FREE YOUR VOICE by Singing into a Straw

In this video, I explain some of the benefits of (as well as the science behind) singing into a straw.

Ingo Titze:

Ingo Titze and Karen Titze Cox (The Science Behind the Straw Exercise):

[gustavoo]

i find this useful also to overcome being self concious about being "too loud" or fearing your voice is going to crack if you attempt to hit a high note

[nanettetredoux]

My teacher noticed an improvement immediately when I started to use exercises like these.

[parkerchace]

This is a great tool for reminding me that I shouldn't be forcing any note or darting from note to note, but instead trusting my breath to carry it smoothly. Another great video, super helpful!!! Will do this daily

[joshbrucks]

when i was going into falsetto i was getting super tight in the neck and actually was getting headaches. then i learnes this. i jad a big straw but i blew bubbles and pinches the straw for extra compression. it felt sooo amazing. i never sang better agter either.

[fidrewe]

I think another part of why it works so well is that, if it's small enough, it curbs the air flow to the low level that is optimal for most styles of singing. As a consequence, the vocal folds and the breathing muscles adapt to this optimal level of air flow, training them to maintain it even when the mouth is wide open.

[patopodolyak]

Lollipop sticks are very useful. I buy them in packs of 50 units here and they are quite OK. Whenever I drive or do nothing vocally speaking, I do this straw vocalising. They really bring me relaxation in my vocal tract and also clean flegm.

[MsEcstreet]

This video is one of the best on clearly explaining the use of a straw as a very effective exercise for relaxing the vocal cords to create the "buzz" sensation. I'll definitely be practicing the exercises to release the muscle tension in my throat area (& hopefully clear the hoarseness). Thank you so much for a great tutorial!

[Soldier]

the deeper in the water the straw (half-full), the easier it feels.

[nicknovakk]

This was so helpful you have no idea! Also works great for vocal warmups and "singing" when you've got thin walls :)

[J.S.ever]

I absolutely LOVE your anatomical approach to singing. I’ve been singing all my life but pursued kinesiology and fitness instead. In choir & honor choirs, I’ve learned a bunch of these tricks and warm ups you coach, but nobody ever explained to me what it was doing anatomically & I’ve got such a better understanding making application so much more straightforward for me. Took 27 years to find your coaching and I’m so thankful I finally did ❤️ you’re great at what you do & I appreciate you!

[kekc]

Thank you so much for this video! I am a singer with muscle tension dysphonia and there is such a small amount of info and help out there for it! Thank you for these! ❤️

[swami]

I find straws from juice boxes(specifically Mott's Apple Juice) are the perfect size. Anything smaller is difficult to draw air through.

[musiclover]

I do enjoy playing the straws. It is fun.

[zoefowler]

Thank you. I suffer from spasmodic dysphonia and am going to try these now !

[williamswan]

You explain better than anyone else the function and efficacy of the straw exercises. I really enjoyed your tutorial. However, it takes a while to get into it. I ALMOST left the video because of the down time. Just FYI. In the end I really enjoyed your explanation. The width of the straw has never been in any explanation I’ve heard. Very appreciated.❤

[judyblueyes]

Wow I was today years old when i found out that humming into a straw could help the vocal chords!! Kinda reminds me of when we used to use the kazoos back in the day!! ☮️🎤

[jasondotj]

I first found your channel with this video the other day. I bought a course almost a year ago, and it helped in some ways, but it ended up making me strain and sing too hard. Thank you so much for your videos. I've already watched several of your videos. Very informative! I heard of this exercise before, and I'm getting back to basics so I really need to try this.

[theplantbasedcajun]

I’ve been doing the straw exercise for years, but never knew the science behind it!! 🤯❤️ This is a perfect exercise for those really “hard worker/doer” students that really tense and try almost too hard. This extra knowledge helps so much in addressing things with my students and why the straw warm-up can be incredibly effective. Love your videos — you’re a great teacher and incredibly knowledgeable! 🎶💕

[nosale]

Thank you, I have been diagnosed with Vocal Paresis and one side i have a little bot of an epiglottis enlargement most likely for over compensation...My voice has been creaky off and on for months...This feels like its is helping slowly

[kfrlbkk]

I love this thanks l work it never tried before l only did as a kid but l thought was a childish thing but since it will help with my vocals l will try it out again thanks for opening my eyes