Vocal Health

(Ms. Abernethy's)

Your voice is your instrument and its carrying case is your body. It is very important that a singer take excellent care of their instrument. We use our voices constantly: speaking, singing, and to support our favorite team. To keep one’s voice strong and healthy, one must get plenty of rest, speak at a normal volume, stay warm during cold weather to prevent illness, and drink plenty of fluids (water is best).

Our bodies need rest. When we do not get enough rest, our energy level drops and is reflected in our voices through tonality problems and a weak sound due to lack of breath support. Overusing our voices, such as yelling at a ballgame, can cause hoarseness if done for an extended period of time.

In chorus, students are taught how to use the breath to support sound. Also, whispering to “save the voice” actually causes more stress on the vocal cords. Whether you whisper or speak softly, the vocal cords work the same way…air is still passing through the vocal cords causing them to vibrate.

If you have a sore throat, rest your voice. This means NO talking, NO whispering, and NO singing. If communication is necessary, write down the information you need to communicate. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Drinking warm tea with honey will help soothe your throat while also suppressing coughing. You should also gargle with warm salt water 2-3 times a day. Lozenges are good for relieving the pain of a sore throat (use non-menthol ones), but they are NOT a cure for a sore throat. The best prescription for healing your vocal cords is REST.

If you get a lot of phlegm during allergy season, DO NOT clear your throat; swallow 1/8 teaspoon of white vinegar to cut through it.

On the day of a performance

DO:

• Get plenty of rest
• Drink plenty of fluids – WATER
• Rest your voice
• Vocalize to warm-up your vocal cords
• Separate yourself from others to mentally rehearse and prepare for the concert
• Eat a healthy dinner at least 1 hour before the scheduled arrival time

DO NOT:

• Eat salty foods – they tend to cause dryness
• Yell or scream at a ball game – not the day of or the day before a performance
• Travel long distances – this causes fatigue
• Eat right before the scheduled arrival time
• Drink caffeinated drinks

REMEMBER: It’s the only body and voice you have….take care of it! It’s ALL UP TO YOU!!