Here’s a sample voice training plan tailored for beginner vocal students, focusing on developing basic vocal technique, breath support, and confidence in singing.
Sample Beginner Vocal Training Plan
Frequency: 1-2 lessons per week
Duration: 60 minutes per session
#1. Warm-ups (5-10 minutes)
- Breathing Exercises: Start with basic breath awareness.
- Example: Diaphragmatic Breathing– Inhale deeply through the nose, allowing the belly to expand, then exhale slowly through the mouth. Repeat 5-8 times.
- Example: Hissing Exercise– Inhale for 4 counts, then exhale on a "sss" sound for 4 counts, gradually lengthening the exhalation.
- Gentle Humming: Hum on a comfortable pitch to engage the vocal cords and warm up the voice gently.
- Example: Hum up and down a 5-note scale (C-D-E-F-G-F-E-D-C) while focusing on relaxing the throat.
#2. Vocal Technique (10-15 minutes)
- Pitch Accuracy: Begin with simple 5-note scales or solfège (Do-Re-Mi) to help learn to match pitches.
- Example: Simple Major Scale– Sing each note clearly, aiming for even tone across the scale.
- Vowel Sound Practice: Focus on singing vowels clearly and evenly to build strong vocal resonance.
- Example: Singing on "ah," "ee," "oh"** on a 5-note scale, making sure the vowel sound remains open and relaxed.
- Breath Support: Teach students to use proper breath support to sing with control.
- Example: Sustained “ah” note– Take a deep breath and sing the note with a steady sound, aiming for no breathiness or strain.
#3. Basic Repertoire (10-15 minutes)
- Song Selection: Choose simple songs that the student can sing within their current vocal range. Focus on songs with clear melodies and easy rhythms.
- Example: A children’s song, folk song, or simple pop song that encourages clear diction and light expression.
- Pitch and Rhythm Practice: Work on singing the song in time and matching the pitches accurately.
- Example: Break the song down into small sections to ensure pitch accuracy and rhythm. Focus on learning the lyrics and melody together.
- Short Phrase Repetition: Break the song into small, manageable sections.
- Example: Practice one phrase at a time, focusing on smooth transitions between notes.
#4. Performance Skills (5-10 minutes)
- Confidence Building: I encourage the student to sing with good posture, standing tall and relaxed. Use basic movements like swaying or hand gestures to help them connect with the song.
- Example: Practice singing in front of a mirror to help them develop awareness of their facial expressions and posture.
- Expression and Diction: Emphasize clear articulation of the lyrics, and encourage a simple emotional connection to the song.
- Example: I have the student sing with enthusiasm, focusing on the meaning of the lyrics.
#5. Cool-down (3-5 minutes)
- Gentle Humming: End the session with soft humming to relax the vocal cords.
- Example: Humming a descending scale from a comfortable pitch, allowing the student to relax their throat and reduce any tension.
- Stretching: Encourage neck, shoulder, and jaw stretches to release any built-up tension.
- Patience and Encouragement: I focus on building confidence and ensuring that the student feels comfortable with each step before moving forward.
- Consistency: I encourage regular practice (even if it’s just 5-10 minutes a day) to build muscle memory.
- Recording Progress: I have the student record their singing from time to time to track improvement and develop listening skills.
This plan helps beginners establish a solid foundation of vocal technique while building confidence and musicality at a comfortable pace.
Here’s a sample voice training plan for advanced vocal students, designed to refine technique, increase range, and enhance performance. It can be customized based on specific needs and goals. Same plan can be modified for intermediate students.
Sample Advanced Vocal Training Plan
Frequency**: 1-2 lessons per week
Duration**: 60-90 minutes per session
1. Warm-ups (10-15 minutes)
- Breathing Exercises: Focus on diaphragmatic breathing, expanding rib cage, and controlled exhalation.
- Example: Sighing Breath– Slowly inhale through the nose, then exhale with a relaxed sigh.
- Example: Hissing– Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 8 counts (gradually increase duration).
- Vocal Resonance: Warm-up the voice in various registers (chest, middle, head).
- Example: Lip trills (5-note scale) to activate airflow.
- Example: Humming on different pitches, focusing on resonance in the facial mask.
- Stretches & Relaxation: Gentle neck and jaw stretches to release tension.
#2. Technical Exercises (20-25 minutes)
- Pitch Accuracy: Work on intervals, arpeggios, and scales in different keys.
- Example: 5th and 7th Interval Exercises (Focus on accurate tuning and smooth transitions).
- Example: Major and Minor Scales with a focus on even tone production throughout the entire range.
- Vowel Modification: Practice singing on vowels to develop resonance and smoothness across registers.
- Example: Singing on “ee,” “ah,” “oh,” and “oo”in varied pitches, adjusting vowel shape for clarity.
- Breath Control & Support: Build sustained note exercises with controlled exhalation.
- Example: Sustained notes on “ah” for 8-10 counts, with proper breath support, to strengthen diaphragmatic control.
#3. Repertoire Development (25-30 minutes)
- Song Selection: Choose pieces that challenge both vocal range and emotional expression. Work on diction, phrasing, and interpretation.
- Example: A classical art song for tonal focus, and a musical theater piece for theatrical delivery.
- Example: Opera aria for classical technique or Pop/Rock for contemporary style.
-Technical Focus: Choose a specific technique to focus on for each piece, such as vibrato, legato, belting, or mix voice.
- Sight-Reading: Integrate sight-reading into sessions with simple pieces to keep the student’s skills sharp.
#4. Performance & Expression (10-15 minutes)
- Performance Skills: Focus on stage presence, facial expressions, and storytelling. Practice standing, moving, and engaging an audience while maintaining vocal technique.
- Example: Simulated Audition– Perform a piece as if in an audition, with a focus on connecting with the audience.
-Expressive Singing: Work on dynamic control (soft to loud), phrasing, and emotional interpretation.
- Example: Choose a dramatic piece and work on contrast in dynamics to create emotional impact.
#5. Cool-down (5-10 minutes)
-Gentle Sirens: Gradually slide from low to high notes and back to release any vocal strain.
- Humming: Close with soft humming or lip trills to relax the vocal cords.
Optional (Audition Prep Focus)
-Mock Auditions: During class a mock simulation of an audition environment is conducted, focusing on preparing the student mentally and vocally.
-Feedback: Discuss performance, vocal technique, and presentation in-depth.
Additional Notes:
- Self recording encouraged: Students record and listen back to their performances to self-assess. The recommended app that is also used in class for exercises and recording is AppCompanist.
- Regular progress check-ins throughout the month. I identify areas of improvement and set new goals to refine skills after each lesson.
