<![CDATA[KATHLEEN HANSEN - Articles & Collections (Blog)]]>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:32:06 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[SOVTs and Vocal Rehabilitation - Semi - Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises]]>Thu, 16 Feb 2023 23:13:31 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/sovts-and-vocal-rehabilitation-semi-occluded-vocal-tract-exercisesCheck out my other videos on my YouTube Channel for more vocal warmups and exercises!

SOVTs and Vocal Rehabilitation
Vocal heath is important, and for some people, it can be precarious. If you have had vocal trauma from overuse, illness, or pathology, it is important to be seen by a qualified specialist. Most people can start with a visit to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor), otherwise known as an otolaryngologist. If you are a singer or use your voice for a living, it is very important that you communicate your concerns and let them know that you are a vocalist. Once you've been cleared for rehab, it is likely that you will see a SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) to be assessed and build up strength and technique. If you have been cleared to sing and speak, this collection of exercises is great for you.

I recommend SOVTs to EVERYONE, but these vocal warmups and exercises are especially useful for tired voices and aging voices. Enjoy!

Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTs)

These vocal exercises are simply fantastic all around. Use SOVTs as a vocal warmup or vocal cool down. Here are a bunch of SOVT exercises to get you started!

Straw Phonation (more SOVTs)
Grab a straw (or a few!) and let's get to it! Straw phonation or singing through a straw is a great way to train and exercise your voice. Check out these straw phonation vocal warmups!

Lip Trills or "Bubbling" 

Lip trills/bubbling is one of my very favorite ways to warm up the voice and sing with relaxation.  Check out this great vocal warmup with lots of lip trills!

Gentle Vocal Warmup
Check out these gentle vocal warmups. Great for rehabilitating a tired voice or easing back into things when you're tired. These are also great morning vocal warmups!

Morning Vocal Warmups

Speaking of morning vocal warmups, this collection of warmups will get you totally ready to sing, gently, and with ease!

Stemple Vocal Function Exercises
We can't have a post about vocal rehabilitation without the Stemple Vocal Function Exercises. Find them here!

Check out my other videos on my YouTube Channel for more vocal warmups and exercises!

]]><![CDATA[All of My Vocal Warmups and Exercises Ever!]]>Sat, 07 Jan 2023 04:16:33 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/all-of-my-vocal-warmups-and-exercises-everVocal Warmups With Kathleen - all of them!
I published my first vocal warmups and technique video in March of 2020 when big changes were happening in the world and folks were at home. I wanted to keep my singers singing and learning, and now I'm heading into my third year of sharing vocal warmups and vocal pedagogy with singers all over the world.

The best place to find my videos is on my YouTube Channel where you can find vocal warmups, vocal exercises, and vocal pedagogy. 

Warmups and Exercises Playlist

This is a self-updating playlist that has all of the vocal warmups and exercise videos that I have published. The newest videos are at the top! 

Searchable Document

I've also made a spreadsheet with links and titles of all of my videos - there are handful of off topic videos at the bottom, but if you'd like to search for something like "high voice", "overtones" or "12 minute warmup" without scrolling through my channel videos, you can find those here. This spreadsheet will be updated periodically. 
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]]><![CDATA[How To Sing In Mixed Voice]]>Sat, 07 Jan 2023 03:18:44 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/how-to-sing-in-mixed-voiceMixed Voice? Mix Voice? Navigating the passaggio?
If you've been watching my videos, you may know that I'm not a huge fan of the term "mixed voice" - while I think the concept can be helpful for some, it implies that there is a way to mix the two registers or modes that are commonly referred to as head voice and chest voice. 

That said, some singers don't notice a big shift as they transition through their passaggio or break between head voice and chest voice, while some really can feel the difference. Often, singers want to disguise their "break", and therefore was the acoustic sensation of a "mixed voice". I think it's important to understand AND to feel what is happening. Check out the videos below for great exercises to navigate the vocal passaggio (vocal break) and work on a smooth transition that some people refer to as "mixed voice".

Understanding Vocal Registration:
Head voice, chest voice, mixed voice

If you'd like to know that head voice, chest voice, and mixed voice mean to singers with a bit of physiology, check out this conversation between me and Cay Outerbridge  as we discuss the ins and outs (and the highs and lows!) of vocal registration. 

Mixed Voice Warmups
​& Vocal Exercises

Mixed voice vocal warmups? Why do I keep using that term if I don't like using that term? It's so you can find it! People search "mix voice" and "mixed voice" all the time... but not so much "vocal warmups to smoothly navigate the passaggio". Enjoy!

Mixed Voice Exercises

More exercises to smooth out that transition from head voice to chest voice. These vocal warmups and exercises will help you coordinate this important part of your voice smoothly.

Smooth Our Your Vocal Break

These are some great passaggio/mixed voice exercise - the A/V is not fantastic (sorry, was escaping the C0Vid at home!) but the exercises are solid. Get in there, and get to work!

