When we first purchase a shiny new instrument, we will often try as hard as humanly possible to keep it safe and protected. Instruments can be expensive and we want them to sound as good as possible when we play them. When a student purchases a guitar, they will likely purchase a case for it. A saxophone student will often clean out their instrument on a daily basis. But, what about if our instrument is already a part of us? When taking voice lessons Miami, it is essential to also take care of your voice.
We often talk about taking care of our instrument because musical instruments can be expensive. Well, no instrument is more valuable than the vocal cords, because we can’t exactly just purchase a new set of vocal cords! Be mindful, and take the time to take care of your inner instrument and you will sound great your whole life!
1. Be Aware Of Your Voice
It seems like a simple concept, but vocalists should strive to be aware of their voice each day at all times, not just while they’re singing. This awareness throughout the day will prepare the body to be aware while taking on the more strenuous act of singing. Notice how often you may raise your voice throughout the day and try to keep it to a minimum. This will reduce the strain on your vocal cords each day.
2. Always warm up
Your vocal cords act as a muscle, and we all know that before any strenuous physical activity, it is important to warm up the muscles. Try singing scales, nice and slow, up and down on different syllables. This is a great way to warm up your vocal range. Working on lip and tongue trills are also a great way to loosen up the lip and tongue and engage conscious breathing. Humming before singing is also a great way to get your vocal cords going. Your voice lessons Miami teacher will assist you in discovering great warm up teachniques.
3. Avoid Drinking Cold Beverages
Drinking cold beverages can cause your voice to clamp up. Your vocal cords (along with most muscles) operate much smoother in warm conditions. Cold water or any cold beverages can restrict movement and therefore restrict your range and put unnecessary tension on your voice.
4. Other Things To Avoid
This should be a no-brainer but it’s important to note that smoking can do a lot of damage to your voice. Smoking can cause inflammation and polyp formation which weakens the voice. Smoking is also linked to shortness of breath which can be very detrimental to a healthy singing practice. Consuming dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can also negatively impact your voice before a performance. Dairy causes the build up of mucous which can get in the way of a clear sounding voice.
5. Drink Lots Of Water!
Keeping your body and vocal cords hydrated can go a long way in your vocal health. Drinking lots of water will help to clear out pesky mucous in the vocal path created by dairy and soy and other mucous-building products. Eight glasses a day is recommended. Bonus points for warm or even room-temperature water!
6. Practice
Consistency is key. Even practicing for 10 or 15 minutes a day will do wonders to strengthen your vocal cords and improving singing ability. Even practicing warm-ups alone every day will help. Do as much as you can without doing too much! Listen to your body and remember that moderation is key. Your vocal lessons Miami instructor will let you know exactly what to practice throughout the week. If you stick to this routine, there’s no telling how far your healthy vocal cords will take you!
