If you’re familiar with Sojourn recordings or worship services, you’ve no doubt heard the vocals of Rebecca Dennison. Rebecca is an amazing singer, featured on Before The Throne (check out the “My Maker And My King” mp3 on our Before The Throne page), These Things I Remember (listen to “Faithful” and “Of Psalm 51” from that page) and our upcoming Over The Grave: The Hymns Of Isaac Watts, Volume One. Now, Rebecca begins a series for worship team vocalists and singers of all stripes, focusing on principles and techniques for taking care of your voice. And now, the second of two articles on How NOT To Lose Your Voice:
I used to lose my voice at least twice a year - once in the fall and once in the spring. And when I lost it, it was lost for a month - at least as far as singing was concerned. I’ve collected these tips from various sources - my mom, other vocalists, etc. - over the last few years in an attempt to keep my voice healthy and useful.
1 - Bundle up: Wear a scarf, wear a hat, wear a jacket. The scarf is especially important. If it’s cold and you don’t feel like the hassle of grabbing a scarf just ask yourself, “Is it worth being without my voice for X number of weeks?”
2 - Warm up: The production of the human voice involves muscles so it only makes sense to warm up before vocal activity. And just like other physical activities, you will perform better once your muscles are limber.
3 - Be Gentle: If you have a cold, are suffering from allergies, or have strained your voice, be gentle. Try to avoid talking/singing any more than you have to. Try to avoid belting or singing strenuously if you can.
4 - Try not to cough - If you can’t prevent your cold/allergies from reaching the point where you wind up with mucous draining down your throat (gross, I know), try to avoid coughing. Congestion may affect your intonation but coughing can actually inflame the mechanisms of your voice. If I can avoid coughing, my voice will be back to normal once my congestion clears up. If I cough a lot, I will lose my voice and spend a month or more awaiting it’s return.
5 - Don’t be a hero - Treat your symptoms. Get rest. Use the treatments from last week’s article.
6 - Take Lessons: If you’ve never been taught to sing “properly”, find a vocal coach/teacher who will help you learn to sing in a way that does not strain your voice.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I used to get laryngitis every time I caught a cold. I, too, have learned the value of every point you make here. I have a colorful collection of scarves I’ve collected.
Another thing I’ve learned to do… warm DOWN after a strenuous performance. This can relax and re-lift your voice. Learning NEVER to push your voice out… to pull it out by the words… this helps keep strain at bay especially when vocal cords are already in a vulnerable condition of slight swelling.
Great point, Judy. Just like the cool down period for physical exercise.