I started a couple of weeks ago incorporating my Singing Straws back into my singing routine. I had Band Rehearsal the other night and notice an incredible difference in my tone and delivery. I now use my singing straws while I'm on the stationary bike. Best investment.
I decided to take singing lessons a couple of years ago and one of the hardest things was learning to breathe correctly. I must say that since using the singing straw for a few weeks now it is more natural that I sing from my diaphragm. My voice is much smoother and stronger. I was definitely surprised that it had an effect on my voice so quickly. I like this warm up too. Thank you.
After practicing with these videos for a month , I asked for a singing straw for christmas and now only one time after using it my voice feels so much stronger and better!
I’m so excited you have a RUclips series now with the singing straw. I just received my straw a few weeks ago and I was loving the Instagram videos, And now this!!!! Thank you so much Whitney.
I just got my singing straw and I am so excited to be using it! I have sang for years but was diagnosed with a thyroid autoimmune disease a few years back and have noticed my voice fatigues so quickly. I am excited to be using this to improve and start feeling better when I sing again. I love all the warm ups and think I will start incorporating them in the mornings after I steam. Thank you!
Hey! I have been taking synthroid for years for a thyroid autoimmune problem, and NO ONE ever mentioned a connection between that and my vocal problems. I have to ask my doctor about this. I am glad I read this. (But of course, sorry that you have voice issues to write about.)
I was told that it could be due to the inflammation around the thyroid. When there is inflammation, the vocal cords can become a bit thicker and make it hard for movement and agility. I hope you find out more info too! Autoimmune conditions are no fun... but glad we have tools like this to help. Best wishes to you for health!
This thread literally changed my life! I have hypothroidism and have different concerns with my voice, but never considered the connection. All I know is this straw saves lives! 🙌🏾 Thank you for starting this conversation. ❤️
Alrighty. I’m gonna try to learn how to sing again and try not to be so hard on myself. Or cringe when I hear myself. Or sing for the bad reasons. Then maybe I’ll finally share a video of me singing that I like. Once I’m more prepped that is. Here’s to 2021!
Wow, it feels so amazing! I don’t know if traditional warmups have left me feeling this warm or open. I just got my straw yesterday and I’m loving it. At some point would you mind sharing a cool down exercise?
My teacher has me do a lot of slow glides with the straw it feels like it is really strengthening the weak parts of my voice A friend recommended I buy yours super cool
Don’t know if you’ll see this but I love this video! I was going to ask if you are going into head voice in the first slide at the upper end of your range? I assume so but wanted to be sure for the purpose of the exercise as my chest only goes so high haha
I try to stay away from using language like "head voice, chest voice, etc" because it's all one voice! I always recommend doing what feels good and natural for you and your voice! I hope that makes sense :)
Thank you so much! In my 30 years of singing, I have never been more excited to do warm-up exercises. After my first 2 different exercise videos, I really felt (and heard!!) the difference in my singing and speaking voice. What's great with singing straw is that you can do it anytime and anywhere without being loud and disrupting your neighbors (one main factor why I don't do regular vocal warm-ups). After my daily singing sessions, I head back to my singing straw to cool down coz it gives me that vocal relief. So I can't thank you enough!
I’ve been singing for a very long time and I’m blown away by this technique! I could feel and hear the difference right away! Warming with a singing straw is my go tool .. it really works!
I am really grateful for that! After observing miraculous results, I might have over pushed this as I’m feeling a little bit of pain on my throat. Any idea on the daily limits of exercising? Thank you.
My straw clogs constantly! How is no one else having this issue? Love the straws but considering I have Sjogrens and dry mouth bc of it….I don’t understand how no one else’s straws get clogged with drops saliva. I have to clear it with the pipe cleaner every time I do one rep of a set in an exercise. Someone please help explain why this is happening and why it only seems to be an issue for myself😭
Excess saliva is totally normal! It can be a little gross, but just wipe it away and keep going! You could also try going up a diameter size to see if that helps (or using 2 or 3 straws at a time). You can always work your way back up to a smaller diameter. I hope that helps :)
Just got my straws today and had to try them out. First question....is there a right and wrong end? Second question is...are my lips supposed to be jiggling too, cuz they are so far, with the littlest one.
When I saw you had silicone straws I bought a pack. My voice teacher has me pinch straws to practice with different air pressures. Most silicone straws are way too long and floppy. Looking forward to getting these!
I think the is a very effective way to warm up in half the time. My Question is: As for vocal warm up, how convenient it is to replace the typical warmup with a solfege with straw phonation. This because I studied here in Italy and they insist on vowel alignment, so every vowel very "forward" and absolutely singing into the mask. So vowels are very important to practice. Should I warm up with a straw to then work out on my vowels? I have to admit that my voice has gained a lot more security when I sing by just doing the straw every day.
