Behind the Mic: Voice Care 101

posted in: Features

From insufficient monitoring to lack of sleep to dehydration, there are many things that can hurt a singer’s voice.

A lot of vocalists practice with a PA system but, more often than not, they are straining to sing louder in order to hear themselves better. The same can be said about playing shows at venues with weak on-stage monitors. If you can’t hear yourself, you are more likely not only to sing off-key, but also to hurt your voice by forcing volume. The best fix to this problem is to invest in an in-ear monitor system, which will allow you to hear your voice through earbuds. Not only will you significantly lessen the damage to your voice, you’ll also be shocked by how much better you sing once you can really hear yourself.

Make sure you get plenty of rest on the nights before practices and shows. You know what your voice sounds like when you first wake up, and if you don’t get enough sleep, that croaky sound will stay throughout the day. Plus, it will be much harder to put on an an engaging performance if you’re running low on energy.

Keeping hydrated at all times is key to having a healthy voice, and downing a plastic bottle of water during your set is not enough!  Keeping your vocal cords wet will help them to vibrate, which they have to do quickly in order to speak or sing. Before a show, make sure to drink only room-temperature water because cold beverages will cause your vocal chords to contract.

If you happen to lose your voice, many people will tell you to drink hot tea with honey or lemon. But vocal coach Kevin Richards of Rock the Stage NYC claims that there is no truth behind this advice. According to Richards, the only cure for a sore voice is 24 hours of complete vocal rest ” no singing OR talking.

Richards’ checklist for proper vocal care also includes: watching out for overly cold drafts or dry, heated hair; taking zinc to help heal a dry or scratchy throat; and drinking lukewarm caffeine-free hot tea in the winter in order to stay hydrated.

Vocal coaches like Richards are invaluable resources, especially if you are looking to pursue singing professionally. Your coach will be able to help you with breathing and warm-up exercises, as well as advise you on how to get a clean and powerful sound without doing damage to your voice. Seeing a vocal coach will allow you to learn proper singing techniques in order to maximize your vocal strength and quality.

It’s important to remember that a voice must be cared for as if it were an expensive piece of equipment. Practicing good vocal care habits will ensure that you keep a clean, dependable and strong voice for years to come.