More Mixed Voice
​Vocal Warmups
and Exercises

More excellent exercises to conquer your vocal break. Note: this video was before I adjusted my teaching style away from the "Mixed Voice" terminology, but the vocal exercises are still just right!
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]]><![CDATA[How to Practice Music Efficiently]]>Tue, 03 Jan 2023 02:31:34 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/how-to-practice-music-efficientlyHow To Practice Music Efficiently
I have an undergraduate degree in Music Education, a Masters in Music (Conducting), and I'm working on my Doctorate in Music Education. One thing that has been blatantly missing from my education is the idea of how to practice! My major instrument was trumpet, and I was in MANY ensembles every year (not to mention preparing for lessons and juries). While I was given musical assignments, I really didn't have instructors explain to me how to practice music. Whether you are wondering how to practice an instrument or how to practice singing, I hope some of the information here will be helpful to you!

If I were to distill my main advice into just a few bullet points, I'd recommend:
• Create specific practice goals that work on smaller segments. Track your goals!
• Learn to "play" (gamify!) and enjoy the process of practicing.
• Practice self-love: look for the positive and acknowledge your success!
• Learn to be your own best vocal coach - work with experts and learn to apply the techniques to your own practice.

How To Practice

This video walks through some ideas about how to design and follow a practice plan. Set and achieve goals as you learn to practice music. 

Goal Setting and Motivation

Learn to practice music in a way that is smarter. Hard work is good, but smart practice is better. Remember that even the idea of practice is something that is fluid and  can be changed as you learn new practice techniques

Learn to Love Your Voice

As featured in Barbershop Harmony Society's Blog: Learn to Love Your Own Voice

It is COMMON to feel insecure about your own voice. Learn to love your singing voice with this video - part science, part pep talk .

Create Vocal Exercises

Not sure how to fix a musical problem? Create an exercise - make it a fun challenge as you practice! You don't need to wait for a coach to show to how to fix something - allow your creativity to do the work for you. 

How to Warm Up Your Voice

This video about how to warm up your voice is designed to help you assess what your voice needs next and choose the next best vocal exercise or vocal warmup to get your singing your best!

Be Your Own Voice Teacher

Be your own best voice teacher with these basics! From breathing to alignment to vocal production, this video will guide you through the most important aspects to focus on as you practice singing. Connect with your inner vocal coach!

How To Practice Music Efficiently

Have you wondered how to practice music more efficiently and effectively? This video talks through some of the best practices in practicing!
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]]><![CDATA[Vocal Warmups and Exercises for Low Voices]]>Wed, 28 Dec 2022 01:50:21 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/vocal-warmups-and-exercises-for-low-voicesVocal Warmups and Exercises for Low voices
Whether you have a naturally low voice or are looking to expand your low range and sing lower with ease and confidence, these exercises are for you! Make sure to subscribe to my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/@vocalwarmupswithkathleen
Vocal Warmup for Low Voices! This guided vocal warmup is just for you - starting in a comfortable range and finding the high and low edges with ease. 
Low Voice Vocal Warmups for basses, baritones, contraltos, mezzos, and barbershop leads. Work on your low range, and gently sing higher as you go. 
Vocal Warmups for Low Voices! This series of vocal warmups and exercises is designed for singers with low voices. Get started the right way with these low-voice vocal warmups!
This three octave warmup is designed to expand your range in EVERY direction! Sing low AND sing high with ease. Enjoy!
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]]><![CDATA[Vocal Warmups and Exercises for High Voices]]>Wed, 28 Dec 2022 01:07:45 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/vocal-warmups-and-exercises-for-high-voicesVocal Warmups and Exercises for High Voices
Whether you have a naturally high voice or are looking to expand your high range and sing higher with ease, these exercises are for you! Make sure to subscribe to my youtube channel: www.youtube.com/@vocalwarmupswithkathleen
Relaxation is the key to singing higher. This set of vocal warmups will bring you through a series of exercises to help you expand your upper range and sing higher with ease!
More high voice warmups to get your voice in shape and ready to sing. Great for tenors, sopranos, as well as mezzos, baritones, and barbershop leads that want to expand your range upwards!
This 12-minute vocal warmup starts in a middle range and extends higher the further you stick with it. Vocal exercises and warmups to work on a strong high range!
This is a great vocal warmup for high voices with some of my favorite range extension exercises. Get yourself relaxed, focused, and singing high with ease. Enjoy!
Balance in all things! This set of vocal exercises and warmups extends your range both high and low, covering around three octaves.