The Singing / Straw is a game changer when it comes to building a stronger, healthier, and more balanced voice! It creates resistance when you vocalize, sending energy to the vocal folds, helping them vibrate more efficiently. I would suggest doing a little bit of both straw work and vowel work! You only need a few minutes each day with the Singing /Straw :) I hope that helps!
@@SingingStraw Thanks for answering. Yes , the result of the straw is almost immediate and it is long lasting ( I need to do it just once a day ). And of course, after the straw, vowel exercises are much easier to bring forward and sing "into the mask" Thanks for the tip.
I know this is titled "Daily" warmup, but chould it be done several times a day since this is a short exercise? I saw another video that recommends a 5 minute exercise with a minimum of 1 hour in between each exercise, 7 to 8 times a day. Do you think this is over excessive?
A lot depends on your instrument - so I would say slowly ramp up to more frequent workouts. If once a day feels easy, try 3x a day. Adjust from there based on what your body is telling you. Let me know how it goes!
Do you force the throat for high notes or push from the diaphragm? Also should the outward breath from the straw be consistent and slow? Amazing video and thank you
Hey Kishan! I approach notes in the straw the same as I would on a lyric or vowel. So if I'm doing scales/arpeggios, I'll keep it easy and balanced. If I'm working a belty song, I'll approach it just as strong on the straw. BUT I don't expect the end result to be the same, so it's ok if your voice ends up transitioning in a different place or releasing. Just let the straw do it's magic and return to the lyrics with more ease. And yes, I always say to focus on steady consistent outward breath. Hope that helps!
The Singing / Straw has a much smaller diameter than an ordinary metal straw. Small diameter = more resistance and more benefits! However, you can use a regular straw if that's all you have on hand!
I am having a hard time humming the scale with the straw. Those notes in the scale don’t follow a normal pattern I’m used to hearing. If you could slow down the scale warm up that would be great. I am a beginner and I just received the singing straw.
Thank you for this feedback! It can be tricky at first. I would recommend slowing down the video in settings - that might help! But I will make a note and keep this in mind for future videos. Keep up the great work! :)
Just started on my singing straws....still kinda lost on the technique...to blow or kiss the straw... Still use diaphragm? drop the larynx or not, how to position inside the mouth? This sure feels weird! I stayed on the lower ranges my voice feels tired and very airy, cracky when I move on upper registers. I hope that goes away with practicing...Great start...thank you!
you are looking for the "Goldilocks" of airflow for each pitch. Not too much, not too little. Then you want to make sure that you have support in the airflow, to help give it the increased pressure you need to ascend. I hope that helps answer your question. Let me know!
Im so used to acsending with the ee vowel and opening my mouth when I transition between registers that when I use the straw I start to feel tight like I am pulling chest up so I end up flipping.
It takes time to get comfortable with the straw. It's preventing any bad habits you might be leaning on without the straw, so it might take time. Keep practicing and it will get easier! :)
I just got my singing straw(s) yesterday; did the warm ups today. I've been singing most of my life (this year will be my 68th) but I have post nasal drip and a lot of mucus in the back of my throat which causes me to have a raspy speaking and singing voice a lot of the time. My singing voice becomes fragile sounding quickly so I'm hoping using the singing straw will help at least to strengthen my voice. I'm not sure if it will help to clear up the mucus in my throat though. Any suggestions on what might help with that? I've tried drinking warm lemon water but that didn't work. Also, I started with the 4mm singing straw because my voice has deepened and thickened over the years. Although I can sing in my head voice, it's sometimes a strain to hit higher notes and my voice tends to fade out. But, I wanted to ask is there any reason why I can't switch between the 3 singing straws?
So glad you're here! For mucus, one thing that could help is making sure you're super hydrated (so drinking lots of water). You can also consider a neti-pot and potentially a humidifier if where you live is particularly dry. And yes, you can definitely switch between the 3 sizes of straw, depending on your how your voice feels. Happy Singing!
I went to see one of the top ENT specialists for professional singers, speakers, etc. and she recommended Mucinex which has worked WONDERS. I take it every morning and it is working really well. I also have really bad PND.
I am 81 and have sung and taught all my life .Lately my voice is totally uncooperative. My passage has ( silly auto correct!) Has gone off the map. My voice is raspy and it used to be there for me. Is this age related or what?
It could be! But, that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement. I would defintley keep going with SOVT and straw phonation to help balance and strengthen your voice! You've go this :)
I noticed sometimes you let your cheeks puff up a bit while using the straw. It feels very different to me when I let air into my mouth like that versus when I let it all go straight from my lungs through the straw. Is there a "correct" technique for this? Puff or no puff? P.S.--Thanks so much for this video! I already feel very warmed up and can't wait to explore more exercises with the straw.
Hey! Puffing your cheeks out is totally a personal preference and does not change the benefits you will receive when using the Singing / Straw or other straw phonation tool! :)
So good! Been using the pro set since late December. Started on the big straw and have worked my way up to the small straw. Arguably the best investment for my music career aside from my guitar! If you are on the fence, jump on over. SOVT is amazing!
