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Vocal Point
Remedies for Ailing Vocalists
Oct-08-2000
©2000 iBluegrass.com. All rights reserved.
Welcome, and thanks for dropping in on this months Vocal Point
Whether you sing regularly in a band or are the resident shower singer (an especially great place to capture high lonesome sounds), you will occasionally find yourself with a sore throat, which without fail throws a wet towel, so to speak, on the enjoyment of singing.
There are many remedies available for the ailing throats of singers. Below I will cover a few that I've found to be particularly effective. Before we get to that, however, I would like to remind those of you who perform to:
A. Never, never push your voice in an effort to sing louder. That is one of the most typical ways that voices are damaged (this applies to all who love to sing).
B. Have your vocal house level, or the sound that the audience hears through the house speakers, turned up to a balanced level. Give yourself enough vocal sound in the monitors so that again, you don't have to push or strain for volume.
C. Relax! Be sure not to tense up (to be avoided at all times under any circumstance when singing).
D. Rest your voice as much as possible. Try not to talk between sets and to remove yourself, if possible, from loud or smoky environments during breaks.
E. Warm up your voice with gentle humming. If you feel any discomfort stop and gently start again.
F. Try practicing songs or parts mentally. Imagine what it feels like in detail and vividly hear whatever you would have actually practiced. It really works. Apparently our nervous systems can't tell the difference between an actual experience and one imagined in such vivid detail.
Now for the sore throat potions...
Sore Throat Remedy #1:
Mix together in 1 gallon of water:
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
1/4 teaspoon of karo syrup Bring to a boil. Inhale with towel over head (carefully judge your distance from the steam, please)!
Sore Throat Remedy #2:
Mix together in 1 pint jar of water:
1 tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar (be sure you're not allergic to it)
1 teaspoon of honey.
Put the lid on and shake vigorously. Sip slowly before singing and between songs. This will sooth your throat and clear mucous without having a drying effect. This is not only good for your sore throat but it also contains lots of healthy nutrients.
Sore Throat Remedy #3: (the basic)
8 oz glass of warm water
1 teaspoon of salt
Mix together and gargle in the morning, evening and several times during the day. It soothes, cleanses and conditions.
Wishing you a healthy fall season without any sore throats and see you next month!
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