4 Vocal Straw Exercises to Strengthen Your Voice
There are numerous techniques and methods out there that offer different ways to improve vocal skill, but many can feel methodical, complicated and sometimes plain boring.
Looking to spice up your vocal practice? Grab a kitchen straw and let’s get started!
Straws are just magic for your voice! With the use of a basic kitchen straw, you can greatly improve your overall tone, breath control, and comfort when singing! Straws help to balance your voice by keeping your vocal folds closed (which is what we want for a clear and consistent sound). Many famous singers use them and rave about the effect!
4 VOCAL STRAW EXERCISES
Fill a clear glass with water, about a quarter of the way full.
Find a regular size drinking straw (plastic or metal)
Even Bubbles
Take a deep breath and blow into your straw. Try to create a consistent and even stream of bubbles.
Even Bubbles with pitch
Repeat step one, this time while “humming” on one continual pitch.
Even Bubbles with Octave
Repeat step one, this time while moving between 2 pitches that are one octave apart (you can slowly slide between them for an extra challenge).
Even Bubbles while “humming”
Repeat step one while “humming” your favorite tune or specifically a song you are working on. Highlight “trouble spots” for faster improvement.
We hope you will give these straw exercises a try, particularly if your voice is feeling scratchy, tired, or overly breathy! Do this everyday for 5 minutes and you will notice a stronger, more confident, and more comfortable voice!
Natalie Ter-Agapova is a Voice and Piano instructor at McAllister Music Studio.
For more information on voice lessons at McAllister Music Studio, both Online and In-Person in San Francisco, CA