Sustained Tone (Vocal Function Exercise)

This week’s exercise is adapted from the Vocal Function Exercises, a research-supported protocol designed to improve voice production by balancing airflow and vocal fold function. By focusing on sustained, soft phonation, you’re building coordination and efficiency—core elements of a healthy and responsive voice.

In clinical research, these exercises have been shown to improve vocal function across a range of voice users (Stemple et al., 1994).

Sustain five individual pitches—specific to your voice type—for as long as possible, twice each. The focus is not range or volume, but duration and consistency using minimal air and maximal control.

How to Practice

 

1. Inhale quietly and fully 

   • Use a low, diaphragmatic breath. Avoid upper chest or shoulder movement.

2. Shape your lips into a tight “oh” (/o/)

   • More protruded than normal.

   • Aim for a slight “buzz” or vibration on the lips—this indicates efficient resonance.

   • No breathiness, no force.

   • Aim for a consistent tone with a clean onset and offset.

3. Sustain a single pitch as long as possible, at a soft but clear volume.

4. Repeat each pitch twice, then move to the next.

Voice Type	Pitches
Soprano	C4, D4, E4, F4, G4
Mezzo/Alto	B3, C4, D4, E4, F4
Tenor	E3, F#3, G#3, A3, B3
Baritone/Bass	C3, D3, E3, F3, G3

 

• Start a timer to track your max phonation time. Don’t push—just observe.

• Stay soft and steady. If the tone starts to waver or cut out, stop and reset.

• Consistency is the goal. As you build stamina, quality should stay high.

Track your duration on each note daily. Can you increase by just 1–2 seconds by the end of the week without increasing volume?