Vocal Health

Post date: Oct 13, 2009 7:53:50 AM

With an increase in activities and a change in weather, many students are coming down with colds and other voice problems. Remember while I am not a doctor and I do not have any specific training in vocal problems, I have had some experience with students in the past who have had voice problems and I myself have suffered from tired voice and swollen vocal cords. Take this information for what it is worth:

  1. Get plenty of rest. If the body is rested, the voice will perform better.
  2. Drink lots of water and do not share water bottles or other food or drink with others. It takes 2 hours before water reaches the cellular level in the body so you will want to drink a lot two hours before a rehearsal or performance.
  3. Make sure you are breathing really well and use extra breath under the vocal cords to support your sound.
  4. Use Sugar-Free throat drops when needed. Ricola makes several good ones.
  5. Drink Throat Coat Tea. You can find this in the Nutrition Center of Fred Meyer and the Food Co-op.

Many people find relief from many different foods or drink. In general, if you are 'phlegmy' you will probably want something a little acidic like orange juice or tea with lemon. This helps in two ways, because it cuts the phlegm and gives you Vitamin C. If your throat hurts, you will want something soothing like icy treats or warm soup. A lot of students have said they get help with airborne, echinacea or similar products when they first feel a cold coming on.

In general, if your throat hurts, then don't sing, but please demonstrate everything else in class. You can use good posture, breathe, shape vowels and enunciate consonants. You will just not phonate. (Make sound) If you just have a cold, it won't hurt you to sing in class and it can actually give you some good resonance.

There are always some do's and don't's associated with singing to keep your voice healthy.

1. Always support your sound from the diaphragm.

2. Rest your voice by not talking, singing, or making any sound.

3. Never whisper. It dries out your vocal cords.

4. If you have to speak or make a sound, speak softly, but with a big breath to support your sound.

5. Always use easy onset vowels so you don't bump your vocal cords together.

6. Never scream or yell unless you have been trained how to do it by supporting the sound correctly.

7. Never drink alcohol or smoke anything. These things will dry out your voice and actually thicken your vocal cords

to make your voice much lower than your healthy voice should be.

8. A lot of people avoid sugary soda pop drinks because they can clog up your throat. Other people avoid dairy and bananas for

the same reason. You have to determine what works best for you and try not to tell others what they should do if they already

know what works for them.

9. Each voice is a unique and very personal part of you, just as each of you are unique and wonderful people.

10. Find out what helps your voice stay healthy and you will be able to sing your entire LIFE!