11.01.07
Maintaining Vocal Health
Stay hydrated. Caffeine, alcohol, salt, and sugar all dehydrate you. This means that coffee, sodas, and beer really don’t do squat to keep you hydrated - in fact they do the opposite. I do, of course drink coffee and wine - but I keep it within moderation and I increase my water intake to compensate for their dehydrating effects. Carry a 12 oz. water bottle and drink through it 5-6 times a day. If you don’t like water put some lemon or orange in it, or mix 1 part fruit juice with 3 parts water, or try some of the flavored waters that have no added sugars. And if this just seems like a lot of water to drink, remember: you are a singer and one of the hazards of choosing this profession is that you need to be more hydrated than everyone else.
Don’t socialize in loud places. Hanging out with friends and bandmates in loud bars, clubs, parties, and restaurants leads to what is known as the Lombard Effect. The Lombard Effect is the tendency to increase vocal volume and force in response to background noise. This tendency causes us to strain our voices in the effort to be heard. Avoid this unnecessary stress on your voice - choose a quieter place to meet.
Keep your speaking to a minimum. For singers who have a serious performing schedule (such as those on tour) speaking needs to be kept in check. All-night phone conversations with your significant other back home aren’t the best idea. Not that you have to adopt a “strong, silent type” persona, but try to shut off the speaking vocals after 10:00pm and don’t volunteer to lead the band pep talks.
You are what you eat. What we eat very much affects our vocal production. First of all, eating healthily supports your immune system (an absolute must for a singer.) Keep up the fruits and vegetables, and think about taking an immune system support supplement. Secondly, dairy products, and greasy or sugary foods increase phlem. Avoid milk, cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products the entire day of a show. If you do find yourself plagued with phlem, drink some lemon water (not sugary lemonade!) or eat a tart green apple. The light acidity of these fruits helps to break down the phlem so it can move along more quickly. Finally, don’t eat a large meal within 4 hours of a performance. Your lungs need room to expand when you inhale and you may find yourself quite short of breath if all the room in your body is taken up by chimichangas and beans with rice.
Look out for yourself. Of course everyone wants the fun lead-singer to come to their party and drink with them. Socializing is, of course, one of the perks and necessities of being a musician. Everyone has limits, however, and only you can decide where yours are. Learn to politely decline invitations when you need to sleep or when you feel that a night of talking will strain your instrument. Remember that once your voice is strained only rest can fix it, so don’t let it get to that point.
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KL said,
January 31, 2008 at 5:36 am
www.myspace.com/Bright503K
Thanks for the information. It’s very helpful :~)