Singers, perhaps more than anyone else, understand the power of the human voice. They use this instrument in their performances, like a violinist would use a Stradivarius, creating musical works of art with his voices. Like any good musical instrument, the singer’s voice requires attention and care to maintain the best possible quality of performance.
tip 1
don’t smoke Smoking irritates the lining of the throat and reduces lung capacity. Do you remember the strained, throaty quality of Janis Joplin’s voice on the later recordings? That sound is the product of years of smoke damage to the vocal cords. Even a few puffs before a performance can leave your throat raw and your lungs short.
tip 2
Dress appropriately. Your mother always told you to put on your scarf and jacket when it was cold. Turns out her advice is sound. If you plan to perform in uncomfortable conditions, please dress appropriately. When the Backstreet Boys performed at the US Airways Center during the Kristi Yamaguchi & Friends ice skating showcase, they were all dressed in winter coats and thick scarves. It wasn’t just a fashion statement. It was an attempt to make sure their voices would last throughout the performance in the freezing temperatures.
tip 3
Heating. Just like any other instrument, the voice can be a little out of tune before a performance. Performing a series of vocal warm-ups, like the famous Mi-mi-mi-mi-mi, retunes your vocal cords and prepares them for action.
Tip 4
Relax with a cup of hot tea. If you feel a little scratchy in your throat, a cup of hot tea may be just what the doctor ordered to soothe the inflammation and restore your voice to its optimal performance levels. As an added benefit, the warmth of this liquid can also serve to remove any congestion that may impede the supply of air during the performance.
tip 5
Hire a vocal coach. The best musicians have learned to play their chosen instruments from excellent instructors. The human voice is no different. A vocal coach can guide you in reshaping your voice to meet its full range of sound. Also, many vocal coaches will have connections within the music industry, so the voice instructor you hire today may be a former client of the music agent who has been trying to get some attention.
In short, the singer’s voice requires the same care as any other musician’s instrument. Not taking proper care of his voice can have the same devastating results as a musician not taking care of his instruments, only more harshly, since his voice cannot be replaced. By following the advice provided in this article, you can help ensure that his recordings and vocal performances continue to be of the highest quality for years to come.
