Vocal Health Tips

As singers, we have a unique responsibility to take care of our instruments. If our instrument (voice) becomes damaged, we can not simply take it to the repair shop or purchase a new instrument to replace it. Improper care can result in long term damage. Singers must practice healthy habits in order to maintain their instruments for the best possible performance.

1. Drink lots of water, preferably 7-10 eight ounce glasses a day. This helps keep the body and especially the vocal cords hydrated properly.
2. Avoid drinking beverages with caffeine, which dehydrates the body and the vocal cords.
3. Avoid speaking too loud, too low for too long, yelling and screaming. This will create swelling in the vocal folds to the point of injury. Laryngitis or more serious injuries such as vocal polyps and nodes can occur.
4. Get plenty of sleep.
5. Exercise regularly. 
6. Avoid smoking or any kinds of drugs or alcohol. These irritate the vocal tract and dehydrate the body.
7. Cough gently and non-vocally.
8. Avoid heavy throat clearing. 

Recently there have many professional singers who have struggled with vocal health issues and needed surgery. Sometimes cases were so serious that the singer needed to stop his/her singing temporarily or all together. Some of these singers include: Adele, John Mayer, Keith Urban and Julie Andrews.

Practice these healthy habits and you will be able to create a vibrant, clear, focused, and relaxed vocal tone!