Comments on: Vocal Warm Ups: What They Should Accomplish

By: Judy

Judy — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:35:31 +0000

TSlade: Wow, I think you really need to believe what I said in #1.. if your warmup it that taxing to your voice, you need to drop it. I, too, lost my ability to sing many years ago, my vocal cords were damaged by an endotracheal tube. I know that when we heal it is an instinct to "guard" our voices from further harm. This inadvertently causes tension which keeps the voice from working properly… and can cause MORE strain! Check out the page at http://judyrodman.com/power-path-performance.htm for the story of my vocal recovery. I am available for personal lessons, if you can't get to me in Nashville, I work with people by phone every day. Let me know if you'd like more info on that… I'd love to work with you and help you get on the right track with the exercises.

By: Judy

Judy — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:27:57 +0000

Leigh Ann… thank you! and yes, I think it's important for you to find and do some vocal exercises if you are singing. I do hope you find a fun and effective routine you can stick with, but note that it's so important to do them with correct form.

By: ChakraChylde

ChakraChylde — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:17:24 +0000

I don't think I use a warmup that leaves me ready to sing for about 2 hours. After I warm up, I feel strain at times. Sometimes it seems like I am feeling "free" after warmup, most times, I go up sing after warming up and it feels like I got a load of cement in my throat. The notes, and words feel stuck in my throat. I am afraid at that point to try and hit some of the high notes. Mind you, I am a year after my vocal fold surgery. Still, I should be fully recovered by now shouldn't I? I followed the MD and speech pathologist recommendation to the letter. Feeling discouraged at times I tell ya!

By: Leigh Ann

Leigh Ann — Wed, 19 May 2010 21:14:26 +0000

This was so helpful. We always hear you should warm up, but I've never seen the reasons laid out so clearly. Also, there are sooo many exercises. It's great to hear the criteria for choosing among them.I don't have a favorite warm up technique because I've never liked doing it. I didn't understand the reasoning. Now, maybe I'll find a fave!