Hi,
> As a singer, your voice is your instrument. Naturally,
> you need to keep it in good shape if you want to give good
> performances. You wouldn’t play music on a rusty flute,
> and you shouldn’t sing with unhealthy pipes.
>
> Unfortunately, there are many factors that can harm a
> singer’s vocal health. Here are some steps you can take to
> keep your pipes feeling and sounding their best:
>
> Avoid Smoke
>
> Besides its obvious health hazards, smoking can cause
> changes in a person’s voice. In some very specific cases,
> such as screaming heavy metal high notes, smoking is
> credited with increasing vocal range.
>
> In the vast majority of cases, smoking actually lowers
> the voice and makes it very difficult to hit high notes
> with good tone and volume control. The smoke also
> dehydrates your vocal chords, reducing their flexibility.
>
> Smoking has also been linked to throat, mouth, and lung
> cancer. Secondhand smoke might be hard to avoid if you
> play in clubs, but you can still protect your pipes by
> never inhaling your own smoke.
>
> Stay Hydrated
>
> Ever wonder why singers keep a bottle of water close at
> hand? Your vocal chords need moisture in order to function
> at their best. Proper hydration keeps them nimble and
> allows you to hit a variety of notes quickly and smoothly.
>
> Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day, and sip
> water between songs and during breaks when you perform. If
> you need a little flavor variety, any non-carbonated,
> decaffeinated beverage will do. Lukewarm is best.
>
> Do Your Warm-Ups
>
> Regular warm-ups are critical to your vocal health.
> Just like you wouldn’t work out without stretching your
> muscles, you shouldn’t try to tackle a song without
> stretching your pipes.
>
> Start by singing all the notes on the C chromatic
> scale, from bottom to top and back again. Then do the same
> thing using the yawning technique. Open your mouth and
> produce one long note that flows through the notes without
> pausing (like a yawn that increases in pitch).
>
> Finally, spend some time singing your lowest notes.
> These will help your vocal chords become more flexible.
>
> Know When to Stop
>
> Sometimes your vocal chords just need a break. If you
> start to feel any sort of pain or tension when you sing or
> swallow, give your pipes some recovery time.
>
> Some touring vocalists try to speak as little as
> possible between concerts. They avoid loud environments
> where they would be forced to shout, such as crowded bars
> or parties. This preserves their voices for those
> demanding performances.
>
> Your vocal stamina will increase with time and
> practice. At first, you might need a break after just a
> few songs. Stay hydrated and never force notes; sing what
> is comfortable, and stop when you need to.
>
> Support Your Immune System
>
> Colds and sinus infections are the bane of singers
> everywhere. It’s hard to sound musical when your head is
> stuffy and your throat is sore, and who feels like being
> charismatic when they’re running a fever?
>
> Stave off seasonal ills by practicing good hygiene,
> drinking plenty of fluids, and eating an adequate amount
> of healthy foods. Sleep at least 8 hours a night to keep
> your body strong, and take a daily multivitamin.
>
> Allergies weaken the immune system, so if you’re an
> allergy sufferer, getting that condition under control can
> keep you healthier all year long. If you ever suspect that
> you have a throat infection or injury, seek medical
> attention.
>
> It takes a little effort to maintain your pipes, but
> that’s true of any instrument. Keep your body healthy and
> keep your vocal chords warmed up, and you shouldn’t have
> any problems.
>
> Enjoy Your Talent
Sarah x