. You start at the bottom and glide to the top, then come back down. This builds control and keeps your tone connected across pitches.
Sirens help reduce tension and show you where your voice feels tight. They also get your head voice and chest voice working together. You don’t need to be loud — just focus on staying smooth and even as you move.
Do Easy Five-Note Scales
Simple scales help develop pitch accuracy and muscle memory. A five-note scale goes up five steps and back down again. You can use sounds like “ma,” “nee,” or “go” to explore different parts of your voice.
This warmup also helps with breath connection. Start in a mid-range and move slowly up or down. Stay relaxed and listen closely to your tone. You’ll notice when something feels off and have a better chance to fix it before you start your song.
Stretch with Tongue Twisters
Tongue twisters are more than just fun exercises. They build clarity and speed. Singing needs clear diction, and these short phrases help you shape your words without stiffness.
Start by speaking the phrases slowly, then say them a little faster. Add pitch later once you feel comfortable. It can be as simple as “red leather, yellow leather” or “unique New York.” Over time, your words become cleaner and easier to sing with feeling.
If you’re curious about learning how to sing or want to build better vocal habits, our team at The Music Workshop School is here to help. We offer private and group voice lessons that focus on real progress, confidence, and fun. Sign up today for a free trial lesson and see how our supportive instructors can help you find your voice and enjoy every step of the journey.