Self-teaching links
For most hours per week, you're your own teacher. Here are a few of my favorite self-teaching resources. (I have no affiliation with these links - but all are sources I trust)
GENERAL READING
VoiceScienceWorks - A huge knowledge-base about all things singing (classical and otherwise!) - among other features is a great "Build your own warmup" page.
Vocapedia - Full of research articles on all things voice-related.
EXERCISES YOU CAN TRY AT HOME:
Self-laryngeal Massage - useful for any singer to know more about the structures around the larynx, and how to keep them in optimum shape for easy singing.
Tongue tension exercises 1 - Check in with our most flexible articulator!
Tongue tension exercises 2 - More vocalization and explanation of tongue function
Tongue tension written exercises - more strategies to work towards released tongue when singing
Jaw release exercise 1 - Jaw freedom (or lack thereof) can seriously hinder our quest for making great sounds.
Jaw release exercise 2
Jaw release exercise 3
TMJ-specific exercises - if you suffer from jaw issues (pain, popping sounds when you chew, jaw locking, headaches...), these may be of use.
Soft palate exercises 1 - explains the motion of the soft palate/tongue in singing, and provides some exercises
Soft palate exercises 2 - slower paced, more exercises
Soft palate exercises 3 - shows more of the anatomy!
MORE ABOUT THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURES AND MOTIONS OF SINGING
Anatomy
This Cleveland Clinic page quickly and concisely shows the structures of the larynx and vocal fold in detail (includes video of laryngoscopy - do you know what vocal folds actually look like?)
So much more about the Larynx - go down that rabbit-hole! I dare you!!
This interactive 3D map of the respiratory system is another way to orient yourself to the structures that allow us to make sounds!
This AnatomyZone series is a thorough introduction to the structures of the respiratory system and larynx.
Try approaching in small doses - it's a LOT of information, but you'll be glad you know it!
This is a video illustration of the act of breathing.
This is a video illustration of the movement of the diaphragm specifically!
Breathing and respiration
Breathing for singing - Berklee Online illustrates better and worse ways to breathe for singing, includes exercises
Breathing for singing 2 - Also from Berklee Online - a different set of exercises and illustrations (also great!)
Feldenkrais 3 lesson series - Three great, hour-long audio-guided sessions intended to help you find ease and creativity in how you breathe (for life, for singing...give them a try!!)
Resonance and Formants
Vocal tract - illustration of the structure, and some of the function that controls resonance!
Formants - a visual explanation of what "formants" are. This is an advanced concept, but we use formants all the time!
This lecture with Ken Bozeman (excellent voice teacher/researcher) covers some advanced topics related to registration, formant tuning, vowel modification, and passagii for treble and changed voices!
This is only a sliver of what's out there, and I plan to add to this site as I find more favorite exercises that others have made.
Remember: always approach new resources with a sense of curiosity. Try things out! If it doesn't work for you, try something else...not all resources are created equally, and different resources work better for different people. Let your mind, body, and ears be your guide - if something feels bad or hurts, stop, take a step back, and try something else.
Back to the resource list
GENERAL READING
VoiceScienceWorks - A huge knowledge-base about all things singing (classical and otherwise!) - among other features is a great "Build your own warmup" page.
Vocapedia - Full of research articles on all things voice-related.
EXERCISES YOU CAN TRY AT HOME:
Self-laryngeal Massage - useful for any singer to know more about the structures around the larynx, and how to keep them in optimum shape for easy singing.
Tongue tension exercises 1 - Check in with our most flexible articulator!
Tongue tension exercises 2 - More vocalization and explanation of tongue function
Tongue tension written exercises - more strategies to work towards released tongue when singing
Jaw release exercise 1 - Jaw freedom (or lack thereof) can seriously hinder our quest for making great sounds.
Jaw release exercise 2
Jaw release exercise 3
TMJ-specific exercises - if you suffer from jaw issues (pain, popping sounds when you chew, jaw locking, headaches...), these may be of use.
Soft palate exercises 1 - explains the motion of the soft palate/tongue in singing, and provides some exercises
Soft palate exercises 2 - slower paced, more exercises
Soft palate exercises 3 - shows more of the anatomy!
MORE ABOUT THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURES AND MOTIONS OF SINGING
Anatomy
This Cleveland Clinic page quickly and concisely shows the structures of the larynx and vocal fold in detail (includes video of laryngoscopy - do you know what vocal folds actually look like?)
So much more about the Larynx - go down that rabbit-hole! I dare you!!
This interactive 3D map of the respiratory system is another way to orient yourself to the structures that allow us to make sounds!
This AnatomyZone series is a thorough introduction to the structures of the respiratory system and larynx.
Try approaching in small doses - it's a LOT of information, but you'll be glad you know it!
This is a video illustration of the act of breathing.
This is a video illustration of the movement of the diaphragm specifically!
Breathing and respiration
Breathing for singing - Berklee Online illustrates better and worse ways to breathe for singing, includes exercises
Breathing for singing 2 - Also from Berklee Online - a different set of exercises and illustrations (also great!)
Feldenkrais 3 lesson series - Three great, hour-long audio-guided sessions intended to help you find ease and creativity in how you breathe (for life, for singing...give them a try!!)
Resonance and Formants
Vocal tract - illustration of the structure, and some of the function that controls resonance!
Formants - a visual explanation of what "formants" are. This is an advanced concept, but we use formants all the time!
This lecture with Ken Bozeman (excellent voice teacher/researcher) covers some advanced topics related to registration, formant tuning, vowel modification, and passagii for treble and changed voices!
This is only a sliver of what's out there, and I plan to add to this site as I find more favorite exercises that others have made.
Remember: always approach new resources with a sense of curiosity. Try things out! If it doesn't work for you, try something else...not all resources are created equally, and different resources work better for different people. Let your mind, body, and ears be your guide - if something feels bad or hurts, stop, take a step back, and try something else.
Back to the resource list