@@SingingStraw thank you. I’m less than a week in and WOW! It really is magic. I can’t get over it. Just in time to help me improve my stamina and endurance for an upcoming Huge master choral piece with a full orchestra!
There are TONS of benefits that the Singing / Straw provides. Because the straw has a small diameter it creates resistance when you sing, helping to build a stronger, healthier, and more balanced voice. You can check out our website to read more about the benefits! www.singingstraw.com :)
Hi Whitney , I am stoked you are doing a RUclips series , I have been using my singing straw for a few weeks now and am loving it , I was put on to it by a fellow musician friend Amanda Canzurlo , a fabulous vocalist and person and I`m super grateful , I would love any advice you have to kick start vibrato , I have the Brett Manning mastering vibrato series but as a vocalist whose has been working in the industry for some years it is an area that still really challenges me , thankyou so much for the straw and awesome videos , so grateful ! xx .
Do you have any recommendations for a warm up with my straw early morning, I leave for rehearsals at 8:30am so trying to find a way to gently warm up before our intense warmup at the venue, and my voice struggles with the higher range of this early?
Ha! Yes, spit happens to the best of us. It's just the condensation from your breath :) Not much to do! If you really hate it, you can keep a paper towel nearby to blow it out/wipe it down every so often so it doesn't accumulate too much. Good luck!
I was wondering if you are focusing resonance into the nasal cavity when you are doing this? My singing straw arrives today and just wanted to makes sure I’m doing it right. 😁 I was taught when not using the straw at least to push the resonance into the nasal area. Is that right?
Nope, I want the airflow mostly going through the straw, as that is what helps create the benefit. I often will pinch my nose to make sure I don't have a lot of nasal airflow!
What is the best method to clean the straw after use? I cannot find any information on this. I am assuming it is self-explanatory, water and the cleaner, but want to be sure!
It's a personal preference to clean by hand with soap and water or you can put it right in your dishwasher since it's dishwasher safe! I usually recommend cleaning it once a week :)
Is it better to work on the daily exercise or the strain exercise? I feel like I still strain when singing. Or would it be best to alternate. I just really want to know what option is best to focus on if I have strain.
Relax your jaw and open slightly so that your teeth are NOT touching the straw at all. Focus on keeping your lips sealed around the straw but keeping looseness in the jaw/teeth.
I just received my straws today. I've been dealing with damaged cords for a couple of years now. I'm missing a section of my voice that either won't produce sound or take so much air and sounds so breathy. I'm a music teacher and a singer so it has been one of the most frustrating things to deal with. I can't even do these warm-ups that would have been so easy for me years ago. I'm hoping these straws can help me recover because I've all but given up and just accepted that I'll never be able to sing normally again.
Hi Whitney, thank you for this amazing warmup. Could you please share the notes of the long scale, so that I can play it on my guitar to get the right pitches. Cheers
I just got my pro set and lost the middle sized one in less than a week 😭. I don't know how. I was using it to prep for a show. So sad because the smaller one is too advanced for me to even use (was hoping the middle one would get me there eventually) and the larger one just isn't challenging enough.
@@SingingStraw done! I just replied to the email asking "So what do you think?" So it will be a "Re:" rather than a new inquiry. TIA for anything you can do to help 💜
Thanks so much for singing with me Marrianne! Check out this Cool Down video I recently did, ruclips.net/video/Q3bwsj_q0ZQ/видео.html - Hope that helps!
Your voice is a living, breathing thing, so you can learn to expand your range no matter your voice type. Just be mindful never to push or strain to reach notes and rather take it slow, one day at a time. Keep in touch with your body as well and if anything feels off, stop and reset. Good luck!
But if you're wondering what set to get - we reccomend the Original set for those jsut getting started with SOVT and the PRO for more advanced singers :). I hope that helps!
I ordered your straws I see there’s different millimeter sizes which one do you start off with which one do you and with do you have any videos regarding the different size millimeter straws for exercises
Hi Bill! The thinner the straw, the more resistance there will be. We suggest starting with the largest diameter and working your way up to the smaller diameter. You can also use 2 straws at once! Play around with it and see what feels best for your voice!
@@SingingStraw so I received my singing straws today and all three are the same or appears to be the same diameter not marked with diameter either on side so is this a mistake?
Could you do a video for how to fix a breathy voice please? Even my speaking voice is quite breathy so it goes over to my singing voice and it feels like almost a leak of air
Breathiness will definitely release more airflow than a less breathy tone, but you can somewhat adjust how much air is escaping based on how intensely the vocal folds are pressing together - try playing around adding a light 'h' sound to a low volume ooh.
