Vocal Warm-Ups Every LA Singer Should Know
If you’re serious about singing — whether you’re performing on Sunset Blvd or recording in your home studio — vocal warm ups are the key to unlocking your best sound.
At I Heart My Voice, our Los Angeles vocal coaches train everyone from rising artists to seasoned performers, and the truth is: no matter how talented you are, your voice won’t perform at its peak without consistent, intelligent warmups.
Think of your warmup as your daily voice alignment — it’s where muscle memory, confidence, and artistry meet.
So, let’s walk through the exact vocal warm-ups every LA singer should know — and why they matter so much for enhancing your tone, expanding your range, and amplifying your performance power.
Why Vocal Warm Ups Matter
Your voice is a living instrument — and like any muscle, it needs a proper warmup before you ask it to perform.
Warm ups:
Wake up your breath support system
Loosen tension around your neck, jaw, and shoulders
Align your vocal folds gently (instead of shocking them)
Expand your range and resonance
Prevent fatigue, cracking, or strain
💡 Even Beyoncé’s vocal team starts every session with mindful breath work and sirens — not songs.
Skipping warmups is like skipping rehearsal. You might get through the show, but your tone, endurance, and control will suffer.
The Essential Vocal Warm Ups Every Singer Needs
These exercises are part of our daily coaching method at I Heart My Voice — simple, repeatable, and proven to work.
1. Breathing Alignment
Start with deep, relaxed breathing through the diaphragm.
Place one hand on your belly, inhale through your nose, and feel expansion in your ribs.
Exhale on a slow “sss” sound for 8–10 counts.
This resets your nervous system and stabilizes breath control before you sing a single note.
2. Lip Trills (or Lip Bubbles)
Lip trills help release tension and balance airflow.
Gently buzz your lips on a comfortable mid-range pitch — then slide up and down.
🎧 Do 3–5 slow sirens. It smooths transitions and frees your voice across registers.
3. Humming and “NG” Slides
Start with a soft hum (“mm”) or “ng” sound (like in sing).
Glide from low to high, keeping the sound forward and resonant.
This encourages nasal resonance — your secret weapon for bright, effortless tone.
4. Vowel Workouts
Move through open vowels — “ah,” “eh,” “ee,” “oh,” “oo” — on short scales.
Keep tone steady, with minimal jaw movement.
This exercise sharpens articulation and vowel consistency — key for both pop and Broadway singers.
5. Sirens and Octave Slides
Sirens (vocal slides from low to high and back down) connect chest and head voice seamlessly.
Do 3–4 passes, lightly. You should feel connection, not pressure.
This is one of the most effective vocal warm ups for flexibility and pitch balance.
6. Tongue and Jaw Release
Tension is the enemy of freedom.
Massage your jaw joints gently, stretch your tongue, and hum while moving it side to side.
It might look funny, but it’s a total game-changer for articulation and tone clarity.
Bonus: Watch Our Free Vocal Warmup Video
Take five minutes and warm up with us!
🎥 Watch this guided warmup routine on Vimeo
Our IHMV vocal coaches demonstrate the same warmup routine used by professional singers in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York.
Why LA Singers Need Consistent Vocal Warmups
Living the vibrant life of a Los Angeles singer means you’re often hopping from studio sessions to auditions and performances in a single day. With the city’s dry air, love for caffeine, and those infamous long commutes, taking care of your voice can feel like a juggling act.
That’s why establishing a regular vocal warmup routine is absolutely vital—it’s your secret weapon for keeping your voice healthy and dependable in this fast-paced, competitive environment.
At I Heart My Voice, our team in LA is all about helping you create a tailored warmup strategy that seamlessly fits into your life, aligns with your aspirations, and matches your unique style.
At I Heart My Voice, our team in Los Angeles helps you create a tailored warmup strategy that seamlessly fits into your life, aligns with your genre, and matches your unique voice.
Because consistency isn’t just about showing up — it’s about showing up ready.
Mindset: The Spiritual Side of Warming Up
Your warmup transcends the physical—it’s also about aligning your spirit.
Before diving into each session, take a moment to breathe deeply, ground yourself, and reconnect with your “why”. Remember, singing isn’t about achieving perfection; it's about being present in the moment.
At IHMV, we believe that every note emanates from within. When your energy is vibrant and clear, your voice naturally flows.
More Resources to Help You Train Like a Pro
If you found this helpful, you’ll love these related reads:
Consistent Vocal Workouts: The Key to a Strong, Confident Voice
The Singer’s Diet: Foods That Are Good (and Bad) for Your Voice
Each one will help you build your craft, body, and mindset — the IHMV way.
FAQs: Vocal Warm-Ups for Singers
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10–20 minutes is ideal. Short daily warmups are better than long, inconsistent sessions.
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Lip trills, humming, sirens, and gentle scales. Focus on relaxation and breath first.
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Yes — even light vocal use benefits from gentle activation.
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Absolutely! They stretch and balance your range over time, improving control and stamina.
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Yes. Pop, rock, and classical require different focus areas. Our coaches tailor warmups to your style.
Ready to Warm Up With a Pro?
No matter if you’re gearing up for auditions, hitting the road for a tour, or diving into recording your very own EP, your warm-ups should reflect the unique brilliance of your voice.
Our award-winning vocal coaching team in Los Angeles are here to craft warm-up plans that are also personalized to your unique voice. Sessions are online, so you can still get industry-best training even if you’re not located in Los Angeles. Together, we’ll build your vocal range, enhance your stamina, and boost your confidence.
Let’s develop a routine that keeps your voice in top shape, ready to shine every single day!
Let’s create a routine that keeps your voice stage-ready — every single day.
At I Heart My Voice, we help singers unlock their full potential through online singing lessons, vocal coaching, and artist development programs.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready to go pro, our award-winning team has guided singers to Broadway, Disney, Nickelodeon, major labels, and viral success.
