Have you ever heard the phrase, “too much of a good thing”? Just as this popular saying applies to candy or french fries, it also applies to singing! While singing is some people’s favorite activity, too much of it can damage your vocal cords and prevent you from singing in the future. Matt Burk Music Studio wants to share the importance of vocal cord health and give you tips for staying vocally healthy while singing.
Why Singing too Much is Dangerous
When you begin learning to sing, you may practice consistently or continue singing for fun during free time. While singing is a beautiful talent and rewarding hobby, it’s important to give your vocal cords a rest sometimes. Just like any other part of your body, you can damage your vocal cords with overuse.
Walking barefoot all day would leave your feet swollen and blistered, clapping for hours would leave your hands red and sore, if not blistered and bleeding. The same goes for your vocal cords.
The first sign of overuse is vocal cord swelling. If you continue to sing with swollen cords, you may develop nodules (calluses), polyps (blisters), or a hemorrhage (bloody cords). Treatment for issues associated with vocal cord overuse ranges with a variety of practices including vocal rest and vocal therapy, but severe cases may require surgery. If these problems are left untreated, they can permanently damage both your speaking and singing voice.
Staying Vocally Healthy as a Singer
The threat of damaged vocal cords might sound scary, but there is good news! The right practices and vocal health maintenance can prevent damage to your vocal cords. In fact, some singers are required to use their voice for six or more hours per day, but focusing on vocal health keeps their voice sharp and clear through even the longest performances. Here are some steps you can take to keep vocally healthy:
- Drink plenty of water. Try carrying a water bottle around with you and be sure to stay hydrated. Hydrated vocal cords remain plump, making them less prone to injury.
- Get enough sleep. Just like fatigue affects your other muscles, lack of sleep can put a strain on your vocal cords. Find time in your schedule to ensure you’re getting enough rest.
- Stay active. Exercise is a great way to relieve tension. Most of today’s desk jobs create muscle tension that centers around your neck and throat, so get out and get moving today!
- Address allergies and acid reflux. Seasonal allergies often lead to the dreaded post-nasal drip that can irritate your throat and vocal cords. Try antihistamines and nasal sprays to keep your allergies in check and your vocal cords free of mucus. Acid reflux, on the other hand, repeatedly bathes your vocal cords in stomach acid. Reflux can cause a myriad of vocal cord issues for singers, so speak with your doctor about treatment options if you think you may suffer from acid reflux.
- Remember to warm up. Just like an athlete will stretch before an intense workout, a singer should warm up before tackling a complicated piece of music. Warm ups get your voice ready for the task at hand and lead to less vocal injuries overall.
The #1 Rule for Singers
An athlete with poor form will end up with injuries. The same rule applies to singing. To stay healthy when you sing, you must learn proper vocal practices. Your voice teacher can help you learn to sing better overall by first perfecting your technique. If you want to learn to sing and keep your voice healthy too, give us a call at (469) 353-6100 or visit us online today http://www.wannalearnmusic.com.
Matt Burk Music Studio | Learn to Sing Frisco TX | (469) 353-6100