Vocal Health for Singers, Part I: Laying the Foundations

Like you, I'm always looking for ways for my choirs to make a great sound, and an important (often overlooked) part of this is around vocal health. So, let's look into some key points that will both help our voices to stay in good shape, and improve our individual and choral sound. Remember - your voice is your instrument, and like any good musician, you need to take care of it!

Ella Fitzgerald said:
          "The only thing better than singing is more singing."
But she omitted to add, "... as long as we are practising good vocal health!"


1. Lifestyle matters: it's not just about singing

• Stay hydrated - Humans are made up of 60-70% water. Physical activity, using our voices and even breathing dehydrates us! Our vocal folds (often called vocal cords) need to stay hydrated to function properly. We should be aiming to drink the equivalent of 6-8 glasses of water a day (=1.2 litres or 2 pints). Water is the best thing to drink, ideally not ice-cold. If plain water bores you, as it does me, try herbal teas or infuse your water with some fruit. Avoid alcoholic, fizzy pop and sugary, caffeinated drinks, fruit juices and milk before singing - some of these speed up dehydration and others cause acid reflux (see below) which damages our vocal folds.

Top tip: always have a bottle of still, room-temperature water with you when you're practising at home, during choir practices, and at performances. Take regular sips… at appropriate moments only, obviously.

• Prioritise voice over vice - Excessive alcohol and smoking are terrible for our voices. Alcohol dehydrates us, and smoking irritates our vocal folds. 

​Top tip: If you do indulge, make sure to compensate with extra hydration.

• Repeat after me… - Acid reflux can happen after eating and drinking, especially where fried or spicy food and alcohol are concerned. It is caused by our stomach contents washing back into the oesophagus, typically bringing a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. Acid reflux can wreak havoc on our voices, and may lead to laryngitis (swelling of the vocal folds).

Top tip: try to avoid eating close to bedtime and steer clear of spicy or acidic foods and alcohol before singing.

• Beauty sleep for your voice - Getting enough sleep isn't just about avoiding those dark circles under your eyes! It's crucial for vocal recovery (as well as for concentration). Aim for 7-9 hours a night. Your voice will thank you!

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2. At-Home Vocal Care: Your Personal Vocal Gym

• Warm-ups: not just for choir practice - Just as athletes warm up before a race, singers should warm up their voices. Here's a simple routine you can do at home:

          a. Lip trills (aka "motorboat" sound) - Great for relaxing your lips and vocal folds
          b. Humming well known songs to "ng" - Helps with resonance and breath control
          c. Gentle sirens/scales - Start in your comfortable range and gradually expand

Composer, Arvo Pärt said:
          "The human voice is the most perfect instrument of all."
So let's make sure we're taking care of our perfect instruments!

• Strike a pose (the right one) - Good posture isn't just about looking confident - it's essential for proper breathing and vocal production. Here's a quick posture check:

          - Feet shoulder-width apart
          - Knees slightly bent
          - Shoulders relaxed
          - Chin parallel to the ground

Try singing your favourite song in this posture and notice the difference!

• Breathe in, breathe out - Proper breathing is the foundation of good singing. Let's try a simple breathing exercise.

​          a. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly
          b. Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly expand
          ​c. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your belly contract

This is diaphragmatic breathing, and it's a singer's best friend!

• Shhh... your voice needs a break - After belting out your favorite tunes, give your voice some rest. This doesn't mean complete silence (though that can be beneficial too). Just try to minimize unnecessary talking or throat clearing. Your vocal folds will appreciate the break!

Wrapping up Part I
That's it for our first instalment of vocal health tips! Remember, taking care of your voice isn't just about what you do during choir practice - it's a lifestyle. In Part II, we'll dive into some techniques we can practise together and talk about when it might be time to see a vocal health professional.

Until then, keep those voices healthy and happy!

Quick Tip of the Week: try a "vocal nap" - 5-10 minutes of complete vocal rest daily. It's like a power nap for your voice!
Stay tuned for Part II, where we'll explore how to optimise our vocal health during our rehearsals and performances. Happy singing!