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How to Perform the Siren Vocal Exercise?

Published in Singing Warm-ups 2 mins read

To perform the siren vocal exercise, a popular singing warm-up, you will focus on the 'ng' sound while smoothly gliding your pitch up and down. This helps to connect your vocal registers and improve breath control.

What is the Siren Exercise?

In the context of singing warm-ups, a siren involves holding the 'ng' part of the word 'sing' and then moving up and down pitch on that 'ng' sound. It's a technique designed to engage the vocal cords smoothly across your range.

How to Perform the Siren Warm-up

Performing the siren exercise is straightforward and involves a specific tongue position and continuous pitch movement.

Here are the steps:

  1. Find the 'ng' Sound: Start by saying the word "sing". Focus on the sound at the very end, the 'ng' sound. This is the sound you will use for the exercise.
  2. Position Your Tongue: While making the 'ng' sound, pay attention to your tongue. Your tongue will be up at the back connected to the roof of your mouth. This is crucial for the correct execution.
  3. Control Airflow: With your tongue in this position, no air can come out of the mouth. The sound and airflow should be directed through your nose.
  4. Glide the Pitch: While continuously holding this 'ng' sound and maintaining the correct tongue position, begin to move up and down pitch. Start from a comfortable low note, smoothly glide your voice upwards as high as is comfortable without strain, and then smoothly glide back down to your starting note (or even lower).
  5. Repeat: Continue performing these smooth upward and downward glides on the 'ng' sound. Focus on keeping the transition between pitches seamless throughout your range.

This exercise is effective for warming up the voice, improving vocal agility, and bridging vocal registers (like chest voice and head voice) without abrupt breaks.