🎤 Essential Vocal‑Up Routine for Singers

Get your voice studio ready with four versatile warm‑ups—perfect for students of all ages and abilities.

1. Hiss Breath Exercise (sʼsssss)

How to Breathe Before You Hiss

• Inhale silently and deeply into the lower ribs and belly.
• Keep shoulders relaxed and focus on diaphragmatic breath support.
• Begin your hiss steady and controlled—no tension in your neck or jaw.

🎓 Teacher Note: This is one of the best ways to introduce breath control without singing yet. I encourage students to visualize filling up a balloon in their belly, not their chest. The stopwatch gives them instant feedback on whether they’re controlling their airflow or dumping it too fast.

2. “Mama Made Me Mash My M&Ms” (Low & High)

🎧 Low Voice (Male)

🎧 High Voice (Female)

This vocalizes a fun, rhythmic phrase to open up the speaking and singing voice. It often moves from low to high and back again—working flexibility and tone.

🎓 Teacher Note: The “M” consonant creates gentle back pressure, which encourages mask resonance and relaxes the onset of sound.

3. 1–3–5–8 “Ah” Arpeggio

🎧 Female Voice

🎧 Male Voice

Sing “Ah” on a broken chord (1–3–5–8) and crescendo on the last note to build range and control.

🎓 Teacher Note: Like a push-up for your voice. It builds strength and breath support as the crescendo helps reinforce airflow and stamina.

4. Solfege Interval Training

🎧 Female Voice

🎧 Male Voice

In this warm-up, we are in the key of C. So:

How to Use the Tuner: While singing each note above, compare your pitch using the tuner linked below. If the needle centers over the correct letter, you’re in tune!

🎧 LAUNCH CHROMATIC TUNER

🎓 Teacher Note: Solfege teaches pitch relationships. Paired with a tuner, it’s a powerful tool to develop your ear and confidence as a singer.