Why Warm Up

Your vocal folds are delicate layered tissues controlled by small laryngeal muscles and covered in mucous membrane. When you first start using them, they can be stiffer, less responsive, and more prone to strain — a bit like asking any finely coordinated body system to work hard before it is ready.

Professional singers usually avoid performing without warming up. Teachers, speakers, and anyone who uses their voice extensively should adopt the same habit. A 5-minute warm-up can reduce the vocal fatigue and hoarseness that can come from pushing cold vocal cords into heavy use.