Whether you’re a singer or a professional who speaks often (either publicly or in meetings), you need to take care of your voice. Without good technique and maintenance, you may end up with vocal nodules, pain, hoarseness, or other ailments, and some of these can be permanent.
This blog will help you keep your voice in shape, use good technique, and identify vocal problems before they get out of hand. If you’d like to enroll in voice lessons in Brooklyn, we’d love to have you in our community. We also offer piano lessons, drum instruction, violin lessons, and more.
Potential Ailments from Poor Vocal Care
Vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts are common conditions caused by vocal abuse. These benign growths on the vocal cords can cause hoarseness, breathiness, and a loss of vocal range. If untreated, these conditions may require surgical intervention.
Laryngitis, an inflammation of the vocal cords, is another common ailment. It can result from overuse, infections, or irritants. Chronic laryngitis can lead to permanent vocal damage if not addressed.
A more severe condition is vocal hemorrhage, where a blood vessel in the vocal cord ruptures. This condition requires immediate medical attention and extended vocal rest to heal properly.
A study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (Roy et al., 2005) was recently highlighted by Aetna, and there is some interesting further reading available.
How To Prevent Vocal Fatigue
Vocal Health for Singers
For singers, maintaining vocal health can be the difference between a career or finding a different job. A well-maintained voice allows for more consistent performances and reduces the risk of long-term damage. Hydration is one of the most fundamental aspects of vocal health. Drinking plenty of water keeps the vocal cords lubricated, which is necessary for smooth phonation. Avoiding irritants such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and caffeine can also protect your vocal cords from unnecessary strain. Even Bobby McFerrin drinks tea often – perhaps you can consider that as well.
Another important aspect is to be mindful of your environment. Dry air can dehydrate the vocal cords, so using a humidifier, especially during the winter months, can help maintain the moisture levels in your throat. Additionally, resting your voice whenever possible is beneficial. Silence can be a powerful tool in preventing vocal fatigue, allowing your vocal cords to recover from heavy use.
Singing Techniques to Limit Fatigue and Damage
Both classical and pop singers can benefit from specific techniques to limit fatigue and damage. Proper breath support is a fundamental technique. Utilizing the diaphragm effectively ensures that you are not straining your vocal cords to produce volume and high notes. Classical singers often focus on techniques like appoggio, which involves controlled breathing and support from the lower muscles, providing a stable foundation for the voice.
Pop singers, on the other hand, might benefit from techniques like mixed voice, which combines chest and head voice to produce a fuller sound without straining. This technique allows for more extended singing sessions without causing fatigue. Also, you shouldn’t sing in registers outside of your range! When professional singers sound like they are straining or reaching, it’s probably for the effect – they are actually highly trained to belt or produce different sounds.
It is also recommended to work with a vocal coach. Classical musicians, country stars, rock singers, pop singers and more have designated voice teachers and coaches. You need this guidance if you want to sing safely and beautifully for the long term.
The Importance of Warming Up
Just as athletes warm up their muscles before exercise, warming up the vocal cords prepares them for use. Gentle exercises such as lip trills, humming, and sirens can help increase blood flow to the vocal cords and reduce the risk of strain.This applies to both public speakers and singers.
Warmups also help in gradually stretching and preparing the vocal range. Starting with low-intensity exercises and slowly increasing the intensity can prevent sudden pressure on the vocal cords.
Recovery Techniques
After extensive use, recovery techniques may be necessary to restore your voice. Staying hydrated is the first step, as water helps in healing and maintaining vocal cord flexibility. Vocal rest is another crucial aspect. Limiting speaking and avoiding whispering, which can strain the voice, allows the vocal cords to recover.
Steam inhalation can also be beneficial. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water can soothe and hydrate the vocal cords. Additionally, throat lozenges or herbal teas with honey can provide relief and reduce inflammation.
Professional singers often use vocal massage as a recovery technique. A study in the Journal of Voice suggests that vocal massage can alleviate tension in the neck and throat muscles, promoting faster recovery (Van Houtte et al., 2011).
Vocal Health for Non-Singers
People who use their voices frequently for professional reasons, such as teachers, public speakers, and customer service representatives, also need to maintain vocal health. Good posture is one simple yet effective way to reduce strain, and good breath support is also incredibly important for anyone who speaks often. You should also speak in a comfortable vocal register – trying to artificially deepen your voice will cause strain, and working hard to project your voice, rather than projecting naturally with greater breath support, can hurt you as well.
Take Care of Your Voice, and Call us For Help
If you’d like to work with a highly quality voice teacher, give Williamsburg Music Studio a call. We’ve served Brooklyn for years, and our music lessons and other programs help both kids and adults.
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