If you’re a vocalist, there are a number of things you can do to care for your voice as your instrument.
Though I use my voice often, I’m not a vocal professional or doctor. I did, however, have to have vocal chord surgery several years back and have since paid more attention to taking proper care.
Here are a few things to remember:
Sing Correctly
Use your diaphragm, not just your throat. Work to open up your resonance to hit higher notes. A vocal coach once said, “Think of opening out your mouth like there is an egg in it that you can’t break.” Also, work on breath support—it’s a big help in healthy projection. Here are some tips from a video a few years back.
Drink Water
Water is a big one because it helps keep your vocal cords healthy. Drink plenty of water during rehearsals – and before worship leadership times.
No Dairy, Chocolate, Or Salsa Late At Night
Maybe partly due to acid reflux issues, these are just a few of the foods to avoid at night or just before singing.
Use A Mic
If you’re speaking or singing to a group of over 25 people, using a mic will help keep you from yell talking. Sometimes, people pride themselves on “not needing a mic,” but there’s no point in needlessly trying to project, especially in a large room.
Don’t Use Just One Ear Of In-Ear Monitors
When using in-ear monitors, don’t just wear one side. This will not only mess with your hearing (one ear will overwork while the other follicles become dormant), but it will also mess with the way you hear your voice in your head. In-ear monitors have a great place in helping to curb bad vocal habits. When set correctly, you don’t have to compete with instruments, and that’s a big step toward saving your voice!
Hot Tea In The Morning
Hot tea with honey can open the vocal cords and throat in the morning. The steam alone helps stretch those muscles.
Warm Up Your Voice On The Way To Church
Wednesday evening rehearsals aren’t too bad because you’ve been at it all day. But Sunday mornings can gnaw on your vocal cords if you haven’t warmed up. It’s good to get a habit of drinking something warm. Even just some warmer tap water can help in the mornings. You also want to hum or do vocal exercises to get into the groove before you belt it out for a sound check. If it’s not easy to do that while you’re at the church building, do it in your car on the way over. Make some noise, do some exercises, and warm up your voice.
