Voice Care and Procedures:

The Dos and Don’ts

 

*DRINK WATER     

Adequate hydration is essential for vocal health. The vocal folds, the resonating structures, and the lung tissues are all covered by mucous membranes which like to be moist and warm. Staying hydrated keeps these structures working the way they should.  Pops, juice and milk can all be harmful to your voice when singing.  Coke contains caffeine and phosphoric acid.  Milk create think mucous that does not flow.  Juice has low pH and also creates excess mucous.  Also, avoid frequent aspirin use—this could result in vocal cord hemorrhage (when combined with performing). 

*REST IF YOU ARE SICK            

If you become sick in ANY way (non-respiratory included) you must rest your voice. Too often, individuals try to perform with the vocal folds inflamed and in poor physical condition.  Repeatedly doing this can result in serious vocal fold damage.

*WARM-UP

At least 30 minutes prior to a rehearsal or performance.  Warm-ups should be relaxed and unhurried.  Start by warming up the body and breathing apparatus and then move to the voice.  Start vocal warm-ups in a comfortable middle register gradually, and without tension, moving to the edges of your range.  Practice of good body posture and support helps to establish the best breathing patterns.

*DO NOT OVERSING. 

Oversinging causes unnecessary strain on the vocal cords, ESPECIALLY in younger singers, whose vocal apparatus may not fully matured.  In other words, if it hurts, it probably isn’t good! 

*Limit caffeine consumption

Caffeine is a diuretic—it dries out the mucosal linings of the throat. If you drink caffeinated beverages on days you sing, make sure you increase your water intake to help compensate.

*SUPPORT

…your everyday speaking voice just as you would your singing voice.  Also, speak in an appropriate register; don’t attempt to lower or raise the pitch of your normal speaking voice as this creates unnecessary vocal strain.