Why don't you warm-up?

You’ve set aside some time to practice. Or maybe you’re about to perform.

You know you should warm up, but it just seems like an impossible ask.

You don’t even know if you have time to fit it in, let alone what the best exercises are to do.

There’s no space by the side of the stage, and you don’t have access to a piano.

You just want to skip ahead to the ‘fun stuff’ - the actual singing. You’ll warm-up as you go along. Sure, your voice might feel a little tired or achy afterwards, but that’s not your concern right now. You can feel guilty about it later.

If you recognise these excuses, you’re not alone. I have uttered every single one in my time.

But learning to prioritise warming up - and making sure it’s the most efficient and effective it can be - can massively change the way you sing and have huge benefits to your vocal abilities, vocal well-being and your confidence.

Firstly, get honest with yourself: if you don’t always manage to warm-up your voice before you start singing - for practice or performance - ask yourself why.

What’s stopping you?

Is it a lack of knowledge? Poor planning or time management? Limitations on space or your ability to be loud?

Maybe you just find the idea of warming up SUPER dull.

All your reasons are valid - despite how much guilt they might induce.

Whether you do occasionally warm-up or whether you don’t, there’s no judgement here; guilt and shame will never lead to better habits or improved outcomes.

What will help is understanding.

Understanding the purposes and benefits of a warm-up.

Understanding what the obstacles are that are stopping you from developing a consistent approach.

Understanding the best way to conduct a warm-up that works for you in various different circumstances.

I am here to help.

I want to show you how to navigate those obstacles and use your knowledge of warming-up to create a consistent approach that means you will never feel guilty for skipping the warm-up, because you’ll always manage to fit it in.

I can guide you, and give you knowledge and confidence when it comes to preparing your voice to sing:

• Check out my Warming Up Ebook for information, worksheets and posters.

• Take my online course to learn more about the ‘What, Why and How’ of vocal warm-ups.

• Book a one-to-one Vocal Warm-up Appraisal with me where we can work through your challenges and obstacles, fill in any knowledge gaps, and make a personalised plan that works for you, whatever your circumstances.

(And if you’re interested in why I’m so passionate about this topic, have a look at my post titled ‘Why I Studied Vocal Warm-Ups’).

For more singing practice tips you can follow me on social media @TessaSmithMusic, or explore thesingersguide.com where there are resources all about optimising your singing practice.