Vocal Health Tips and Suggestions

[justincharacter]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 6:00pm

Performers: Any tips or suggestions on what to take or do to help your vocal chords when not feeling the best? A week before ALL of my performances, I wouldn't feel up to par (whether it were a sore throat, a cold, congestion, or whatever). My voice would start to fade out where I was then forced to go on vocal rest for the rest of the week or even later. I'm not sure if this is the right board to ask, but any help would be appreciated.

Updated On: 8/8/13 at 06:00 PM

[Visceral_Fella]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 6:16pm

You should drink tea with ginger and sweeten it with honey every morning at least. You should also warm up your body. Going to the gym helps me get rid of colds etc. Make sure to go over your material on a hum and then a lip trill. I know this sounds cliche, but you need to take time to just breathe. After checking in with your breath for a sufficient amount of time let your voice go on a vocal improvisation without pushing.

The most important thing is to remain cautious when you start feeling better. Testing the waters too soon, or trying to make your instrument perform as usual at the first sign of relief can put you right back at square one.

[justincharacter]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 8:13pm

That helped, thank you! When I started to recover, I did try to perform as usual. Funny that you mentioned that

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 8:48pm

Are you TRAINING with a private coach? That really sounds like the most important step to take. If this happens ALL the time, you are likely not using your instrument correctly.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 8:53pm

Agree that you should have a vocal coach. The biggest stars have them too, a coach is an absolute must if you're singing with any sort of frequency and it sounds like you are. Definitely step one.

Then there's the obvious. Don't smoke, drink, or do any other drugs. Your voice is one of the first parts of your body that gets affected. Drink lots of tea and water.

When you feel like your voice isn't 100%, you need to figure out what's wrong and by no means should you push it, whether that means taking some time off, going on vocal rest, or some sort of treatment.

Everyone has their personal, at-home remedies they use like certain drinks, routines, etc. You can google a bunch of them online.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 9:02pm

But with the tea make sure it is an herbal/caffeine free tea. Caffeine is not your friend when you are having vocal issues.

[justincharacter]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 9:05pm

I need to find out what's wrong. When I was on vocal rest (I regret this), I decided to belt a song at the top of my range more than once. At the time, my voice was recovering and I decided to perform anyway since I thought it would be OK. Now, my voice has been "stuck" in a "fading mood", where it's not all the way back. It's been months, and I'm really concerned.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 9:08pm

Maybe you should have listened and kept your pie hole shut.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 9:16pm

You're asking for advice for the past?

I talked myself out of understanding complicated arithmetic when I was in 7th grade. Anybody have any tips on a better way I could have approached it in Junior High?

[Joviedamian]

Posted: 8/8/13 at 11:14pm

Don't Swallow!