Hi Bill! Sounds like you purchased our Singing / Straw Original, which has three 3mm straws. This is our flagship product and ideal for most singers! You can use one, two or three at a time to adjust the resistance. For those seeking more nuanced sizing, our S/S PRO comes with a 2mm, 3mm and 4mm. Hope that helps!
@@SingingStraw So I don’t necessarily feel I need to use three straws when practicing I don’t have a problem with using the one so I imagine one straw really does the trick and having two or more might just allow for less resistance maybe you’re having a problem with your throat that day or something you don’t wanna push that hard I guess is that my understanding
I apologize for my skepticism... I'd like to research them a bit more, but I wanted to check out the page where they are sold. Is there a link? Thanks and regards... Dennis Wilson
YO - my throat feels weird but in a good way. i guess i’ve never been fully warmed up
HA! That's awesome - yes, warming up is SO beneficial to your vocal health! Keep it up!
My throat hurts lol- guess I just don't do it correctly
I started a couple of weeks ago incorporating my Singing Straws back into my singing routine. I had Band Rehearsal the other night and notice an incredible difference in my tone and delivery. I now use my singing straws while I'm on the stationary bike. Best investment.
So glad the SInging / Straw has been a helpful tool for you! Keep up the amazing work!
I'm actually kinda blown away at how much this has helped me improve!
LOVE to hear that :) It's like magic!!!
I decided to take singing lessons a couple of years ago and one of the hardest things was learning to breathe correctly. I must say that since using the singing straw for a few weeks now it is more natural that I sing from my diaphragm. My voice is much smoother and stronger. I was definitely surprised that it had an effect on my voice so quickly. I like this warm up too. Thank you.
LOVE this!! So happy it is helping you. :) Keep up the great work!
After practicing with these videos for a month , I asked for a singing straw for christmas and now only one time after using it my voice feels so much stronger and better!
YAY! SO happy to hear that!
I’m so excited you have a RUclips series now with the singing straw. I just received my straw a few weeks ago and I was loving the Instagram videos, And now this!!!! Thank you so much Whitney.
Awesome!! So glad to hear you got your S/S, more videos to come :)
Voice feels stronger already after two days!
I just got my singing straw and I am so excited to be using it! I have sang for years but was diagnosed with a thyroid autoimmune disease a few years back and have noticed my voice fatigues so quickly. I am excited to be using this to improve and start feeling better when I sing again. I love all the warm ups and think I will start incorporating them in the mornings after I steam. Thank you!
Wonderful to hear Carrie! Keep it up!
Hey! I have been taking synthroid for years for a thyroid autoimmune problem, and NO ONE ever mentioned a connection between that and my vocal problems. I have to ask my doctor about this. I am glad I read this. (But of course, sorry that you have voice issues to write about.)
I was told that it could be due to the inflammation around the thyroid. When there is inflammation, the vocal cords can become a bit thicker and make it hard for movement and agility. I hope you find out more info too! Autoimmune conditions are no fun... but glad we have tools like this to help. Best wishes to you for health!
This thread literally changed my life! I have hypothroidism and have different concerns with my voice, but never considered the connection. All I know is this straw saves lives! 🙌🏾 Thank you for starting this conversation. ❤️
Wow! I have hypo and hashimotos and never thought to connect why my voice gets tired so quickly. This is great information! :)
Alrighty. I’m gonna try to learn how to sing again and try not to be so hard on myself. Or cringe when I hear myself. Or sing for the bad reasons. Then maybe I’ll finally share a video of me singing that I like. Once I’m more prepped that is. Here’s to 2021!
Just remember that we are our own worst critics. Can't wait to hear your voice! Keep practicing. You got this!
I'm loving it so much because I don't wake up anybody warming up at 4 AM 😊
I just used the straw for the first time today. So I have a lot if practice I need to do. I didn't feel any straining in my neck so far so good.
Yay! Keep it up!
Wow, it feels so amazing! I don’t know if traditional warmups have left me feeling this warm or open. I just got my straw yesterday and I’m loving it. At some point would you mind sharing a cool down exercise?
Awesome!!! So glad to hear Erica. Most definitely - a cool down video is coming soon :)
Which color straw did you get?
@@Zay-yv9co I ordered the original straws when they came out last year - the silver ones :) do you have one?
@@ericac4128 no I’m planing to tho! Do you mind telling me how the packaging comes? Cuz I don’t want my family to find out I ordererd it😭
@@ericac4128 how does it come in packaging before you open it?
Thank you love this one❤️
So glad!
My teacher has me do a lot of slow glides with the straw it feels like it is really strengthening the weak parts of my voice
A friend recommended I buy yours super cool
That's awesome to hear!
I just ordered my singing straw and I can't wait...so excited!
Yay!! So excited for you!
Thanks for the great videos 😃 This note is for me to reference each day when I start this warm up.
0:28
Keep up the great work!!
Really liked this one. Short but seemed like it helped.
Rehabbing after vocal cord surgery to remove a polyp. Long road back.
