I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, and I have a few auditions and performances coming up, so I thought I would do a bot of research on best methods for voice care when you're sick.
I already know to take in plenty of fluids. I drink plain old water and coconut water to stay hydrated (Hint: Some places really overprice coconut water. You can get it for $1.75 for a single serving at most stores. Don't pay $3 like I did one night!). The internet helped me out with some tips I already knew as well as some new info!
eHow lists some instructions, including hydration, vocal rest, and warming up slowly. I don't agree about sucking on candies, though; I'd rather have a Throat Coat herbal pastille than a sugary candy!
Associated Content has 4 Tips: No antihistamines (check! I hate that dried out feeling.), drink water (check!), warm up carefully (I plan too!), and make sure you've got good vocal monitors (this only applies when you are singing into a microphone).
I also like to take vitamin supplements, like Emergen-C and licorice (for respiratory health), but you should talk to your doctor before adding any vitamins to your diet.
Do you have any tips for singing while sick, or staving off that pesky summer cold?
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Whether you come to Singers Forum to take lessons or classes, rent space or join Open Mic, we'd love to hear what you think! Bring on the comments!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
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MAINTAINING THE VOICE
ReplyDeleteWhether or not your voice is the voice you want it to be, you will most likely want to have a wonderfully preserved voice at the tender age of sixty, seventy, and possibly even eighty. Careful maintenance of the vocal cords will give you the satisfying feeling that you will be experiencing the pleasure of singing for a lifetime, not just for the duration of the prime of your life.
Your voice will reach full maturity around the age of thirty-five. After that, it may require careful observation to make sure you keep it in good shape. Many singers believe that because vocalists take in a great deal more air than most people, we are more susceptible to various viruses that may be in the air. While I cannot offer proof of this, I can reassure you that you should wear scarves during the winter. Hats or any head covering is highly recommended, since most of your body heat is lost through your head. Stay bundled up on cold winter days.
Now during the Summer, be sure to keep yourself very hydrated. I'm normally a Snapple tea junkie (Peach & Raspberry) but during the Summer I drink plain water 98% of the time. During hot weather your body loses more bodily hydration than at any other time. You are sweating out water even if you don't feel sweaty. So keep hydrated at all time. There are lots of ratios to body weight charts out there as to how much water to consume, but I have learned over the years that the heavier you are, the more water you must consume. I am 165lbs so it takes less water for me to get completed hydrated than someone who weighs 265lbs. My warning sign is chapped lips in the morning. If I have them, I'm dehydrated. Its different for everyone but my general rule of thumb is this; Clear pee = clear voice.
Take vitamins- especially Zinc because it targets the voice specifically. Beware of constant cold drafts and too much air conditioning. In conditions where you appear to be doing everything right, but you do not yet feel your vocal range widening (or even feel it getting smaller) it would be wise to review your work on voice so far and ask yourself these questions:
1. Am I getting enough sleep?
2. Am I eating regularly?
3. Am I eating too many dairy products?
4. Am I drinking too much coffee?
5. Is it possible that I have allergies I am not aware of? One can be allergic to such subtle elements as air conditioning units found in clubs and entertainment areas, as well as various food groups, plants, dust or pollen.
6. Am I singing too hard while performing, because I can't hear myself? Do I need to hear more of myself in the monitors?
If people accuse you of being paranoid about these things, let them. You are simply doing what you know feels good: taking care of yourself. There is nothing wrong with loving your instrument. Vocalists are a special breed of musician; we carry our instrument around with us wherever we go. Taking care of your voice can become a joyful thing.
Rock On!
Kevin Richards