Chorus Practice Tips

Singing is perhaps the easiest and most difficult form of musical performance. Since you are relying on your own body to "play" the music, you must stay healthy and strong. Be patient, as it may take some students years to master certain vocal techniques. Whether or not you take private instruction in voice, you may use these guidelines to help you achieve your singing goals.

Elementary Level

1. When you practice singing, always warm up first. Take a few deep breaths, holding in, then letting go using an "s" sound (like hissing.) Hum softly, low and high, gradually getting a little louder.

2. Sing vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u) in small scale patterns.

3. When trying to memorize a song, think in small sections, even one line at a time. Then try larger parts of 2 lines or 4 lines. You may also try writing down the words to see if you really know them!

4. Don't over sing! Trying to sing too loud may cause your throat to become temporarily damaged! "Belting" is NOT recommended at this age level!

Middle School Level

1. Always do a warm up before you begin your practice session. Do a few breathing exercises and a little light humming and singing, using vowel sounds.

2. Sing a few more difficult scale exercises, using both vowels and consonants. Be sure to stand correctly and use good air support.

3. When practicing songs, take one section at a time, observing good technique (breathing, phrasing, song style, diction, and dynamics.)

4. Be sure to relax the jaw and face muscles.

5. Don't rush! Take the time to really listen to yourself and think about what you can improve.

High School Level

1. Be sure to warm up sufficiently before practicing, so that you are "physically" ready to sing. Try to warm up a few notes higher than you will need to sing in class or for performances.

2. Utilize some challenging scale studies and intervals to sing that will develop your listening. Remember that the best singers have well-trained ears. Solfege exercises are an excellent resource.

3. Try to learn as much as you can about the voice! Visit websites, read books, take voice lessons, etc. The more you know about singing, the more advanced and versatile you can become!

4. Be well-prepared for any choral classes or lessons. Practice your music from all aspects of musicality, including style and phrasing, diction, dynamics, and proper breath support.

5. Really listen to yourself and analyze which specific areas need improvement. Take the music a line or verse at a time, repeating several times, striving to make each repetition better in some way. Don't be too hard on yourself, but plan an organized method of how to achieve your goals, and DO IT!

Chorus Practice Tips

Elementary Level

Middle School Level

High School Level

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