Do More Vocal Warm Ups Lead to Better Singing?
- Dorothy Thorpe
- Apr 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
Why effective routines beat endless warmups every time
1. The "More Must Be Better" Myth
I’ve had students come to lessons doing all kinds of vocal exercises, from my YouTube channel, my mp3 albums, and beyond, but with no clear idea of how to use them.
They’ll string together random warmups they’ve picked up online, or cycle through 20 exercises they’ve saved without really knowing what each one does. It’s not laziness, it’s overwhelm.
The assumption is often: if I do more, I’ll improve more. But singing doesn’t work like that. Doing more exercises doesn’t automatically make your voice stronger, more flexible, or more reliable. In fact, it can sometimes get in the way.
2. The Real Problem with Vocal Warm-Up Routines
When your routine is made up of disconnected exercises — with no real purpose behind their order or function, you’re left guessing:
Am I warming up or just tiring out my voice?
Am I actually targeting what I need today?
Why do I still feel stuck, even though I’m "doing the work"?
Most singers (and coaches) have never been shown how to structure a functional vocal routine. Instead, we collect exercises like they’re Pokémon cards — hoping we’ve caught the right one.
A great vocal routine isn’t about how much you do, it’s about why you do it.
3. The Hidden Solution: Vocal Function
Here’s what most routines are missing: functional intention.
A smart warmup should be built around how your voice works:
Chest voice: Bringing in depth and clarity
Head voice: Developing upper register access and stretch
Mix coordination: Blending without strain
Registration transitions: Smoothing breaks
Slack vs. stretch: Understanding vocal fold behaviour
Once you know what each exercise is targeting, you can build a routine that fits you. One that balances your voice instead of just running it through the motions.
This doesn’t mean you need to be a voice scientist. It just means choosing exercises that serve your current vocal need.
4. How Most Singers (and Coaches) Get Stuck
Even with the best of intentions, many singers fall into one of these traps:
Overwhelm: Too many options, not enough clarity
Randomness: Routines that jump around with no progression
Copycatting: Using someone else’s warmup without knowing what it’s designed to do
Overtraining: Hammering the same part of the voice every day
And coaches often struggle too, especially when trying to build routines that support a wide range of student needs. You’re not just teaching songs, you’re managing voice development, fatigue, stylistic demands, and confidence, all at once.
That’s a lot to juggle without a clear system.
5. What to Do Instead
This is exactly why I created the Vocal Routine Finder.
It’s a fast-access system designed to save singers and teachers from wasting time searching for exercises, and keep lessons flowing smoothly.
Inside the Finder, you’ll get:
Instant access to 60+ YouTube-based vocal exercises curated into 22 routines
25 Playlists organized by different vocal needs (e.g., chest voice, agility, etc.)
A Quick-Reference Guide so you can find the right routine in seconds
Clickable links and QR codes to jump straight to the routines
A system designed specifically for busy singing teachers and singers
No more guessing, no more scrolling. Just structured routines at your fingertips, ready when you need them.
6. Bonus: What Makes a Great Vocal Routine?
Here are four key things to look for:
Start with Activation — Begin gently. Get the voice moving without high demands.
Target What You Need — Choose 2–3 exercises that develop your current vocal focus.
Build in Progression — Move from easier tasks to slightly more complex ones.
Stay Balanced — Avoid always training one part of the voice. Vary your routine through the week.
And above all, check in with your voice each day. No routine is perfect if it doesn’t respond to your voice in the moment.
7. Ready to Simplify Your Routine?
If your warmups feel scattered, or you’re tired of asking "is this even helping?", the Vocal Routine Guide is here to simplify the process.
🎯 Over 60+ targeted vocal exercises curated into 22 Routines (soon 26)
🎯 25 easy-access playlists
🎯 Quick-reference guide with QR codes and links
🎯 Built specifically for busy singers and singing teachers
🎯 30-day money-back guarantee
Teach more. Search less. Progress faster.
Have questions? Leave a comment or send me a DM, always happy to chat vocal routines!
Take Control of Your Vocal Routine? 🎤
Get your FREE CHEAT SHEET to start building a customised practice plan that’s right for you. This guide gives you easy access to exercises from Dots Singing, organized by category and clickable for quick reference.
👉 Grab it now and take the guesswork out of your practice time!
More Resources For Vocal Success
📘 Vocal Exercise Routine Guide
Ready to structure your practice like a pro? This guide shows you how to build a balanced vocal routine with 20 exercises, essential terminology, and examples for male and female voices. View the Guide ➔
🗂️ Vocal Routine Finder
Quickly locate the right vocal routine with this organized, clickable guide. Tailored for singers and teachers, it provides instant access to curated routines from Dots Singing’s YouTube playlists. Explore the Finder ➔
🎶 5 Album Bundle
Get over 130 essential vocal exercises in one bundle. Perfect for all levels, this collection builds strength, flexibility, and confidence in your voice.
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