How to maintain a healthy voice for singers
Not sure how to keep your voice in tip top shape?
Here are some really good tips for you!
Keep hydrated
Why? Keeping hydrated is not only healthy for your whole body but also your voice (your body is your instrument). If you become dehydrated your body is unable to reduce muscus… Ewww. This results in a build up of phlegm that forms in the back of your throat, your nose and can cause coughing, which is a way of your body trying to get rid of this build up. The excess mucus can also cause issues for your respiratory system which in return causes havoc on your breathing and singing.
So Drink up!!!
Sleep zzzzzz
Sleep is an important ingredient in keeping your voice healthy. Try to get at least 7 to 8 hours a night and hopefully you will wake up happy and bright 🙌
Correct Vocal Exercises
Have your ever heard the term practice makes perfect? Well this is not really true.. Why? Well If you practice the wrong vocal exercises for your voice this can actually can make your voice worse?
So how do you know if you are singing correctly and applying the right vocal exercises for your voice?
Have an experienced voice coach, someone who is trained in teaching singing to access your voice correctly. They should have experience as a voice teacher, take a look at their track record of singers, who they have worked with. Can they also teach and sing well enough to demonstrate what they ask of their students?
So don’t just pick a singer who teaches singing. You should find a proper voice teacher with the knowledge and experience in teaching ALL voices types.
Why, because most singers are only going to be able to teach you what has worked for their voice, not yours.. Get my drift!?
Voice rest
So your voice box AKA- The Larynx (where your vocal folds are- where the voice is produced) doesn’t actually ever get to completely rest… This is because the larynx is apart of the body which not only helps us talk and sing, but also keeps us alive! What!! HOW you ask!?
The larynx is a tough, ring like muscular tube, that is a flexible segment of the respiratory tract connecting the pharynx (back of your throat) to the trachea (your wind pipe) in your neck.
It plays a vital role in the respiratory tract by allowing the air to pass through it while keeping food and drink from blocking the airway.
So back to voice rest.. STOP singing all day, no screaming or yelling, no whispering.
Try to maintain a healthy vocal exercise routine.
Some of my students who train with me have a daily schedule, this is usually depends on where they are in their voice development: these are some examples below.
A Beginner Vocalist
Practice; Once every two days- vocal exercises for 10 minutes a day. Then voice rest for the remainder of the day/ evening.
A professional vocalist
Practice; Everyday 30 to 45 minutes of vocal exercises; if working on tour or are in the recording studio; Own repertoire for 1 to 2 hours a day.Then voice rest for the rest of the day/ evening.
And this all depends on where you are in your vocal journey.
Remember NO two voices are the same.
Happy Singing
Stacey Jane The Voice Coach ✌️
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