Singers’ Best Practices for Vocal Health and Performing

Singers, whether you are a pop star like Ariana Grande or a classically trained performer, need to take vocal health seriously. Your voice is your primary instrument, and maintaining it is crucial for both your performances and your long-term career. Below are some key practices and tips to keep your voice healthy and at its best.

Understanding Vocal Cords and Vocal Health

Vocal health is incredibly important. Each time you laugh, talk, scream, or sing, your vocal cords slap together, and they can easily become sore. Proper vocal care can help prevent issues and ensure longevity. Here are some key practices:

Avoid Dairy

Some singers recommend avoiding dairy, not just on the days you sing. Dairy products can contribute to excess mucus production, which can affect your vocal cords. Opt for alternatives like honey, herbal teas, and warm water instead.

Recommended Health Products

Ariana Grande, a vocal legend, recommends a few products to help maintain vocal health:

Grether's Pastilles - These can help soothe the throat and provide relief. Bromelain - An enzyme that can help reduce inflammation. Throat Coat Tea - Provides soothing relief and can help with hydration. Manuka Honey Drops - Naturally soothing and antibacterial, perfect for the throat.

Warm-Up Exercises

Warm-up exercises are essential for singers. They open up your vocal cords, expand your range, and help work out any kinks:

Practice Scales - This helps open up your vocal cords and range. Use all the vowels to improve your enunciation. Mouth Exercises - Pretend you are chewing a big wad of gum. This stretches your mouth and allows for more sound to be produced.

Some singers find that drinking water, consuming hot sauce, or even raising their soft palate (technique known as raising the soft palate) can help open up their vocal cords. However, be cautious with hot sauce as it can cause slobbering, which can interfere with vocal performance.

Technique and Support

Proper technique is crucial for maintaining a healthy voice. You should support your voice from the diaphragm, avoiding the tendency to yell or scream, which can cause your voice to become hoarse. If you have experienced voice issues, it may be time to re-evaluate your technique and consider professional help.

Vocal Rest and Recovery

When your vocal cords are damaged or overworked, you need to rest them. This is referred to as vocal rest.

No Singing: Do not sing at all. Minimal Talking: Speak as little as possible. Vary the Duration: The duration of rest varies based on the severity of the damage. It could take anywhere from a week to a few months.

After your vocal rest, it is important to reassess and improve your technique. Some singers who have been in a position to overuse their voices may have developed poor habits, such as piercing screams or inadequate support from their diaphragm.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

To maintain a healthy voice, consider the following:

Selective Food: Consume food with roughage and avoid anything detrimental to your voice. Proper Sleep: Get enough rest to allow your body and voice to recover. Judicious Practice: Practice vocal music carefully and avoid over-practicing, which can lead to damage. Avoid Shouting: Do not shout or shriek while performing. Minimal Speaking: Speak only when necessary. Regular Check-Ups: Take care of your voice and visit doctors for any issues. Prevention is better than cure. Herbal Treatments: Consider herbal treatments that can help with vocal recovery.

Some singers even take out insurance for their voice box, stating the importance of their vocal instrument in their lives. While not all singers need to follow these steps, many who do maintain excellent voice health.

In conclusion, maintaining vocal health is a combination of proper technique, lifestyle choices, and sometimes professional help. By following the tips provided, aspiring and seasoned singers can ensure their voices are in top condition for every performance.