Why not click on the ‘Free Downloads’ above to access vocal exercises - you can play or download them. You can hum ('Mm' or 'Ng') or sing vowel sounds ('Ah', 'Ay', 'Ee', 'Oh' or 'Ooh') to the exercises. You can also try our tips on posture, breathing and vocal health below.

Musical Theatre is a complex genre in itself and presents many challenges to singers today whether they are amateur or professional. The vocal ranges of musical theatre songs can be extreme at times and take us well beyond the realms of the ‘usual’ constraints of the ‘tenor’, ‘mezzo’ or ‘soprano’ for example. It is paramount therefore that singers of all abilities and experience take care of their voices and exercise appropriately for their chosen repertoire.

POSTURE

- Stand with feet apart - a similar distance to the width of your shoulders.
- Legs relaxed and not ‘locked’ into position – you should be able to bend your knees freely.
- Head should be upright, an extension of your spine, balancing gently on top. Chin should not protrude.
- Neck muscles should be relaxed – warm up by rolling your head gently forward, backwards and to both sides.
- Open and close your jaw slowly and extend your tongue.

BREATHING

- Breathe through an open mouth with tongue flat. Imagine sucking the air in silently and quickly, keep shoulders and upper body relaxed.
- Try not to let too much air escape at the beginning of a phrase – don’t allow your voice to sound ‘breathy’ or unfocused.
- Aim to sing nice long phrases – avoid taking too many breaths and make sure you never breathe in the middle of a word!
- Make the first sound you make a good sound – really focus on the onset of the note. Start as you mean to go on!

VOCAL HEALTH AND AVOIDING VOCAL TRAUMA

- Always warm up your voice and stretch your body
- Enjoy relaxation and plenty of sleep
- If you are singing and performing regularly try to fully rest the voice from time to time.
- Cool down your voice after a performance or practice session – sing from high to low, finish off with some humming, then don’t speak for a while – even to your adoring fans!
- Drink two litres of water every day
- Try to be aware of muscular tension when you are singing
- Avoid clearing your throat when speaking and singing. Try swallowing instead.