If you are a singerβwhether in a choir or in a rock band, onstage or in the showerβyou should know how to keep your singing voice healthy. After all, the state of your vocal health can either make or break your performance. Some common sense and a little insider knowledge on vocal-health tips will do the trick, so you can sing your heart out. Vocal cords, also called vocal folds, are two triangular bands of tissue that sit at the top of your windpipe.
You want your vocal cords soft, smooth, flexible and free of inflammation. Allergies, smoke first- and secondhand , tension, overuse, and abuse like screaming are all potentially damaging to your voice.
As a singer, your vocal cords are your instrument. Likewise, you should never abuse your voice. Healthy vocal cords will allow you to exercise your full range and produce a full, pure, tuneful sound.
It is vital that you warm up your voice before singing, and there are a variety of exercises to suit all ages, vocal ranges, and levels of experience. Always ease into your exercises by first warming up your facial musclesβloosen your lips and jaw muscles by blowing through your lips, sticking out your tongue as far as it will go, massaging your face, and sighing musically. Let your voice wander up and down its range. Then move on to humming, or perhaps do some gentle lip rolls or tongue trills.
Only once you feel like your face, mouth, and voice are loosening should you start singing actual notes. After your lesson, audition or performance is over, take time to cool down. Sigh on a descending note. Yawn, raising your soft palate and releasing any built-up tension. Do some gentle lip rolls, again allowing your voice to gently descend.
