Voice Preservation for Professionals: How to Protect Your Voice During Performance and Recording
As a professional singer, your voice is your most valuable asset. It's what sets you apart from other performers and allows you to express yourself authentically. But all too often, singers push their voices to the limit, leading to hoarseness, strain, and even permanent damage. That's why it's important to take steps to protect your voice during performances and recording sessions. In this blog post, we'll cover some tips and techniques to help you preserve your voice and maintain optimal vocal health.
Recording and performing can be tough work on the voice.
Warm up properly
Before you start singing, it's important to warm up your voice properly. This can help prevent strain and injury, and improve your vocal range and flexibility. Start with some simple lip trills or humming exercises, and gradually move on to more challenging vocal exercises. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up before a performance or recording session, and don't forget to cool down afterwards.
Stay hydrated
One of the most important things you can do to protect your voice is to stay hydrated. When your vocal cords are dry, they're more prone to injury and strain. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. You can also try drinking warm liquids like tea with honey to soothe your throat and keep your vocal cords hydrated.
Practice good vocal hygiene
Just like you take care of your teeth and skin, it's important to practice good vocal hygiene to protect your voice. This includes avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as well as other irritants like pollution and dust. You can also try using a humidifier to keep the air in your home or studio moist, and avoid talking or singing for long periods of time without a break.
Use proper technique
Using proper singing technique is key to preserving your voice. This means singing with good posture, breath control, and vowel placement, and avoiding excessive strain or tension. If you're not sure if you're using proper technique, consider working with a vocal coach who can help you identify areas of improvement and provide feedback on your singing.
Take breaks
Finally, don't forget to take breaks during long recording sessions or performances. Giving your voice a rest can help prevent strain and fatigue, and allow you to perform at your best. Try to schedule breaks into your recording or performance schedule, and use the time to rest your voice, hydrate, and stretch.
Taking care of your voice is essential for professional singers. By following these tips and techniques, you can help protect your voice from injury and strain, and maintain optimal vocal health. Remember, your voice is your most valuable asset, so take care of it!
If you need help with your singing technique, or want to learn more about vocal health and hygiene, consider working with a vocal coach. I offer private, virtual voice lessons in a variety of styles, including classical, pop, rock, and musical theatre. My goal is to help you get the most out of your voice using the principles of Somatic Voicework™ (the LoVetri Method), while also promoting vocal health and longevity. Contact me today for a free Discovery Call to learn more!
