June 2011 – Vocal Health

Hello Singers!

These past few months we’ve been looking at developing vocal technique. First we looked at our breathing support system and how we build stamina as singer. Secondly we looked at the vocal registers, our head and chest voice and our belting and mixed voice. I want to explore our registers in more detail and talk about how to smooth the “passagio” or the breaks between each voice. But before I do, it’s important for us all to learn a thing or two about keeping healthy as a singer. One incredible aspect about the human voice is that we are all different, individual and unique. What works well for one singer, might not necessarily work for another.  As you learn more and more from your Vocademy lessons you will learn what works for you, and what doesn’t. You will learn how to understand your singing voice and how to look after it. What works for you, might not be the same for your friend and vice versa but these are all things we can do to protect the vocal cords and keep our voice healthy.

*Regular Exercise. Walking, cycling, running and swimming are all fabulous cardio exercises that will benefit your singing voice. All these disciplines are rhythmic and will also help to develop a strong sense of pulse and timing too!

* Yoga and Pilates can be a really good discipline for singers. Both help with diaphragmatic breathing and build strength from the inside. Building up your fitness in this way will mean you can perform for hours on end!

* Drink plenty of water.  It’s important to keep the voice well lubricated, so the vocal cords don’t dry out. Avoid fruit juices before a gig because they can be acidic and dry out your cords.

* Try and avoid dairy products. Milky products (especially chocolate unfortunately!) can coat the vocal cords and larynx in mucus.

* Drinking caffeine before a gig can also dry out vocal cords, so make sure you have a cup of tea or coffee in the morning before a gig or a show and not just before you go on stage!

 

If you’re feeling run down, and you’re suffering from a cold or sore throat, I have found a couple of things to be invaluable to protect and look after my voice. But remember we’re all different and what works for me, might not be the same for you!

*Honey & lemon in hot water. This is such a soothing drink for tired voices. Honey has magical antibacterial properties, so if you have a sore throat, eating a spoonful of honey can be so good for you.

*SLEEP. If my voice is tired and sore nothing cures it faster then AT LEAST 8 hours sleep.

*Steaming is great way to cleanse the vocal cords, it relaxes them if they’ve had a hardcore singing session, and restores them back to their former glory. Don’t worry if you’re not a member of a fancy gym with a steam room. You can easily recreate a steam at home. Fill a bowl with boiling water and put your head over the steam and cover your head with a towel. It’s so relaxing and great for tired voices. You can also throw in a few drops of essential oils; lavender is antibacterial and good if you feel a sore throat coming. Eucalyptus or tea tree oil is great if you’re feeling a bit blocked-up as it will help clear the tubes.Enjoy! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE UNDER 16 – ASK YOUR PARENTS PERMISSION. DO NOT ATTEMPT BY YOURSELF.  EVERYBODY SHOULD ALWAYS BE CAREFUL WHEN USING HOT WATER AS IT CAN BURN.

The more singing you do, the more you’ll learn what is good for your voice. These are just some tips that I have found worked for me, but everyone is different.

Have a great time in your Vocademy sessions and I’ll be back next month!

Bubsie :0)