Showing posts with label protect the voice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label protect the voice. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Warm up your voice for better singing

Just a reminder to take at least 20 minutes to warm up your vocal cords.
Warm-ups must be done before you sing, of course, along with
singing the right warm ups. Singing your favorite songs, or rehearsing a
particular song does not count as a warm up. If you were a professional
dancer, it would be ridiculous to simply begin dancing without first
warming up the muscles used for strenuous dance movements. You
would also be inviting strain as well as a possible injury.

So, like a dancer or athlete, make warming up your voice a habit. I have
designed an excellent warm-up CD for singers. It is exactly 20 minutes long,
just the right amount of time to prepare the vocal cords for singing.
The first exercise on the CD will bring just the right amount of "warmth"
to the larynx. The remaining vocalises focus on vocal range, flexibility and
singing on key. The convenience for having a CD with a full warm up program
is that you have your warm up lesson with you wherever you go. Therefore, any
excuse for not warming up your voice is unacceptable.

Don't leave yourself open to vocal abuse because you can,t find the time,
or do not know how. Vocal abuse is something every singer must avoid.
Never gamble with your voice. It is meant to last you a life time, but only if
you take care of it.

Visit my website for more information on singing and the voice.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

#1 Rule for Singers - Protect Your voice


As singers we depend upon our voice to consistently deliver a well executed sound. To know that every time we sing we can be assured that we get the sound we want is perhaps the biggest confidence-builder. We no longer have to be concerned about our singing....or do we?




Every singer at one time or the other has experienced a dry throat which impairs the singing.


And the dreaded mucous that blocks our sound puts the vocalist in a terrible position. Then, of course, some of us experience the emabarrasing breaking or cracking of the tone, especially on a higher pitch. The feeling of fear or extreme nervousness man cause an otherwise smooth and even sounding voice to shake or tremble.




All of these physical symptoms are a red flag meaning that your voice is not being protected properly. And you will continue to have these vocal problems unless you do something about it now. So, to help you out, I have listed some of the top reasons for vocal abuse along with what you can do about it.






  • Protect your voice by warming up for at least 20 minutes before singing.


  • Hydrate your vocal cords by drinking plenty of room temperature water.


  • Avoid ice or cold drinks as cold will restrict your vocal folds (cords).


  • Never consume dairy products 4-6 hours before you sing, as mucous will develop.


  • Absolutely no smoking (obviously),or caffeine. Caffeine drys out the vocal cords.


  • Refrain from yelling or screaming. Over time, this habit may cause vocal nodules.


  • The day of performance, rest your speaking voice completely.


  • Chocolate is not good for the voice before singing.


  • On cold, drafty days, wear a scarf to protect your throat.


  • Avoid throat lozengers unless they have glycerin in them.


These are the most common. For questions shoot me an email. vocalprolessons@yahoo.com