Learn to Sing Article 04: Singing Exercises to Sing in Tune

Just like any marathon runner has to train everyday and condition their body to engage in the agonizing challenge of a race and just like boxers have to refine their punches and combos and build their stamina to be able to withstand a 12 round bout, a singer has to practice his or her vocal skills in order to perform at their highest levels consistantly.

Now I know that singing exercises may be something totally brand new to you and at first may seem rather boring, but take note that once you make singing exercises a daily habit, it will only get easier as the days pass by. Practicing your singing exercises will not only improve your tone and vocal chords range, but it will give you the confidence before a performance to know that you put your entire heart and soul into developing your singing abilities. Remember only through dedication and hard work will you have the opportunity to make it in the singing industry and only those singers that practice their singing exercises consistantly are the ones that achieve greater results.

Now keep in mind that you must first prepare your body before starting on any singing exercise. As the first singing lesson that I covered in my articles says, good singing posture is the key. So the first thing to pay attention to before beginning your singing exercises is your posture. Make sure that your shoulders are back and both feet are pointing forward. Relaxation is just as important so make sure your body is relaxed, especially your abdominal muscles. Do not slouch whatever you do!

Next you want to engage in some breathing and relaxation exercises to help you loosen up your body. Start by rolling your head and neck area in a clockwise position for 30 seconds, then roll them in a counterclockwise position. Next you will want to roll your shoulders in a slow soothing fasion for about 1 minute. Lift one leg up and make small circles with your foot for about 10 seconds, put your leg down and raise the other leg and make small circles with that foot. If done correctly, your body should be loose and relaxed.

Now take a deep breathe, remember to breathe through your belly and do not expand your rib cage. Gently sing a note and coninue holding that note without letting your voice break for as long as you can. Do not strain. Start with a C and go up the scale until you hit the next C at the higher octave.

For the next part of the singing exercises, you will want to try singing a series of vowel sounding notes. Your common A, E, I, O, and U will do just fine. Try making the the short vowel sounds as well such as Ah, Eh, Ih, Aw, OOh.

Practicing your singing exercises should not be rushed. It should be taken very seriously for the results will effect your long term singing voice. A marathon runner does not go out and run 15 miles on his first day. Instead he trains little by little everyday, adding distance to his runs until he reaches his goal. The same goes with singing exercises, they are to build your best singing voice and it can only be done with solid routine practice.