Vocal Hygiene
- Avoid odd laryngeal sounds and excessive throat clearing.
- Keep the speaking voice at a low intensity.
- Avoid talking and singing over loud noises.
- Blow away tension before talking or singing.
- Rest the larynx when not using it.
- Reduce vocal demands.
- Avoid smoking and second hand smoke.
- Avoid using an unhealthy voice.
- Avoid mucosal-drying agents such as caffeine and alcohol.
- Maintain mental health and manage stress.
Vocal Management
- Reduce quantity of singing; fewer lessons, more use of instrumental arrangements, feature other members of the group.
- Use monitor speakers facing the stage.
- Discuss vocal needs with the sound technician.
- Avoid use of chest voice at high pitch levels.
- Rest the voice on performance days.
- Rest between sets or scenes.
- Arrange the music to suit your voice; change keys if necessary.
- Pace your practicing.
- Pace your chorale/choir singing.
SOURCE:
Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, University of Nevada-Reno School of Medicine.
RELATED LINKS
- 10 Most Common Problems of Singers
- Advice For Care Of The Voice
- Bogart-Bacall Syndrome
- “Do-it-yourself” Guide to Healthy Vocalization
- Just the FAQ’s
- Medicine in the Vocal Arts
- Prescribed Medications and Their Effects on Voice and Speech
- Survival Tips for Choral Singers
- Tips to Keep You Talkin’
- Top Vocal Warmups for Singers
- Voice as a Primary Tool of Trade
- Warming up the Voice