A singer’s alphabet on the vocal health journey…….
A. All affects our throat. From parties to emotional experiences, your throat will react. Aging also makes an impact on vocal health.
B. Build strength with intentional vocalizes. Don’t waste your voice.
C. Core sound endures. Pushing may work when you’re young but it doesn’t last. You will need vocal technique to rely on especially as you age.
D. Deep and free breathing is essential to healthy singing. If you sing without vibrating with breath, you may develop modules (callouses on your vocal cords.)
E. Express yourself by not overusing your speaking voice. Speaking poorly can damage your singing voice.
F. Find “your” voice. Don’t fight a losing battle with trying to mimic other singers.
G. Gauge your stamina and don’t over-sing.
H. Hydrate often.
I. Insist on rest especially before performing.
J. Just do it. Body work is very helpful for singers. Stretching, Yoga, and Alexander Technique are great tools for sound release.
K. Keep lozenges and water with you to keep throat moist.
L. Listen to recordings of yourself practicing. They are the most accurate.
M. Maintain your allergies. They can wreak havoc on the throat. (Scotto yawn)
N. Notice vocal fatigue and make adjustments. Warm up at the level of your fatigue. What exercises free your voice?
O. Objective ears are crucial. Find someone you trust to listen to you periodically. Not everyone is thinking of your best interest.
P. Practice smart. Don’t overdo. When learning music, you don’t have to sing full tilt the whole time. Mark. We all have different vocal percentage days. Know your limits. Above 90% days don’t happen too often. 80% is a typical throat day.
Q. Question if someone is asking you sing in a way that doesn’t feel good. Questions are good and should be embraced.
R. Rest well and elevate your head. Be cautious of acidic food especially before you go to sleep. Gerd is no joke.
S. Sing on your interest, not principal or pushed sound. Sing by sensation and not by what you hear in your head.
T. Take time to develop a handful of exercises that always work for you no matter how you feel. Carry them everywhere. (Ng and fee)
U. Utilize Apple cider vinegar, Neti pot, steamer, local honey, tea with lemon, and a couple Tylenol if needed when your cords are thick.
V. Vowels are helpful. Use your best one to help the others (my ee saves me.) Attach a voiced or unvoiced consonant to focus and move the air.
W. Weather affects the voice. Wear a scarf and stay warm. What would a be a worse case singing scenario? (Italian premiere)
X. X-ray (scope of cords) may be needed if you are excessively hoarse. Try not to sing sick if possible.
Y. You are unique and the best judge of how it feels when you sing. If someone wants you to sing something that doesn’t feel good, tread lightly.
Z. Zone in on what you do well and find your niche. Your authenticity will help you to sustain a long healthy career.
Perrymuz 