What All Vocalists Need to Know About Voice Care

The human singing voice is arguably the most widely-used method of making music. About 98 percent of the world’s population has the ability to recognize the nuances between musical notes and identify when a note is in or out of tune. Additionally, every cultural group in existence has incorporated the act of singing into their societies in some way.
 
While early humans often sang to pray, recount history, or celebrate rites of passage, modern-day vocalists sing for artistic expression and the entertainment of others in a diverse array of styles. And although the voice may not be one of the world’s most difficult instruments, it is still important to care for one’s voice in order to give the best performance possible.
 
From the stylish tones of popular musical artists on the radio to the dramatic arias of opera singers on stages around the world, vocalists must be familiar with the following important voice care tips listed below.
​

---

Always Warm up before Singing

To sing, vocalists push air out of the lungs and between the vocal chords, which then contract and vibrate to produce sound. The process is a physical one, and like other physical activities, it requires an individual to warm up prior to practice in order to prevent damage and perform to the best of his or her ability.
 
A singer who takes the time to warm up his or her voice before a practice or performance will widen vocal range, sing with greater consistency, and have the ability to sing for a longer period of time. Singers who make warm ups a mandatory part of their routines can also help themselves avoid more serious injuries down the line, such as the development of nodules, or polyps in the vocal cords which often require surgery to repair.
​

Develop Good Lifestyle Habits

Leading a healthy lifestyle is an important part of life for many professional vocalists, and those who want to become accomplished singers should strive for a high standard of self-care. For example, regular physical exercise can help singers develop a healthy posture and better breath control, both of which are crucial to voice projection and manipulation.
 
Singers should also try to drink six to eight glasses of water every day and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This increases one’s intake of vitamins A, C, and E, and aids in the healthy development of the throat’s mucus membranes. It is also important to limit caffeine, as it can cause both the larynx and the vocal cords to dry out.
​

---

Stay Relaxed When You Sing

Along with developing good posture, a vocalist must make sure to keep the muscles in his or her neck, throat, and jaw relaxed while performing. Singers often have the impulse to tighten the neck and raise the chin when singing high notes and lower the chin when singing low notes. Not only does this strain the vocal cords, but it also can limit a singer’s range over time.
 
Vocalists who sing through a clenched jaw run the risk of diminishing the projection of the voice. This can cause them to overcompensate for the muffled sound by singing louder than necessary, leading to vocal strain.
​

Avoid Actions That Cause Damage

There are a substantial number of everyday actions that can instantly harm the voice without a singer being aware of it. For example, a bout of yelling can cause damage to the lining of the vocal cords, as can excessive throat clearing and whispering. Too much talking when the throat feels hoarse, tired, or sore can also result in damage to the voice.
 
Additionally, acid reflux can have a negative impact on the vocal cords. Singers who experience this condition should talk to a medical professional in order to discuss the best course of action for reducing it.
 
To combat the effects of everyday damage, music professionals suggest giving the voice plenty of rest. Investing in a humidifier can prevent the air within the home from becoming dry, which can be harsh on the vocal cords.
​

Don't Sing When You're Sick

​This should be an obvious tip, but many vocalists need to be reminded that when illness strikes, it is time to rest one's voice. Attempting to sing while sick puts even more strain on the voice than standard singing.
 
Not only that, singing was sick generally will not produce the quality of sound that a vocalist is capable of producing when healthy. Singers who are ill should take time to rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid talking until the throat and nasal passages return to normal.
​

---

Choose a Quality Vocal Coach

Ultimately, vocalists who are serious about their craft should consider enlisting the help of a professional to coach them. As noted above, the voice is an instrument. Like any other instrument, it requires practice and instruction to become truly proficient.
 
Singers should look for teachers who are experienced in the vocal techniques that the student is interested in, and who have the ability to make their students feel comfortable performing and asking questions. Great vocal coaches are goal-oriented instructors who help students make meaningful progress toward a better, stronger voice after every lesson.