Bored with your Straw Exercises? Here’s How to Make Vocal Warmups More Fun (at Any Age)

If you’re a singer of any age and you’ve ever thought…

“I know I should do my vocal exercises, but wow… this is SO. BORING.”

First of all: I hear you.

Second: You’re not alone.

And third: It doesn’t have to be that way. 🎤💛

Recently, I received a message from a lovely singer—an 80-year-old first soprano (yes!)—who described herself as a “young 80” with “old lady vocal folds.” She’s been working with a vocal therapist, was given a straw regimen to strengthen her voice, and totally understands the science behind it…

But the exercises?

She admitted they were hard to stick with because they felt — in her words — “so boring.”

If that’s you too, this post is for you.

Let’s talk about why resistance training for the voice is so important, and more importantly—how to make your straw phonation practice a little more fun, a lot more sustainable, and maybe even… something you look forward to doing. 

Why Resistance Training for Your Voice Works (WhetherYou're 8 or 80)

Just like your body, your voice thrives on regular movement and smart resistance.

When you sing through a straw, you’re creating what's called a semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT for short). That means there’s a little back pressure created in your throat — and that pressure helps your vocal folds vibrate more efficiently, with less force and less fatigue.

It’s basically like giving your voice a low-impact workout that builds strength, improves coordination, and helps prevent vocal wear and tear. For older singers especially, it’s one of the most gentle and effective tools we have to keep the voice flexible, clear, and supported.

But here’s the thing…

Just because it works, doesn’t mean it’s automatically fun.

Why Most Straw Regimens Feel Like a Snoozefest

If you’ve been handed a straw and told to blow into a cup of water while making a pitch glide for 10 minutes straight…

It’s easy to feel like you’re stuck doing the vocal equivalent of walking on a treadmill with no music and no view.

Monotony is one of the top reasons singers drop off from regular warm-up routines — even when they know it’s good for them.

That’s exactly why I created the Singing / Straw: to make resistance training for singers more approachable, more flexible, and honestly? More fun.

How to Make Straw Phonation Less Boring (and Actually Stick With It)

1. Switch it up — don’t do the same pattern every day.

If your straw warm-up looks like the same 5-note scale over and over, you’ll get bored and your voice won’t be fully challenged. Try slides, sirens, and glides in both directions. Get playful. Hum your favorite melody through the straw. Explore.

2. Use resistance levels that feel “just right.”

Some exercises feel boring because they’re too easy — or too hard. Our Singing / Straw PRO Set comes with 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm options so you can find the resistance level that feels engaging, not frustrating. For most, 3mm is a great starting point.

3. Warm up with music, not just scales.

Try using your Singing / Straw during the first verse of a song you love. Not only does it keep things fresh, but it helps transition your technique into actual singing — and that’s where the magic happens.

4. Keep it short and sweet.

A few intentional minutes of straw work goes a long way. You don’t need to do 20 minutes of buzzing. In fact, 3–5 minutes of targeted warm-up is often more effective (and sustainable) than dragging it out and resenting every second.

5. Celebrate the small wins.

Notice when your voice feels a little easier. When a note comes out smoother. When you don’t feel the urge to push. That’s your voice saying, “Hey, thanks for taking care of me.” Those little moments add up — and that’s where the “strawpiphany” lives.

Bonus: A Playful Straw Exercise You’ll Actually Enjoy 

Want a quick, fun way to break the monotony and breathe new life into your warm-up? Check out this slider drill:

Build Your “Mix” with the Singing / Straw 

In under a minute, I walk you through a smooth, sliding scale that blends chest and head voice through the Singing / Straw. It’s breezy, effective, and—best of all—dry, so no water needed! A quick, engaging session that gives your warm-up the spark it’s been missing.

Resistance Training for Singers Doesn’t Have to Be a Drag

Whether you’re 18 or 80, your voice deserves care that’s both effective and enjoyable. And if you’ve been struggling to stay consistent with straw phonation exercises because they feel dry or repetitive?

You're not doing it wrong.

You just might need a little more play in your process.

That’s exactly what the Singing / Straw was made for — to help singers of every level and age build vocal strength and flexibility in a way that feels doable, not dreadful.

So yes, I hope our tools make your vocal work less tedious. But more importantly—I hope they help you reconnect with your voice, your artistry, and that joy you feel when things click.

Because you’re not “too old” to grow.

You’re just getting started.

Your not-so-basic-vocal coach,
Whitney Nichole

P.S. If you’ve been handed a generic straw and told to bubble in water every day… you might love the simplicity of the Singing / Straw. No water. No mess. Just powerful, portable resistance training you can actually enjoy. Explore our Original Set or PRO Set and find your favorite fit.