Yay! I'm going to get my students to warm up before their lesson with this video! :)
Thank you Gemma!!!
Me too!
I just got my singing straw and I'm seeing a major improvement already. I love all the exercises!
Yay!!! It really is magic. So glad to hear you're getting results!
So helpful :) Thank you!
Thank you 🙏☺️
You’re welcome 😊
Five days and I am regaining my upper range again!
Don’t know if you’ll see this but I love this video! I was going to ask if you are going into head voice in the first slide at the upper end of your range? I assume so but wanted to be sure for the purpose of the exercise as my chest only goes so high haha
I try to stay away from using language like "head voice, chest voice, etc" because it's all one voice! I always recommend doing what feels good and natural for you and your voice! I hope that makes sense :)
Thank you so much! In my 30 years of singing, I have never been more excited to do warm-up exercises. After my first 2 different exercise videos, I really felt (and heard!!) the difference in my singing and speaking voice. What's great with singing straw is that you can do it anytime and anywhere without being loud and disrupting your neighbors (one main factor why I don't do regular vocal warm-ups). After my daily singing sessions, I head back to my singing straw to cool down coz it gives me that vocal relief. So I can't thank you enough!
Thank YOU so much!! This is why we do what we do! SO happy that the Singing / Straw has been helping you. Keep up the great work!
Wow this is helpful 🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲
Glad it was helpful!
Heard about this warm-up and tried it. Nice to have a fun, short warm-up that works.
Awesome, I'm so glad you enjoyed it Jennifer!
Thank you! :)
You're welcome!
Loved it... I was looking for a short and easy warm up to practice! Thanks!
You're so welcome!
I’ve been singing for a very long time and I’m blown away by this technique! I could feel and hear the difference right away! Warming with a singing straw is my go tool .. it really works!
We are so happy this technique has been helpful for you!! Keep up the amazing work!
I use this warmup on days when I need to be quick - then I fluctuate between weeks 1-4 of the course for other daily workouts. Thanks!
You're so welcome!
I am really grateful for that! After observing miraculous results, I might have over pushed this as I’m feeling a little bit of pain on my throat. Any idea on the daily limits of exercising? Thank you.
I love it! It’s the most productive and effective technique I have ever practiced.
Totally agree! ;) So happy it's helping you!
I just received mine today. Really looking forward to using it and mainly its benefits. Thank you.
My straw clogs constantly! How is no one else having this issue? Love the straws but considering I have Sjogrens and dry mouth bc of it….I don’t understand how no one else’s straws get clogged with drops saliva. I have to clear it with the pipe cleaner every time I do one rep of a set in an exercise. Someone please help explain why this is happening and why it only seems to be an issue for myself😭
Excess saliva is totally normal! It can be a little gross, but just wipe it away and keep going! You could also try going up a diameter size to see if that helps (or using 2 or 3 straws at a time). You can always work your way back up to a smaller diameter. I hope that helps :)
nice :) thank you for this video!
You're so welcome! More coming :)
Hi, Whitney, How do I get a replacement straw for the one you always use (medium). I've misplaced it and need it to get ready for a performance,
Reach out to our S/S Customer Service team, they can help you out! hello (at) singingstraw.com.
Just got my straws today and had to try them out. First question....is there a right and wrong end? Second question is...are my lips supposed to be jiggling too, cuz they are so far, with the littlest one.
Nope! Either end will do :). As for your lips, make sure they are secure around the straw. You don't want any air leaking out. Hope that helps!
Works better with the other end 🍑
Those are great warm ups! Love the singing straw!
Thank you so much!
Do you have to use it everyday? Or is it like a muscle you can exercise so doing it everyday is not necessary after a long time of use.
We recommend a few minutes each day!
@@SingingStraw OK, so if I forgett it one day my voice will be same as as before I startet?
When I saw you had silicone straws I bought a pack. My voice teacher has me pinch straws to practice with different air pressures. Most silicone straws are way too long and floppy. Looking forward to getting these!
Hope you love them!! :D
Hii I don’t if you will respond but is it a good sign if at first using 1 straw was hard but now it’s easier ??
YES! That is a great sign!! Keep up the great work :)
I think the is a very effective way to warm up in half the time. My Question is: As for vocal warm up, how convenient it is to replace the typical warmup with a solfege with straw phonation. This because I studied here in Italy and they insist on vowel alignment, so every vowel very "forward" and absolutely singing into the mask. So vowels are very important to practice. Should I warm up with a straw to then work out on my vowels? I have to admit that my voice has gained a lot more security when I sing by just doing the straw every day.
The Singing / Straw is a game changer when it comes to building a stronger, healthier, and more balanced voice! It creates resistance when you vocalize, sending energy to the vocal folds, helping them vibrate more efficiently. I would suggest doing a little bit of both straw work and vowel work! You only need a few minutes each day with the Singing /Straw :) I hope that helps!
