Vocal Tips

VOCAL TIPS



1) Milk and other dairy products are harmful to your voice. If eaten in moderation, you'll be fine, but try to limit your intake!


2) Not getting enough rest causes your vocal chords to swell and can make you go hoarse. 8 hours a night is hard, but vital!




3) Warm up! It's annoying to have to practice your exercises every time you're preparing to sing; yet if you skip your warm ups, eventually you'll pay!




4) Try eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and natural foods- but avoid any sort of acidic fruit. (Like pure plain lemons. Hopefully you don't go around eating many of those!)




5) Don't clear your throat! This causes your vocal chords to get scratched and swollen. If you feel like there's something in your throat, simply try drinking water or swallowing.




6) Take "vocal naps." These are periods of time when you go without talking. It seems impossible! But it's great to give your voice a break in the middle of the day. It can be for an hour, or 15 minutes!




7) If your throat is sore, don't sing! Even if you're up for a solo in the choir, find a replacement! Singing on top of a hurting throat causes damage that can have major consequences!




8) You've heard it before, but we'll tell you again. The absolute best thing you can do for your voice is to drink LOTS of water. Water hydrates your vocal chords like nothing else can.




9) If you're taking allergy medication, try using a non-drying prescription like Claritin. Sinuses are bad for your throat, but mucus is actually a natural substance that your body produces to protect your vocal chords, so you don't want to completely dry out your throat!




10) Don't scream! We know it's hard to not shout at pep rallies, and youth conferences, but it damages your voice. Try to limit the raised tones as much as possible.

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Aspire to Inspire before you Expire!