Vocal Discomfort
-- Too Pooped to Peep

By DeNeice Kenehan

A few of us singers are still suffering from sore throats and upper respiratory congestion from winter colds. And with San Diego's trees and flowers in bloom, we may even have begun battling early spring allergies at the same time. Add to that, occasionally unhealthy lifestyle practices or imperfect singing techniques. It's a formula for pooped, puffy pipes.

There is probably nothing more frustrating to singers than enduring injured or ill vocal cords. When the larynx is swollen, our precious musical instrument feels broken. Here are a few tips to help you maintain vocal health and comfort. Feel free to share your own suggestions with my email group of local vocalists at SpeechLevelSingr@aol.com:

1. First, you can prevent many vocal problems by practicing general wellness, e.g. get 8-10 hours of regular sleep, get regular moderate exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and consume ample water.

2. Water, water everywhere. Make it your beverage of choice. Drink it when you first awaken, throughout the day, before, while and after you sing. Keep drinking water handy, e.g. in your car trunk, in your purse or bag, at your work area, in your bathroom, by the nightstand, etc. If you drink bottled water, supplement missing minerals.

3. Avoid or limit foods that create acid reflux or dehydration, e.g. caffeinated and alcoholic beverages and extremely spicy foods. Dairy products and processed grains are problematic for some singers. Try to not eat within three hours of going to sleep.

4. To extend the likelihood of a long singing life, do not smoke, and avoid second-hand smoke.

5. If you are otherwise healthy but hoarse or phlegmatic, you are probably over-singing, either yelling, screaming, pulling up chest, or just talking too much and too loudly. If you do not know how to "mix" your head and chest resonances in the middle, you should probably sing in your COMFORTABLE chest speaking range. Choose your keys and songs accordingly. If you attempt to sing higher notes in an uncomfortable range by yelling them, not only is hoarseness assured, but you also risk creating vocal polyps and nodes that may require surgery.

6. If you want to learn to sing like the stars (or yourself!) with a "connected voice" from chest, through the middle and into the head with vocal smoothness, you must learn the "mix." Search for vocal teachers who specifically use that term when describing their teaching practice. You will find many such teachers listed as associates of Seth Riggs at www.sethriggs.com. These instructors will teach you exercises that create a healthy vocal condition allowing you to sound like you are belting, without your "pulling chest" and getting hoarse. Seth's book is available at his website and other online sources, as well as at most bookstores and some music stores. It includes two exercise cds.

7. If you know you'll be singing, rest your voice. I've read that Celine Dion avoids all talking the day of big performances. If you have laryngitis and must speak, do NOT whisper, which actually stresses your cords more than a normal voice.

8. Don't sing if you are sickor contagious. If you are in a show-must-go-on situation, have a ready list of your understudies. The professional standard is to supply a replacement singer who is better than you. That'll help keep you healthy.

9. If you must take medication, be aware that some prescribed drugs--including those for allergies--can cause throat dryness. Tell your doctor you are a singer and ask for alternatives. (Incidentally, these same dehydrating drugs reduce saliva and can create dental caries.)

10. To clear phlegm from your throat, just swallow. Do not cough to lift it off the cords. Coughing causes hoarseness.

11. When I sense a coming cold or allergies. If I feel exceeding tired with a headache, my pre-cold warning, I immediately start using ZICAM, an over-the-counter nasal zinc product. See www.zicam.com. Although zinc lozenges have not been proven effective scientifically, nasal zinc has. Read the instructions carefully. I recommend the swabs. I also have tried a homeopathic product called Roxalia, which I found at www.thesingersworkshop.com. I also may inhale steam from a kettle to clear phlegm, adding to the water an aromatic, soothing herbal mix called Swiss Kriss, available at health food stores. Next allergy bout, I shall test physician-developed "Sinus Rinse," described and available at www.neilmed.com.

12. Professional vocalist Georgi Streetman says eating two dried apricots right before singing helps keep the throat lubricated. (Georgi publishes a wonderful free calendar of local live music events. To subscribe, write georgistreetman@cox.net.). San Diego's improv comedy guru Jacquie Lowell mentioned her personal remedy for tired throat-- pineapple juice-and preferred lozenge, Ricola. http://www.jacquielowell.com/.

Authors Joan and Lydia Wilen promote a variety of home remedies for sore throat and hoarseness in their "Chicken Soup & Other Folk Remedies" books. These include a carrot poultice, apple cider vinegar treatment, garlic and radish juices, an exotic Russian cure of anise and cognac, and bananas for tonsilitis. If you prefer a holistic approach, investigate and share what worked or didn't work for you.

DeNeice Kenehan is a San Diego singer who has performed professionally and hosts workshops regarding the Speech-level Singing technique of Seth Riggs. She is a musical theatre and vocal jazz student at Grossmont Community College, enjoys open mics, piano bars, karaoke clubs, and is a church soloist. She loves to sing, to support other singers, and to share her passion for singing.

Contact DeNeice at
SpeechLevelSingr@aol.com.