Amazing Vocal Exercise – Singing Through A Straw!
Whether you’re backstage at a competition or watching Youtube videos, it seems you can’t get away from seeing people warm up their voice by singing through a straw. But what does this actually do for your voice? The application of singing through a straw is a helpful semi-occluded (the mouth is partially closed) vocal tract exercise. This works by partially blocking the air coming out of your mouth as you vocalize, creating resistance in the vocal tract. This then sends energy back to the vocal folds, and helps them vibrate more regularly.
This practice can help with a variety of vocal problems, making it the perfect tool for beginners and professionals alike. Things like smoother sound and transitions, more consistent vibrato, fewer cracks, and reduced tension and strain should be noticeable almost immediately after starting these exercises. And the best part is doing it couldn’t be any easier! All you have to do is sing with your lips around the straw. Use it during warm ups, cool downs, or anywhere in between to help maintain your optimal vocal health. Make sure you use a thin straw (3 – 4.3 mm in diameter), the thinner the better. It best to do it for 5 minutes at a time and multiple times a day.
Here are the benefits:
1. Lessens vocal fold (cord fatigue) & increases vocal fold vibration (see blog “What exactly is
2. Balances vocal fold alignment, creating a smooth transition from one register to another (see blog 11/27/20 “Moving from One Register to Another – Passaggio”).
3. Balances breath pressure and acoustic pressure – acoustic support (see blog 12/24/20 “Your Personal Acoustic Chambers).
4. Helps enlongates the vocal tract providing new acoustic strategy
Want more tips on how to train your voice, voice lessons and utilize your vocal power? Check Vocal Power with Michelle Ostrove CD, which will be available on Itunes, Amazon and other streaming venues or https://michelleostrove.net under Vocal CD. With or without a straw, these exercises will help you strengthen your voice and control your breathing to help you on your way to becoming the best singer you can be!
JOKE FOR THE DAY:
What rock band has four guys that don’t sing? Mount Rushmore
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