Sarah Obert Vocal Instructor

Happy allergy season to all my vocalists (and non) out there 😅🤧
Whip out that Flonase and AYR nasal saline gel and keep on trucking along... You got this !!

Flowers aren't the only thing that can bloom this Spring! Come sing with me and we'll grow together 🌷

Voice feeling tired? Have a big performance or presentation in a few hours but are worried your voice won't make it? All you need is a straw! (smaller diameters are better!) (reusable is best!)

Get your straw, and begin warming up with some "oooh's", sirens, and other easy sounds. Careful not to push too hard. Phonating, or producing sound through a straw helps our vocal cords to vibrate more efficiently. This is due to the backpressure that minimizes the differentiation in the space between the subglottal and supraglottal spaces.

Subglottal space: Space below vocal folds
Supraglottal space: Space above vocal folds
Semi-Occluded: mouth is partially closed

Pair this technique with lots of water, throat coat, or anything else that helps to hydrate and sooth the throat! You should be vocalizing in no time!

This technique also works if you place the straw in water! Prepare for more bubbles with this version!!

Stay tuned for more semi-occluded vocal exercises and vocal tips!

***Links:

https://youtu.be/COgiz4O4tRw
https://www.voicescienceworks.org/straw-phonation.html