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Vocal Point
Symptoms of Vocal Concern
Sep-08-2000
©2000 iBluegrass.com. All rights reserved.
Bluegrass singing, from powerfully sung high notes to booming low gospel tones, is dynamic and soulful---an exciting style requiring varying degrees of vocal skill, dexterity and stamina. In order to meet the challenges of Bluegrass style singing it is of the utmost importance that we take good care of our voices (it is of the utmost importance in any case)! Many problems we experience as singers, such as hoarseness or discomfort in the throat, have to do with the way we use, or "misuse", our voices long before we ever sing that first note.
This article covers some basic ways that we stress our voices as well as fundamental tips on protecting and keeping it healthy.
First of all check this list to see if you're experiencing any of these warning signs:
1. Frequent hoarseness
2. Gravelly, harsh or rough feeling voice
3. Feeling like something's in your throat
4. Frequent throat clearing
5. Difficulty swallowing
6. Voice feels tired after talking at length
7. Pitch breaks of frequent cracking
8. Voice loss
9. Pain when swallowing
10. Vocal fatigue at the end of the day
If you have any of these symptoms for longer than 2 weeks you should see an otolaryngologist; an ear, nose and throat doctor who specializes in problems of the voice.
Helpful hints to help keep your voice in tip top shape:
1. Drink water - This is extremely important. Drink 6 to 8 glasses a day. There is lubricating mucus on your vocal cords and water helps to keep it thin. This creates an ideal environment for them to work. Avoid coffee, tea or soda with caffeine. These beverages dehydrate the vocal cords. A small vaporizer by your bedside is an excellent solution for "mouth breathers," (breathing through your mouth while sleeping dries out your cords).
2. Throat clearing or habitual coughing - This might damage the vocal fold tissue. Instead sip water and swallow slowly, cough silently/gently.
3. Vocal abuse, overuse - speaking loudly in a noisy environment (especially for an extended period of time), screaming, yelling or cheering can damage vocal cord tissue! Be careful. Find an alternative---bang on something, whistle, stomp or throw flares to get it out of your system.
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - A mighty big word describing a condition where stomach content travels back up the esophagus into the throat exposing the cords to reflux acid (i.e. heartburn, upset stomach). This is a common condition and can be addressed through certain dietary changes. You may also try propping up the head of your bed with a couple of bricks creating an incline, which prevents stomach acids from reaching the throat area.
5. Drugs - Antihistamines and decongestants found in cold medication and allergy medication dry out the vocal cords. A local anesthetic like chloraseptic numbs the throat creating an unhealthy environment for talking or singing. If you have to take one of these medications drink as much water as you can.
6. Environment - Try to avoid smoky, dusty rooms (that's a hard one for many a Bluegrass musician). Air-conditioned spaces as well as airplanes are extremely dehydrating environments. The solution, once again, keep drinking lots and lots of water. If you travel or live in dry climates keep that humidifier going at night and stay hydrated.
7. Warm up your voice before singing! - When you sing you use countless involuntary muscles large and small---and they need to be loose and flexible. Don't risk vocal damage.
8. A few other things to avoid; 1. Dropping your voice to an unnaturally low pitch causing a gravely sound 2. Continuing to speak when you're out of air 3. Tightening upper chest, throat, neck and shoulders to "push out" your voice and 4. Talking while exerting yourself.
9. A special note; be very careful when you sing in the car. That's asking a lot of us life long car singers, but the point is that the noise level in our car is much higher than we think, and our sitting position does not offer us much diaphragmatic support. If you must sing in the car do not try to sing louder than or "over" the radio, tape or CD you're playing. Sing easily and carefully. Car singing is right at the top of the list of vocal abuse.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. Feel free to contact me with your questions, and in the meantime have a great month.
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