@@SingingStraw Thanks for answering. Yes , the result of the straw is almost immediate and it is long lasting ( I need to do it just once a day ). And of course, after the straw, vowel exercises are much easier to bring forward and sing "into the mask" Thanks for the tip.
I which you did a Male Tenor Series Mademoiselle !
Brilliant!
Thanks so much!
I know this is titled "Daily" warmup, but chould it be done several times a day since this is a short exercise? I saw another video that recommends a 5 minute exercise with a minimum of 1 hour in between each exercise, 7 to 8 times a day. Do you think this is over excessive?
A lot depends on your instrument - so I would say slowly ramp up to more frequent workouts. If once a day feels easy, try 3x a day. Adjust from there based on what your body is telling you. Let me know how it goes!
Do you force the throat for high notes or push from the diaphragm? Also should the outward breath from the straw be consistent and slow? Amazing video and thank you
Hey Kishan! I approach notes in the straw the same as I would on a lyric or vowel. So if I'm doing scales/arpeggios, I'll keep it easy and balanced. If I'm working a belty song, I'll approach it just as strong on the straw. BUT I don't expect the end result to be the same, so it's ok if your voice ends up transitioning in a different place or releasing. Just let the straw do it's magic and return to the lyrics with more ease. And yes, I always say to focus on steady consistent outward breath. Hope that helps!
Are the singing straws made specially or could I use an ordinary metal straw?
The Singing / Straw has a much smaller diameter than an ordinary metal straw. Small diameter = more resistance and more benefits! However, you can use a regular straw if that's all you have on hand!
I am having a hard time humming the scale with the straw. Those notes in the scale don’t follow a normal pattern I’m used to hearing. If you could slow down the scale warm up that would be great. I am a beginner and I just received the singing straw.
Thank you for this feedback! It can be tricky at first. I would recommend slowing down the video in settings - that might help! But I will make a note and keep this in mind for future videos. Keep up the great work! :)
My favorite exercise is the arpeggio with the hold at the top. Would like to take it higher up the scale.
That's a great one!
Just started on my singing straws....still kinda lost on the technique...to blow or kiss the straw... Still use diaphragm? drop the larynx or not, how to position inside the mouth? This sure feels weird! I stayed on the lower ranges my voice feels tired and very airy, cracky when I move on upper registers. I hope that goes away with practicing...Great start...thank you!
Just keep practicing and check out my other videos for more help!
You blow
Should your air flow always remain the same ? And if you don’t get vibrato am I doing it wrong??
you are looking for the "Goldilocks" of airflow for each pitch. Not too much, not too little. Then you want to make sure that you have support in the airflow, to help give it the increased pressure you need to ascend. I hope that helps answer your question. Let me know!
Your referred to yourself as "creator of the singing straw".
Yes! I am!
Im so used to acsending with the ee vowel and opening my mouth when I transition between registers that when I use the straw I start to feel tight like I am pulling chest up so I end up flipping.
It takes time to get comfortable with the straw. It's preventing any bad habits you might be leaning on without the straw, so it might take time. Keep practicing and it will get easier! :)
I just got my singing straw(s) yesterday; did the warm ups today. I've been singing most of my life (this year will be my 68th) but I have post nasal drip and a lot of mucus in the back of my throat which causes me to have a raspy speaking and singing voice a lot of the time. My singing voice becomes fragile sounding quickly so I'm hoping using the singing straw will help at least to strengthen my voice. I'm not sure if it will help to clear up the mucus in my throat though. Any suggestions on what might help with that? I've tried drinking warm lemon water but that didn't work. Also, I started with the 4mm singing straw because my voice has deepened and thickened over the years. Although I can sing in my head voice, it's sometimes a strain to hit higher notes and my voice tends to fade out. But, I wanted to ask is there any reason why I can't switch between the 3 singing straws?
So glad you're here! For mucus, one thing that could help is making sure you're super hydrated (so drinking lots of water). You can also consider a neti-pot and potentially a humidifier if where you live is particularly dry. And yes, you can definitely switch between the 3 sizes of straw, depending on your how your voice feels. Happy Singing!
I went to see one of the top ENT specialists for professional singers, speakers, etc. and she recommended Mucinex which has worked WONDERS. I take it every morning and it is working really well. I also have really bad PND.
thank you v much! i enjoyed that
Glad you enjoyed it!
I am 81 and have sung and taught all my life .Lately my voice is totally uncooperative. My passage has ( silly auto correct!) Has gone off the map. My voice is raspy and it used to be there for me. Is this age related or what?
It could be! But, that doesn't mean that there isn't room for improvement. I would defintley keep going with SOVT and straw phonation to help balance and strengthen your voice! You've go this :)
I noticed sometimes you let your cheeks puff up a bit while using the straw. It feels very different to me when I let air into my mouth like that versus when I let it all go straight from my lungs through the straw. Is there a "correct" technique for this? Puff or no puff?
