#repost Legendary Usher Raymond warming up shortly before a performance - Vocal warmups are essential for singers, actors, and public speakers because they prepare the voice for use, much like stretching before an exercise. Here's why they're important: 1. Increased blood flow to the vocal cords & surrounding structures in the larynx: This network of blood vessels is vital for their function, allowing the vocal cords to vibrate for speech and singing while helping them stay healthy and recover from stress or strain. Warmups increase circulation, making the vocal cords more pliable and less prone to injury. (Gray et al., 2000; Titze, 2000) 2. Improved vocal range and flexibility: Warmups help you access your full vocal range and navigate between high and low notes with ease. 3. Enhanced resonance and tone: By warming up your resonators (throat, mouth, nasal cavities), you produce a richer, fuller sound. 4. Reduced tension: Warmups release tension in the neck, jaw, and shoulders, allowing for freer vocal production. 5. Mental preparation: The act of warming up focuses your mind and body on the task at hand, improving performance. Think of vocal warmups as a tune-up for your voice, ensuring it's ready to perform at its best (optimally). 6. Increased Tissue Temperature: Gentle exercises like humming or lip trills raise the temperature of the tissues in and around the vocal cords. This warmth improves elasticity and enhances blood flow (Watts et al., 2004). 7. Muscle Activation: Vocal warmups engage the muscles that support the vocal cords, improving their vascular activity and readiness for more intense use (Titze, 2000) References: Gray, S. D., Hammond, T. H., & Hanson, D. F. (2000). Physiology of vocal fold tissue and vocal fold healing. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 33(4), 679–698. Sivasankar, M., & Fisher, K. V. (2007). Vocal fold epithelial response to luminal osmotic perturbation. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 50(4), 886–898. https://lnkd.in/d4S7KT7G) Titze, I. R. (2000). Principles of voice production (2nd ed.). National Center for Voice and Speech. Watts, C. R., Awan, S. N., & Maryn, Y. (2004). Effects of vocal warmup on laryngeal muscle activity. Journal of Voice, 18(1), 72–81. https://lnkd.in/dbS26QtC #vocalwarmup #vocal training #collsmusicacademy