No matter the style of music you sing, if you practice and perform regularly, you are unfortunately at risk for vocal injury. However, if you prepare yourself properly, and follow some sound principles, you can lower your risk of suffering common vocal injuries. Arizona Studio-Online Performing Arts offer helpful tips below.
Singers Should Train to Not Damage Vocal Cords
How you use your voice when singing is one of the most important factors in keeping your voice healthy. The importance of beginning training early cannot be overstated. Never wait until you are ready to perform. Vocalizing daily should be the cornerstone discipline of every singer. With a well-trained and conditioned voice, you do not need to be apprehensive by high or power notes, or long recording sessions.
Consider How You Use Your Voice when Not Singing
What goes on when you are not singing can contribute to vocal injuries just as much as what you do when you sing! It is advisable to avoid vocal injuries by not overusing your speaking voice the day before, the day of and the day after any performance or extended recording session. Avoid the urge to speak loudly over noise and do not yell or scream. Be mindful that whispering can also be hard on your voice so it is best to rest your voice as much as possible before and after performing.
A Good Performance Environment Helps Prevent Vocal Strain
If you are a singer of amplified music, you must use a microphone in both rehearsals and performances. Never try to sing over a band without a microphone and a good monitor! Ensure that what you hear on your stage or in ears monitors enables you to sing well, without having to over-sing. You should be able to hear your own voice as well as the harmonic structure of the music. If you perform non amplified music, try to do so only in a location that is acoustically geared for singing such music. Having constant auditory feedback is necessary so that you don’t over-sing.
Be Healthy to Avoid Vocal Injuries
Diet, exercise, sleep, emotional well-being and inner poise all contribute greatly to the health of your voice. It is recommended that you avoid smoking, over drinking, screaming, yelling and speaking over loud noises as well as toxins in the air such as incense and household chemicals. Ensure that you are drinking enough water every day and wash your hands frequently to avoid catching colds. Breathing steam or cool mist daily as well as using a humidifier will help your vocal folds stay hydrated.
Find a Good Laryngologist
When you are healthy is the time to find a good voice doctor as they can examine you to get a baseline of the health of your vocal folds. Performing singers should check in with their doctor twice a year, even if they are feeling well. Catching a problem early is usually much easier to treat it than if you wait until you start to lose your voice.
In Studio Voice & Piano Lessons in Chandler, Arizona & Virtual Music & Acting Lesson Plans in Austin & Fort Worth TX | Jacksonville, FL | Columbus, OH | Charlotte, NC | Indianapolis, IN | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO, Washington D.C | United States & Beyond
Fortunately, your voice will let you know how you are doing. If it hurts to sing, you get hoarse after singing, your voice is getting raspy, loud notes fell strained or it is necessary for you to increase volume, or even yell in order to hit the high notes; these are all indications that your voice is in some level of distress. It is best to monitor your own voice and do not ignore any of these signs. Arizona Studio-Online Performing Arts can teach you sound principles to protect your voice and avoid injury. Call us to schedule voice or piano lessons today!
