04.23.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Performer Resources at 6:05 am by Administrator
After my last post about the unfortunate development of Jordin Sparks’ vocal cord hemorrhage, I did some more poking around the internet and discovered that there are very few helpful sources on vocal disorders in general. So, in efforts to change that fact, I am posting a glossary of Vocal Disorders, Injuries, and Illnesses.
Cancer - Cancer on the vocal mechanism, or larynx, is called laryngeal cancer. It is an invasive growth that tends to spread throughout the neck and lungs. Laryngeal cancer is usually caused by smoking, and is rare among non-smokers. Vocal cancer is treated with surgery to remove the cancerous cells, and radiation or chemotherapy.
Cyst - Cysts are small mucus or puss-filled pockets that can develop anywhere on the body. On the vocal cords they seem to develop from a mucus gland becoming blocked, an abnormal development of the vocal cords from birth, or from excessive or improper use of the voice. Vocal cysts are treated with voice therapy, sometimes extensive vocal rest (we’re talking months to years - it’s rare, but it does happen), and surgery.
Hemorrhage - Hemorrhaging of any kind is bleeding. Vocal cord hemorrhage is exactly what it sounds like: bleeding vocal cords. It is usually caused by excessive, prolonged, or improper use of the voice, which causes open wounds on the vocal cords. Vocal hemorrhage is treated with a brief period of vocal rest (days to weeks), and voice therapy for reoccurring cases.
Laryngitis - Laryngitis is a general term for inflammation of the vocal cords, resulting in hoarseness. I do not recommend self-diagnosing laryngitis, as prolonged hoarseness may have other, more serious causes than a little inflammation. Laryngitis is usually the result of a bacterial or viral infection in the body and is treated with vocal rest, hydration, and antibiotics if necessary.
Node/Nodules - A vocal Node/Nodule is, essentially, a callous, usually caused by extensive or improper use of the vocal cords. They are harder than polyps and usually form in a certain area of the vocal cords. Then can develop either slowly with a pre-node phase, or they can come on acutely with little warning (depending on the level of stress the voice is put through.) Vocal nodes/nodules are treated with vocal rest with subsequent therapy, and surgery in extreme cases.
Papilloma - Papilloma is the growth of warts on the larynx. It is caused by a virus and passed through intimate contact, including from mother to child during birth. The warts do not show up in everyone who carries the virus, and not everyone who comes in contact with the virus contracts it, either. Voice-use has nothing to do with the growth of the warts on the vocal cords. Just like other warts, Papilloma warts are nearly impossible to get rid of as the virus can never be rid from the body. Treatment is limited to repeated surgeries to remove repeated growths.
Polyp - A vocal polyp is, essentially, a callous caused by extensive or improper use of the vocal cords. They are softer than vocal nodes (or nodules), and may develop anywhere on the vocal cords. Vocal polyps are treated with vocal rest with subsequent therapy, and surgery in extreme cases.
Reflux - Acid reflux, or the flow of stomach acid up the esophagus, also can affect the vocal cords when this acid makes its way into the larynx. The vocal mechanism is much more sensitive than the esophagus and is much more effected by the acid, resulting in irritation and swelling. Over time, repeated fragility caused by acid exposure can make the vocal cords vulnerable to other complications, such as laryngitis and hemorrhaging. Treatment for reflux include dietary changes, antacids to manage stomach acid.
Scarring - Vocal cord scarring is usually caused by surgery on the vocal cords, but may result from diseases, or trauma to the neck or throat. The delicate surface tissue of the vocal cords lays loosely over the deeper tissues below, allowing for free vibrations when we vocalize. When this surface layer is partially made up of firm scar tissue, however, vibrations between the two vocal cords is severely limited and the voice is changed dramatically. Vocal scars should, overall, be prevented as much as possible. Once formed, however, vocal therapy and the gradual smoothing of the scar over time do yield some improvement. Surgery to smooth vocal scars is a rare and does not usually yield positive results.
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04.22.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Vocal Health at 9:16 pm by Administrator
While browsing Yahoo! News this morning, I learned that 2007 “American Idol” winner, Jordin Sparks, cancelled three shows this weekend, including an opening night spot on Alicia Keys’ concert tour. The article cited “acute vocal cord hemorrhage” as the cause for Ms. Sparks’ cancellation. It also asserted that after a brief period of vocal rest, Ms. Sparks will be singing her heart out on a breakneck schedule once again.
