Breath Relaxation Take a normal breath and then exhale, making an “ss” sound. Make sure your shoulders and chest are relaxed. Repeat many times, making sure that your breaths are focused in the low abdomen. You can place a hand on your abdomen as a reminder to keep your focus there. Avoid creating tension in your chest, neck and shoulders. Lip Trills Place your lips loosely together. Inhale deeply and then release your breath in a steady, vibrating stream, creating an “h” sound. (This is called trilling.) Then repeat with a “b” sound. Next, repeat the the b-trill and move up and down a scale. Don’t push beyond what’s comfortable at the top or bottom of the scale. Tongue Trills Place your lips loosely together and push your tongue lightly against your teeth. Inhale deeply then release your breath in a steady, vibrating stream, creating an “rr” sound. Next repeat, the “rr” trill and move up and down a scale. Don’t push beyond what’s comfortable at the top or bottom of the scale. Two-Octave Scales Start in a low pitch and gently glide up the scale using a “me” sound for the notes. Don’t push beyond the top or bottom of your range, but try to increase the range the second and third time you do the scales. Then, reverse and glide down the scale from the top to the bottom using and “ee” sound. Jaw Release Place the heels of each hand directly below your cheek bones. Push in and down from your cheeks to your jaw, massaging your facial muscles. Allow your mouth to passively open as you move your hands down your face. Repeat several times. Humming Pick the scale that is easiest for you and hum it up and down. Next, pick a couple of easy songs and hum your way through them. Avoid moving your head and neck around.