Exercises one does at the start of a practice session or immediately before a performance, to make sure the instrument is ready to play and will stay in tune, and to prepare the performer's body
Use this tag for questions relating to any kind of warm-up activity or exercise, whether it's for practice or performance, and regardless of whether you're warming up an instrument, your hands, or your voice.
Warming up is what a performer does before or at the start of playing music. Usually it has the goal of actually warming the body's muscles, the air, or the instrument. It can also help prepare the player psychologically: reminding you how the music feels, getting you into the right mood.
The tuning of an instrument will change as it gets warm, so it's important to warm it up before tuning so that the tuning remains stable during the practice or performance. Warming the muscles and joints you use to play (especially fingers) makes playing easier. Warming the vocal muscles before singing is especially important to avoid injury.
Warming up might include (depending on instrument):
- Blowing warm air through an instrument
- Putting (say) a brass mouthpiece in your pocket to get warm
- Gently playing or singing a particular kind of piece, or a set of scales
- Silent finger exercises
- Playing the opening of the piece you're about to perform