P.S.--Thanks so much for this video! I already feel very warmed up and can't wait to explore more exercises with the straw.
Hey! Puffing your cheeks out is totally a personal preference and does not change the benefits you will receive when using the Singing / Straw or other straw phonation tool! :)
@@SingingStraw Got it! Thanks so much!
Are you supposed to feel air coming out of the straw or not?
Yes!
So good! Been using the pro set since late December. Started on the big straw and have worked my way up to the small straw. Arguably the best investment for my music career aside from my guitar! If you are on the fence, jump on over. SOVT is amazing!
I just got my straw. Is it normal for my voice to feel a little wobbly on the lower notes?
That's normal - it just takes time to adjust to the sensation of the back pressure, give it time and those notes should come back soon!
@@SingingStraw thank you. I’m less than a week in and WOW! It really is magic. I can’t get over it. Just in time to help me improve my stamina and endurance for an upcoming Huge master choral piece with a full orchestra!
What are the benefits of the singing straw, as opposed to just doing singing warm-ups?
There are TONS of benefits that the Singing / Straw provides. Because the straw has a small diameter it creates resistance when you sing, helping to build a stronger, healthier, and more balanced voice. You can check out our website to read more about the benefits! www.singingstraw.com :)
When do you start seeing improvements?
After just a few minutes you will notice a difference! And it keeps getting better from there with daily use :)
Hi Whitney , I am stoked you are doing a RUclips series , I have been using my singing straw for a few weeks now and am loving it , I was put on to it by a fellow musician friend Amanda Canzurlo , a fabulous vocalist and person and I`m super grateful , I would love any advice you have to kick start vibrato , I have the Brett Manning mastering vibrato series but as a vocalist whose has been working in the industry for some years it is an area that still really challenges me , thankyou so much for the straw and awesome videos , so grateful ! xx .
Ah thanks for sharing Wendy! (Love Amanda
I liked them all; great workout :)
Thank you Linda!!! More coming :)
I play this at .75 speed and love it haha it’s a little easier - but one thing why start with the hardest and highest scale pattern?! 🥵 Oy!
You got this!! Keep practicing!
My first time at this. Not really sure I’m doing it right but it was fun.
Keep at it!! Always do what feels best for your voice and let us know if you have any questions :)
singing straw can't you do that with any straw
You can, but regular straws have a much larger diameter so they won't give you as many benefits!
Do you have any recommendations for a warm up with my straw early morning, I leave for rehearsals at 8:30am so trying to find a way to gently warm up before our intense warmup at the venue, and my voice struggles with the higher range of this early?
I just posted a quick warm up on Instagram! (less than a minute!) - check it out and let me know what you think!
Weird question I have but, is there like a certain length we should be inserting the straw to our mouths? Or is like just at the tip of my lip okay?
Yes that is perfect. Just where it feels natural!!
i don't push or anything and it's all in my range but my throat still hurts a lot and neck as well ouch
Hmm...we don't want that! I would suggest using a larger diameter straw if possible. Then, you can work your way back up as it becomes easier!
@@SingingStraw thank you! 💜 i'll try
Spot always comes out at the end of my straw! So gross. How do I stop this?
Ha! Yes, spit happens to the best of us. It's just the condensation from your breath :) Not much to do! If you really hate it, you can keep a paper towel nearby to blow it out/wipe it down every so often so it doesn't accumulate too much. Good luck!
Use a cup n front of you.
I was wondering if you are focusing resonance into the nasal cavity when you are doing this?
My singing straw arrives today and just wanted to makes sure I’m doing it right. 😁 I was taught when not using the straw at least to push the resonance into the nasal area. Is that right?
Nope, I want the airflow mostly going through the straw, as that is what helps create the benefit. I often will pinch my nose to make sure I don't have a lot of nasal airflow!
Love it! Used before my speech therapy sessions! Also, how do you clean the straw?
Yay!! You can use soap and the small straw brush to clean but they are also dishwasher safe :)
What is the best method to clean the straw after use? I cannot find any information on this. I am assuming it is self-explanatory, water and the cleaner, but want to be sure!
It's a personal preference to clean by hand with soap and water or you can put it right in your dishwasher since it's dishwasher safe! I usually recommend cleaning it once a week :)
Is it better to work on the daily exercise or the strain exercise? I feel like I still strain when singing. Or would it be best to alternate. I just really want to know what option is best to focus on if I have strain.
I'd suggest alternating! Let me know how it goes :)
My front teeth hurts after doing the exercises. Is that normal, and if so, how can I avoid that pain? Thanks in advance
Relax your jaw and open slightly so that your teeth are NOT touching the straw at all. Focus on keeping your lips sealed around the straw but keeping looseness in the jaw/teeth.
