Prepare and Relax Vocal Cords Prior to and During Singing

We all know how important it is to make sure our vocal cords are not stressed while we are performing/singing. So here are a few steps to keep your vocal cords unstressed and to keep your voice at its best potential.

Steps

  1. Make sure to warm up your voice before you do any performing or practice. It is important that your vocal cords are warmed up and ready to do their job.
  2. Make sure to drink room-temperature water before you sing. This will help with dryness in your throat. For bathroom purposes, a good rule is to not drink or eat anything 1 hour before. If needed, take only a small sip of water.
    • Remember: While drinking plenty of water may keep your throat from feeling dry, water does not help you sing better. Your vocal cords do not get hydrated, but instead it helps the sound flow better out to your audience.
  3. Don't get too nervous, else your throat will close up and your vocal cords will have to be warmed up again. If if this is in the middle of a performance, your voice will not being at its best.
  4. Breathe deeply and stay focused. When you are singing, make sure you are breathing from your diaphragm and not your chest. Your shoulders should not rise when you breathe in; they should remain relaxed.
    • Mental note: You should think about supporting your breath; this helps your tone and your enthusiasm. Imagine something pushing your air up as you sing (like an elevator), or a beautiful color streaming from within as your breath.
  5. If you are having a break in between practices or performances try to stay away from dairy products and have a cup of hot water with honey, and don't forget to do a few quick scales before singing again and return to your room-temperature water while singing. It is important not to drink hot tea or water while singing.
    • A tablespoon of honey before you sing will coat your throat and relieve soreness from your vocal cords being overworked or stressed.
  6. If you are auditioning, relax act as if you are singing to your number one fan-but keep your character!
  7. Try to stay away from chocolate, peanut butter, milk or any sort of dairy; that is just about the worst thing you can eat before performing



Tips

  • Remember not to push your singing. Sing at your right vocal range so you will not risk the chances to damage or stress your vocal cords.
  • Always stretch before singing! It may seem strange but it relaxes you and loosens you up to sing.
  • If your voice cracks, do not give up. Cracking does not mean you cannot sing that high note. Instead, you need to work on supporting your breath, and plow through those notes. Don't push it, but be strong and make space in your soft pallet. Cracking just means that your voice isn't used to that note.... so go for it!
  • Remember- your voice will continue to mature, develop, and change (for a woman) until you are in your mid to late 20's. Be aware of this and note if you start to find your voice changing. Do not sing beyond where you think you can go, but remember to challenge yourself once in a while.
  • Try finding a song in your vocal range and practicing it and getting to know your vocal range.

Warnings

  • If you are having troubles with your voice go and see a professional about it. This will definitely help you in the long run.

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