After reading the article I realized that it gave no indication of what “vocal cord hemorrhage” is, or of what causes it. So, let me break it down:
Hemorrhaging of any kind is bleeding. vocal cord hemorrhage is exactly what it sounds like: bleeding vocal cords (not pleasant any way you look at it.) Luckily for Ms. Sparks, there’s not much blood involved in your average vocal cord hemorrhage - it’s more about open wounds on the vocal cords than it is about major blood loss. The vocal cords begin to bleed when they are exposed to exessive phonotrauma, or the physical stresses caused by making sound with your voice. Extreme examples of phonotrauma are voicing too loudly (e.g. screaming), voicing too often for long periods of time (e.g. a rigorous performing schedule) or voicing when the vocal cords are fragile (e.g. while swollen). Really, the vocal cords are the same as the rest of the body - if you expose your fingertips to overuse, prolonged use, or use when they’re worn raw, you can expect them to bleed, too.
And so, with her vocal rest, Ms. Sparks will avoid any and all voicing (singing, speaking, whispering, etc) so that the open wounds on her cords can heal completely. Of course, this should lead us to question the performance, rehearsal, and recording schedule that caused this poor woman to literally sing until she bled. We must remember that our vocal cords are fragile and irreplaceable, and treat them with the appropriate respect. And primarily, I hope that Ms. Sparks’ managers and producers share in this appropriate respect so this might not happen to her again.
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04.21.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Performer Resources, Practicing, Write-In Questions at 5:13 am by Administrator
“Sometimes when I am singing in front of people I find that I become short of breath and can’t make it to the end of phrases that I otherwise had no problem with. Is there any advice you can give me to make this stop happening?”
- Michelle S.
Michelle,
Even for experienced performers, maintaining technique in front of an audience is a whole ‘nother bag of tricks than practicing by ourselves. There are two factors that are most likely affecting your ability to sustain a held note:
1. Nervous Tension. The anxiety of being on stage is the same as any other anxiety - it ignites our “fight or flight” instinct. One side effect of this is that our legs and stomach become tense, inhibiting diaphragmatic breathing. Next time you’re in front of an audience, be aware of any tension in your body - from your feet to the top of your head. Believe it or not, the entire body is actually connected (!gasp! No?!), and tension anywhere will migrate to other parts and cause problems for you. Also, when you reach the end of the breath, make sure you’re not contracting your sternum downward (as though you were doing a stomach-crunch). This collapses your lungs and can trap a little bit of air that you do have and make it unusable. Instead, keep your sternum lifted and focus on allowing the lower abdomen and pelvic floor press the air out (this will feel anti-instinct, but just try it a few times, I think you’ll be surprised).
2. Distractions. Most singers prefer to practice in an environment that allows them to focus. Unfortunately, the center of the spotlight is not such a place. On stage we’re worried about our balance, not tripping on instrument cords, and keeping the energy level up. It’s very important that you practice your technique enough that when you’re on stage it comes naturally. Then, focus on disciplining yourself to constantly monitor your technique, making sure it’s still intact throughout your performance. Check that your shoulders are relaxed, that your throat is open, that your posture is supporting the breath.
As you get more comfortable on stage you’ll find that tension will decrease and the normal distractions will fade into the background. Until then, try to relax and keep up the practicing!
~ Rebeqa
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04.20.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Vocal Health, Write-In Questions at 2:50 am by Administrator
“I recently went to a rock concert and woke up with a scratchy voice. Are there any tricks of the trade to help avoid this? - Chris R.
Chris,
To avoid “morning after” voice - or that scratchy, hoarse throwback from a long, loud night - there are steps you can take before, during, and after the vocal strain is going to happen.
Before: If you know you’re going to have a long, loud night, make sure that you hydrate that day. Also, take it easy on dehydrating agents such as caffeine, overly salty foods, and alcohol.
During: Of course, there’s a good chance you may be drinking alcohol throughout a long evening, so make sure you’re keeping up on your water as well. Also, during the event be aware of how loudly you’re speaking, singing, or cheering. Loud venues bring out The Lombard Effect, or an unconscious increase of vocal volume to compete with surrounding noise (this is also why people listening to music with headphones on, tend to yell when they talk.) The best thing to do is to enjoy the evening with no yelling or screaming. But we all know that a really great concert can make us scream ourselves silly, despite our best vocal intentions. So, if you must be loud, keep your breath supported and don’t max out your voice - keep it at 80% volume or less.
After: If you still find your voice scratchy the next morning, drink plenty of water, opt for herbal tea instead of coffee (caffeine dehydrates, remember), and take a hot shower and breathe deeply in the steam. Also, while you’re in the steam, do about 10 minutes of gentle humming through your range to warm up your voice. You should be sounding better after this, but if you’re still hoarse and breathy it means your vocal cords are probably swollen and you should really avoid singing, speaking or whispering for a few hours. In the meantime, keep that water and hot, herbal tea within reach - hydration and vocal rest (and a nap if you can get it) are your best bet for feel better soon.
Best of luck at the next concert, Chris!
~ Rebeqa
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