Tongue Trill vs Lip Trill: Which is More Important for Vocal Technique?

Both the tongue trill and lip trill are valuable vocal exercises, though they serve slightly different purposes and their importance can vary based on your vocal goals.

Tongue Trill: Articulation and Relaxation

Purpose: Primarily helps with flexibility in articulation and relaxation of the tongue. It can also assist in breath control and support.

Benefits: Encourages proper tongue placement and reduces tension in the vocal tract, leading to a more free and resonant sound.

Lip Trill: Breath Support and Vocal Cord Closure

Purpose: Focuses on breath support and vocal cord closure. It helps in connecting the breath to the sound and can improve range and tone quality.

Benefits: Strengthens the diaphragm and encourages a relaxed throat, which is crucial for healthy singing.

Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Approach to Vocal Training

While both exercises are important for different aspects of vocal technique, the choice between them may depend on individual needs. For example, if you struggle with tongue tension or articulation, tongue trills may be more beneficial. Conversely, if you need to work on breath support and resonance, lip trills might be the way to go. Ideally, incorporating both into your practice routine can provide a well-rounded approach to vocal training.

Both Exercises Have Value

Yes, both the tongue trill and lip trill work the abdominal and breath support muscles and help train the vocal placement to be "up in the head." The lip trill helps train the lips to stay relaxed, while the tongue trill helps train the tongue to be relaxed. So while they both have value, doing just one is okay. It's better than not doing it at all.

If you’re studying voice and your voice teacher wants you to do both, then you should do both. Exercises only have relevance to what you’re trying to resolve.

Adaptation and Warm-Up Value

A tongue trill can be more helpful than a lip trill in some cases, especially because a lip trill leaves the tongue with no job. This can lead to some vocal issues, particularly if the exerciser is instructed to keep a low larynx all the time. Don’t stress about it too much, as these exercises are not prerequisites. They are good warm-ups and can provide valuable insights into what you might be struggling with, like airflow.

These exercises can then be repurposed as specific resolutions rather than standard warm-ups.