I just received my straws today. I've been dealing with damaged cords for a couple of years now. I'm missing a section of my voice that either won't produce sound or take so much air and sounds so breathy. I'm a music teacher and a singer so it has been one of the most frustrating things to deal with. I can't even do these warm-ups that would have been so easy for me years ago. I'm hoping these straws can help me recover because I've all but given up and just accepted that I'll never be able to sing normally again.
We hope they help!! Keep us posted on your journey and let us know if you ever have questions :)
Hi Whitney, thank you for this amazing warmup. Could you please share the notes of the long scale, so that I can play it on my guitar to get the right pitches. Cheers
I just got my pro set and lost the middle sized one in less than a week 😭. I don't know how. I was using it to prep for a show. So sad because the smaller one is too advanced for me to even use (was hoping the middle one would get me there eventually) and the larger one just isn't challenging enough.
Oh no! Send us an email: hello@singingstraw.com :)
@@SingingStraw done! I just replied to the email asking "So what do you think?" So it will be a "Re:" rather than a new inquiry. TIA for anything you can do to help 💜
Hi Whitney, thank you for this and your other videos. Can we have a singing warm down video with or without talking please. Thanks Marrianne
Thanks so much for singing with me Marrianne! Check out this Cool Down video I recently did, ruclips.net/video/Q3bwsj_q0ZQ/видео.html - Hope that helps!
Can I do the high notes if I’m a baritone, I want to be able to sing low and high ranges is that possible ?
Your voice is a living, breathing thing, so you can learn to expand your range no matter your voice type. Just be mindful never to push or strain to reach notes and rather take it slow, one day at a time. Keep in touch with your body as well and if anything feels off, stop and reset. Good luck!
@@SingingStraw my voice sounds nasally and forced
@@SingingStraw so imbasically blowing into the straw right? how does it effect singing?
Is this SOVT warm up
Yes! Straw phonation is a form of SOVT exercise.
Hi just wondering if it is better to do this after voiced warm ups or after? Thank you xxx
Should you feel a little vibration in the lips? I just got my singing straw pros !
Yes, feeling vibration is normal! So excited for you :)
Thank you!!
You're so welcome!
Which straw should, I use for a soprano singer?
Do what feels best for you and your voice!
But if you're wondering what set to get - we reccomend the Original set for those jsut getting started with SOVT and the PRO for more advanced singers :). I hope that helps!
@@SingingStraw I have the original set. A voice teacher told for Soprano singers, I need the bigger straw.
Thank you Whitney!
Yay, glad to help voices everywhere
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I ordered your straws I see there’s different millimeter sizes which one do you start off with which one do you and with do you have any videos regarding the different size millimeter straws for exercises
Hi Bill! The thinner the straw, the more resistance there will be. We suggest starting with the largest diameter and working your way up to the smaller diameter. You can also use 2 straws at once! Play around with it and see what feels best for your voice!
@@SingingStraw so I received my singing straws today and all three are the same or appears to be the same diameter not marked with diameter either on side so is this a mistake?
where's the getting started video?
Linked here: ruclips.net/video/8ER8gm-jGkA/видео.html
Could you do a video for how to fix a breathy voice please? Even my speaking voice is quite breathy so it goes over to my singing voice and it feels like almost a leak of air
Breathiness will definitely release more airflow than a less breathy tone, but you can somewhat adjust how much air is escaping based on how intensely the vocal folds are pressing together - try playing around adding a light 'h' sound to a low volume ooh.
@@SingingStraw thanks I’ve actually tried that before it seems to be a problem I can’t fix though
Just got my straws in the mail. Ready to heal up!
So exciting!
I do it everyday! Thank you so much.
You're so welcome!
I was just gifted this by my friend, and it is really cool! I really enjoyed the warm up!
What a great friend! :) So happy you are enjoying it.
Just received my singing straw but they all appear to be the same size/diameter they are not marked with diameters either so is this correct
Hi Bill! Sounds like you purchased our Singing / Straw Original, which has three 3mm straws. This is our flagship product and ideal for most singers! You can use one, two or three at a time to adjust the resistance. For those seeking more nuanced sizing, our S/S PRO comes with a 2mm, 3mm and 4mm. Hope that helps!
@@SingingStraw So I don’t necessarily feel I need to use three straws when practicing I don’t have a problem with using the one so I imagine one straw really does the trick and having two or more might just allow for less resistance maybe you’re having a problem with your throat that day or something you don’t wanna push that hard I guess is that my understanding
Thank you so much!!!! Just subscribed! 🤍
Thank YOU!!
I apologize for my skepticism... I'd like to research them a bit more, but I wanted to check out the page where they are sold. Is there a link? Thanks and regards... Dennis Wilson
Understood, I was skeptical when I first learned of straw phonation too! Here’s a link to our website: www.singingstraw.com
How do you buy your singing straw
Saw in your other comment that you were able to purchase! Yay!
Are you supposed to wash it out each use?
You can! I usually recommend cleaning it at least once per week.
@@SingingStraw Ok cool thanks