by Justin Oliver (J Faith):
As a musical artist, vocal health is one of the most important parts of performing your songs to the best of your ability. Check out these tips to maintain a healthy voice.
Warm-Up
Ever tried driving a car right after starting it in really cold weather? Doesn’t run the greatest until it’s warmed up right? Same things goes for your voice. Warming up your voice will help give you the best sounding vocals for your performance whether you’re recording or performing. Youtube has a great exercise for warming up vocals.
Check this one out:
Sing from Diaphram
In order to engage the diaphragm for singing, breathe deeply into the body, feeling a downward sensation in the stomach while also an outward expansion around the lower parts of the ribcage. Once you’ve taken this good breath, continue that downward push while you sing your song, only allowing it to release when you are about to take another breath. Then, repeat. It’s best if you breathe in through your nose, as this will help keep your vocal cords from getting dry. Also, whenever possible, exhale any remaining air from your body before you take a new breath. This will keep you from creating too much pressure.
Don’t sing if it hurts
If you feel you have a sore or dry throat, don’t force your voice into singing. This will only damage the vocal cords and not give you a great performance.
Humidify your home or studio
Singers want to keep their voices hydrated. Humidifiers are recommended to keep nasal passages and vocal folds moist for surface hydration. Vaporizing can actually ease stuffiness and help you breathe better.
Drink room temperature water
Water temperature affects the vocal chords and larynx. Never drink icy cold water before or during recording a voiceover file for a client. If you plan to record within three hours, avoid cold water. Cold water tightens your vocal chords by causing them to contract. Also, refrain from hot water. To achieve full flexibility and elasticity, drink room temperature water before and during the recording.
Take vocal breaks
Especially after a long period of singing or speaking, usually over 30 minutes, it’s good to take a vocal break to let the vocal cords rest.
Avoid inhaling smoke
Inhalation of smoke irritates and can significantly damage the throat.