Healthy Voice- Take Care of Your Instrument!

 Every musician has an instrument. For a singer, that instrument is his or her voice. Take inventory of your body. Often singers ‘dive in’ with phonating (creating sound) thinking it’s the best way to “warm up.” That’s not always the case.
Success often depends on the condition of your vocal cords. You need to keep them in the best possible shape. When fatigue or sickness affects the vocal cords, here are some tips to help get you back on track and/or through a performance! Keep in mind these are just guidelines to help you. I personally do not follow these guidelines if I feel my vocal cords are in good shape. (I love a good cup of coffee or glass of wine!)
Tip: Hydrate your body
Everyone will benefit from drinking more water. Drink at least eight 8 oz of water a day (8×8 rule). When ice is included, warm the water in your mouth before swallowing to avoid the extreme cold temperature from constricting your vocal cords. Even so, when the vocal cords warm back up, they should return to a flexible state.
Tip: Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics or drying agents. They can cause you to dehydrate, and can ultimately cause vocal cords to swell.
Tip: Steam, Steam, Steam!
Steam can help to reduce edema, which is the swelling of vocal cords. Traditional methods for getting steam include taking long, hot showers, and inhaling steam from the sink or a pot filled with hot water. Many singers and speakers invest in small, travel-sized vaporizers designed for easy, quick results.
Tip: Voice Rest
Try to avoid speaking as much as possible, especially before performances. If you must communicate with people before a performance, try using the internet more! Other communication methods include carrying a note pad or white board to write on. It is also important that your whole body is rested. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep.
Tip: Throat lozenges—anything that promotes saliva
No mint or menthol lozenges. They are drying agents. Try Grethers or Thayers Pastilles instead of traditional menthol or mints. They help promote saliva production, which will ultimately keep your vocal cords hydrated.
Tip: Avoid Throat Clearing, Gargling, or Coughing
It’s not good to clear your throat, cough, or gargle too much. All these activities can cause too much pressure on the vocal cords. It’s much better for your voice if you can resist these natural body urges. If you must clear your throat or cough, try to do it gently.
Tip: No Whispering
This is a hard one to understand, because it seems like whispering would be easier on your throat. But when you whisper, it can dry out the vocal cords, contributing to edema. Speak at a normal volume whenever possible. If your throat is too sore to speak normally, it’s better to be silent and use a dry erase board to communicate with people.
Tip: No Smoking – Avoid all smoke
Smoke dries out the vocal cords, leading to chronic edema. There’s no good reason to smoke anyway, and if you are a singer, you should avoid it altogether!
Tip: No Drying Medications
When your doctor wants to give you medication, be sure you let him or her know that you are a singer or speaker. Tell them that you need to stay hydrated before any medication is prescribed. If the medication you need is drying, ask about alternative treatments that won’t cause your throat to dry out.
VIBE Performing endeavors to help students experience excitement and dedication necessary to help them succeed in life as well as on stage. For more information, visit www.VIBEscv.com or call 661-255-7464.