New to the Singing / Straw and the World of Straw Phonation? Here’s What You Need to Know (Plus How to Maximize Its Impact)

Whether you’re a professional singer, a voiceover artist, a teacher, or someone who relies on their voice every single day—if you’re here, you’re probably wondering how to get the most out of the Singing / Straw™ and start making your voice work for you.

Great news: you’re in the right place!

In today’s blog, I’ll break down the basics of straw phonation, explain how it can benefit everyone who uses their voice, and give you actionable tips for getting the most out of your Singing / Straw.

Let’s dive in!

What is the Singing / Straw?

In a nutshell, the Singing / Straw is a simple but powerful vocal tool that helps improve vocal strength, breath support and control. 

Whether you’re singing, teaching, speaking, or even doing voiceover work, this tiny tool can make a huge difference in how you use and protect your voice.

It’s based on straw phonation, a type of vocal exercise that has been scientifically proven to help reduce strain on your vocal folds, improve resonance, and provide real-time feedback as you practice. 

Think of it as your personal vocal coach that you can carry around in your pocket.

Who Should Use the Singing / Straw?

I know you’re probably wondering if this is just for singers—and the answer is NO! The Singing / Straw is perfect for:

• Singers (of course!)—whether you're a beginner or a pro, it’s great for warm-ups, building vocal stamina, and avoiding strain during intense rehearsals or performances.

• Voiceover artists—helping keep your voice clear, supported, and free from fatigue during those long recording sessions.

• Teachers and speakers—if you talk for a living (or even teach!), you know how taxing it can be on your voice. The Singing / Straw™ helps you maintain vocal health even during marathon speaking days.

• Anyone who uses their voice every day—whether it’s for your podcast, business presentations, or just daily communication, you need your voice in top shape!

So no matter who you are, if you use your voice to communicate, you’re going to love how this tool works.

How Does It Work?

Here’s the simple science behind it (no PhD required!):

When you sing or speak, air flows through your vocal folds and makes them vibrate.

Sometimes, especially when you're overusing your voice or working with lower-quality vocal habits, the folds don’t vibrate in the most efficient way. This can lead to strain, tension, and fatigue—ouch!

The Singing / Straw creates backpressure, or resistance, from it’s small diameter. 

This gentle resistance encourages your vocal folds to align more optimally and vibrate more efficiently, which not only reduces strain but also helps build vocal strength, control, and coordination.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Singing / Straw

It’s easy to use, but there are a few things you should know to make sure you’re getting the best results:

1. Start with a Basic Warm-Up:
   If you’re new to singing with a straw, I recommend starting with my Best Daily Warm-Up. Using the straw for gentle slides up and down your vocal range helps you check in with your voice, while also warming it up with minimal strain.

Tip: You don’t need to be singing your whole repertoire right off the bat. Focus on getting comfortable with the sensation of the straw in your mouth and moving through your range.

2. Don’t Force It:
   This is a biggie! Straw phonation is all about relaxation. If you’re pushing your sound or straining, you’re not going to get the results you want. Relax into the sound and focus on smooth, controlled transitions.
   
   

3. Practice Short, Focused Sessions:
   Just like any muscle, your vocal folds need time to build balanced coordination. It’s better to practice for short bursts of 5-10 minutes rather than overdoing it for hours at a time. You can even use the straw during your daily routine, like after brushing your teeth or making your morning coffee!
   
   

4. Add Variety to Your Warm-Ups:
   As you get more comfortable with the straw, you can mix it up by incorporating different vocal exercises. For example, adding arpeggios, lip trills, or vowel/consonant combinations can enhance the results.
   
   For a more targeted workout, focus on areas where you struggle—whether that’s breath support, mix voice, or vocal transitions—and use the straw to address those areas specifically. (Want to fast-track your progress, I’ve put together 3 different scale sets all rooted in the Singing / Straw Method.)
   
   

5. Use It During Cool-Downs:
   The Singing / Straw isn’t just for warm-ups. It’s also perfect for cooling down after a long day of singing, teaching, or speaking. Simply use it to gently relax and release any tension that may have built up in your voice.

When Should You Use It?

• Before a performance or rehearsal to warm up and prepare your voice for the physical demands of singing.

• After a performance to cool down and ease any tension from using your voice.

• During vocal training or voice lessons to help solidify new vocal habits and build muscle memory.

• Any time your voice feels fatigued—whether that’s from a long day of talking, teaching, or recording, for a nice reset.

BONUS: The Sili – For Added Comfort

If you’re looking for something a little softer and more flexible, check out the Singing / Straw™ Sili. It’s made from food-grade silicone, so it’s gentler on the mouth and perfect for those who prefer something more flexible. 

Plus, it comes in fun colors like Cloud Gray, Slate Blue, and Wisp Green—because why not make vocal health stylish?

Whether you prefer the metal straws or the silicone version, the Singing / Straw will be your best friend in maintaining vocal health and improving your voice over time.

Ready to Start?

Now that you know all about the Singing / Straw, the next step is simple: try it out!

Whether you’re a professional singer or someone who uses their voice daily, the Singing / Straw is a game-changer. 

And guess what? 

You can start improving your voice with our Singing / Straw Sili today for 30% off (no code required)

Your not-so-basic vocal coach,
Whitney Nichole

P.S. Don’t forget—if you’re ready to take your vocal training to the next level, check out my Love Your Voice Course. It’s the perfect companion to the Singing / Straw, giving you all the tools you need to find your voice’s sweet spot and hit those high notes with ease.