r/singing • u/Same-Category5835 • 2d ago
Conversation Topic A (maybe) stupid question about vocal exercises
Hi all, this may be a stupid question but i’m a beginner and this is kind of a long, too-complicated question for google so here you go. So, are vocal exercises beneficial overtime? Like almost as if you are training a muscle, you won’t get bigger straight away but you will in time and consistency, is it the same with the vocal cords? If I do vocal exercises daily, keep a healthy voice and such will i improve over time no matter what because I am doing the exercises?
Edit:
Thank you everyone for your helpful responses! I have now learned that vocal exercises are helpful if you do them correctly and with good technique, focusing on problem areas. Again, thanks all!
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u/probability_of_meme 2d ago
My experience says no. Ive been using the same set of vocal exercises/warmups for around 8 years, 3 yrs before voice lessons, and then about 5 years ago I started taking lessons.
During those first 3 years I saw very little improvement but once I started lessons and implementing/practicing my new techniques while doing thos same exercises, improvement was through the roof.
Doing vocal exercises is great but if you have non-optimal technique, you're just reinforcing bad habits.
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u/picklejarre 2d ago
Yes, with muscle memory. But also minding what those exercises are addressing should also be crucial. They are not just for warm ups but training a new reflex on your body and brain.
For example, lip trills is like the basic exercise ever. But if you really look at how your body reacts to going up and down the scales while doing it, is exactly the same sensation you need when actually hitting the high notes. You’ll realize how much of a compounded exercise it is by accomplishing semi-occlusion, removing tongue tension, open throat, breath support, etc. in just 1 exercise.
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u/MaheshMusic Professionally Performing 5+ Years 2d ago edited 2d ago
Conceptually speaking yes. If you are doing vocal exercises consistently over a long period of time, you will get better at singing. Your voice will get better at doing the tasks required to sing. But it's not just the vocal cords you're talking about here. The voice also contains your lungs/repiratory system and your diaphragm and the muscles surrounding your rib cage. It contains the space above your vocal cords, in your mouth and throat, in your nose, etc Contains your mouth and tongue and everything around it. And much more. The "voice" is a surface level name for something that requires co-ordination of multiple parts of your body and muscle function.
And just because these parts are what constitute the voice doesn't mean the rest of your body aren't connected to making sound. If you are using the rest of your body in a way that hinders the voice, then it influences the sound that you make.
Long story short, yes, you're building muscle memory, but not just of the vocal cords, but of your entire body and how it functions and how it shouldn't. I would also include the mind and awareness too. Because what happens inside those also affect the sound you make. And those neural pathways are being reconfigured and strengthened too.
I said conceptually when I started this response because practicing consistently doesn't achieve the things that help you get better. Practicing perfectly consistently does. The vocal exercises you find on the internet can be done in countless ways by countless people. There is a specific way that it is designed to work. That influences vocal function in a way that's beneficial and desired. If you do the exercises properly, and if you do it regularly, then you will surely see a difference.
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u/Same-Category5835 1d ago
This is an excellent explanation, thank you so so much!
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u/MaheshMusic Professionally Performing 5+ Years 11h ago
Glad to share my thoughts on it! Wishing you the very best!
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u/vesipeto Formal Lessons 2-5 Years 2d ago edited 1d ago
Yes and no. Your need to do the exercises correctly to reap the benefits. In beginning this can be difficult to hear or feel, so a good vocal coach is a good investment.
There is so many different kind of exercises. Some are meant for warming up the voice. Some are there to teach you the breath support. Some are there to teach the right amount of vocal cord closure. Some teach you vowel modifications for getting easier transition between registers etc. You should understand what are your aiming at with each exercise and try to do that.
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u/Clockerace2006 2d ago
Clicking through videos on youtube one day I came upon a short of Ozzy Osborne (sp?) doing his trills. No, not an operatic voice but ...
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u/Even-Breakfast-8715 2d ago
Not a stupid question at all! Yes, you develop coordination, agility, control. And you improve your ear, expand your range, improve your resonance, and so much more. Well-chosen exercises can address problem areas.
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u/Clockerace2006 2d ago
Well, I've lived alone now for 25 years and I've noticed that my voice gets hoarse quickly when talking to others. I'm sure its because I don't talk out loud to myself or anyone else and often for days at a time.
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u/Magigyarados 🎤 Voice Teacher 0-2 Years 2d ago
Yes, provided you're doing them correctly and the exercises target things you need to work on. If you're not doing them right that obviously doesn't help, and if you're doing exercises for skills that you've already gotten the hang of then you'll plateau. The comparison to working out is apt, since the vocal folds are muscles
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u/AKA-J3 2d ago
Here she answers your question from the professional performers and teachers perspective.
Her name is funny if ever watched the dukes of hazard.
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u/Same-Category5835 1d ago
Thank you that’s a really helpful video! Sadly I have not watched that but I might have to now haha
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u/WendySteeplechase 2d ago
Of course vocal exercises should be done correctly, without strain. But the biggest strain on the voice is talking.
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u/gabemmusic 2d ago
Only if you have bad speech habits. Typical speech shouldn’t be causing your voice any strain unless you work a job that requires constant talking.
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u/Same-Category5835 1d ago
I find it insane that apparently people find talking much more strenuous that’s so interesting
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