Voice Care

Here are some things that you can do to care for your voice.
Be healthy and “wet”!

• Drink lots of water, every day. This helps keep your vocal folds moist. Two litres a day is a good amount, in addition to any other beverages.
• Avoid things that dry or irritate the throat – salty food, coffee, smoke, and perfume. Throat lozenges don’t really work except while they are actually in your mouth. A surprising number of people are sensitive to perfumes, lotions and essential oils.
• Do the things that keep you fit, healthy and relaxed. Being healthy is good for your voice. And singing is good for your health.

Sing lots!

• Sing with the radio, sing in the shower, sing to your family, sing loud, sing soft, sing in funny voices, sing higher or lower than you usually do, groan and sigh and laugh out loud. Got a melody running through your head? Sing it out loud! Sing by yourself and sing with a friend.
• Give yourself a gift every day – some time to sing and practice your vocal exercises.

Have fun! – Relax, breathe, be gentle with yourself

• Notice if you are feeling strained when you sing. Keep your shoulders down and back, your neck loose and tall, and your knees soft.
• Be careful not to thrust out your chin and jaw. This puts strain on the voice.
• Breathe. Expand your ribs.
• Don’t push yourself too high, too loud or too long. Develop at your own pace.