Vocal Function Exercises

(Re: Joseph Stemple, Ph.D., SLP)

The Vocal Function Exercises should be done twice in a row, two times per day. They should be produced as softly as is possible with an easy onset (initiation of sound) and forward placement of the tone (avoid a swallowed or dark vocal sound).

Exercise 1- Warm-up Exercise: Sustain the vowel sound "eee" for as long as possible on the musical note F above middle C for women, below middle C for men. The tone should be produced as softly as possible, but without breathiness. A good supported deep breath should proceed voice. The "eee" should be produced with an extreme "forward" tone focus; almost, but not quite nasal. The goal is to sustain the sound without breaks for as long as possible. Sustain an "eee" as long as possible. Goal: 40 sec without breaks or of the same duration as your maximum sustained /s/.

Exercise 2- Stretching Exercise: Glide from your lowest to your highest note on the word "knoll" or on a lip or tongue trill. Voice should be soft, and a forward focus used. If breaks occur, continue to glide without hesitating. Goal: no voice breaks.

Exercise 3 – Contracting Exercise: Glide from a comfortable high note to your lowest note on the word "knoll" or on a lip or tongue trill. Voice should be soft, and a forward focus used. If breaks occur, continue to glide without hesitating. Goal: no voice breaks.

Exercise 4 – Low-impact Adductory Power Exercise: Sustain the musical notes C-D-E-F-G, each as long as possible on the word "ol" ("old" without the "d"). Lips should be rounded; a sympathetic vibration should be felt on the lips. Goal: same as exercise 1.

Following Systematic Taper is Recommended

Week 1 – Full program 2 times each, 2 times per day, preferably in

morning and evening

Week 2 – Full program 2 times each, 1 time per day in morning

Week 3 – Full program 1 time each, 1 time per day in morning

Week 4 – Exercise 4, 2 times each, 1 time per day in morning

Week 5 – Exercise 4, 1 time each, 1 time per day in morning

Week 6 – Exercise 4, 2 times each, 3 times per week in morning

Week 7 – Exercise 4, 1 time each, 1 time per week in morning

Adapted from Stemple, Joseph (2006) Voice Therapy: Clinical Studies. Singular, pp.41-46.

Vocal Function Exercises explained at:

http://www.gbmc.org/voice/vocalwarmups.cfm

Available on CD. See following link for details:

http://www.pluralpublishing.com/publications_communicare.htm