Three octave vocal warmup for singers!
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]]><![CDATA[Exercises and Warmups for Vocal Agility]]>Sun, 04 Dec 2022 04:32:35 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/exercises-and-warmups-for-vocal-agilityAgility Exercises for Singers
accurate and flexible vocals
Follow-along vocal warmups and exercises to help with vocal agility, flexibility and accuracy! Focusing on this vocal skill will add invaluable tools to your vocal toolbox!
Exercises for vocal agility and coordination! If you want to work on singing passages with ease, it's important to work on exercises that will allow you to build those skills. Enjoy!
One of my early videos that has stood the test of time! Check out these vocal exercises and warmups to build and strengthen your vocals!
More VOCAL AGILITY exercises! Want to sing accurate runs, riffs? Maybe just be able to navigate harmony parts with ease? Try these vocal agility exercises for singers!
Work on your smoothing out your vocal line with these vocal warmups and exercises for smooth and accurate intervals!
]]><![CDATA[FUN VOCAL WARMUPS!]]>Sun, 04 Dec 2022 03:48:59 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/fun-vocal-warmupsFUN AND SILLY VOCAL WARMUPS
​for all ages
Want to add a bit of fun to your vocal warmups? Here are three sing along warmup videos sure to put a smile on your face AND prepare your voice for singing!

These fun and challenging warmups include a range of vocal warmups like warmups with fun orchestration, tongue twisters, and silly animal themed warmups.

Orchestrated Warmups

This set of very effective and efficient vocal warmups has unique and fun accompaniment. The orchestrations present different styles like polka, march, jazz, and classical orchestrations. They are a fun and challenging set of sing along vocal warmups. 

Fun and Silly Vocal Warmups
These fun and silly vocal warmups are great for kids as well as adults who love to be playful. Lots of tongue twisters and challenges in this one! And, as you can see by the thumbnail, excellent cameos by the OG Studio Cat, Celeste the Cat

Ridiculously Fun Vocal Warmups

Silliness upon silliness! These ANIMAL THEMED warmups will have you laughing and singing along with animated animals: a cow, giraffe, cat, and even a dragon. Not only are these vocal warmups fun, they are very effective!

Fun Vocal Warmups for ALL AGES
Lastly, and a bit easier on the cheese, these fun vocal warmups allow you to explore the lighthearted side of your voice while making excellent progress as a singer!
]]><![CDATA[Vocal Warm Ups for Mornings]]>Mon, 07 Nov 2022 20:41:56 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/vocal-warm-ups-for-morningsGot "Morning Voice"?
Your alarm goes off, you feet hit the floor, and you open your mouth to sing or speak. The low voice of your morning alter-ego comes out in a low, croaky-smoky drone.

Why does your voice sound deeper in the morning? Is it normal? What should we do about it? 

First of all, this is very normal: you've been asleep for hours, there is often a bit of fluid accumulation in the tissues. Sometimes the dry air makes tissues less pliable and responsive. Ideally, we should be breathing through our noses while we sleep.

If you have hoarseness in the morning, consider seeing a doctor to look into the possibility of acid reflux, which can be quite damaging!

Morning Vocal Warm Ups

Please enjoy some of these warmups and exercises that I recommend for getting your voice warmed up first thing in the morning, whether you are getting ready for singing or speaking. 

Full Length Morning Vocal Warm Up & Stretch

Ok, folks - this was in the early part of distancing in 2020. It's silly BUT it will bring you through some great wakeup stretches AND  some gentle progressive vocalizations. Stay in your favorite PJs and join me!

Gentle Morning Vocal Warm Ups
This gentle set of vocal warmups is great for getting your voice going in the morning. Easy does it! Move slowly, and feel free to repeat any exercises more than once if you feel like you should spend a bit longer on it before moving on. 

SOVT Exercises: Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises

SOVTs are a great way to start the day. Here are two videos of guided SOVT vocal warm ups and exercises. 

Gentle Vocal Warmups

These gentle vocal warmups are great for any time of day, but starting off your day with gentle warmups (and easing in to speaking and singing) is key!

Stemple Vocal Function Exercises
Often used in Speech Language Pathology work, the Stemple Vocal Function Exercises allow you to get right to work on efficient and effective phonation. 
]]><![CDATA[Vocal Warm Ups For Halloween]]>Mon, 31 Oct 2022 07:33:06 GMThttps://www.khansenmusic.com/blog/vocal-warm-ups-for-halloweenHappy Halloween! Let's Sing!
While we can ABSOLUTELY sing minor vocal warm ups any time of the year, I've compiled this collection of Halloween Vocal Warm Ups that are all in minor.

​Want spooky vocal warm ups? Minor Vocal Warm Ups? Even some rounds. Check out my Halloween Warm Up videos from 2022, 2021, and 2020. Enjoy!

Check out my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@vocalwarmupswithkathleen

Minor Warm Ups and Rounds

My first Halloween Vocal Warm Up video from 2020 - it also features two rounds: The Ghost of Tom (aka The Ghost of John) and The Birch Tree.

Vocal Exercises and Warm Ups in Minor Keys

If you're lucky, you just might see my former studio cat, Celeste the Cat. Minor Key Vocal Warmups and Exercises, 2021.

Spooky Halloween Vocal Warm Up

Grab your costume and join in! More minor warm ups and exercises from 2022. 
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