VOCALS
A SINGER ’ S CHECKLIST FOR SURVIVING THE SEASONAL BUG | Renee Maranan
“ Should I sing if I ’ m sick ?”
This is a question I get all the time as a voice teacher , and the answer isn ’ t usually black and white . It helps to understand the risks , and then to weigh those risks against the benefits or necessities of singing .
When we ’ re sick with a respiratory infection like a cough or cold , we experience inflammation in the mucus membranes lining our respiratory tract , which includes our throat , vocal folds , nose , sinuses , and inner ear . We might not feel the inflammation in all these areas , or we may feel it more in one area than another . This inflammation creates dry , sticky mucus that makes it harder for the vocal folds to vibrate , which means that we need to use more air pressure in order to phonate . This results in increased vocal fatigue , and can also compromise pitch accuracy , dynamic control , clarity , and vibrato .
The risk to our vocal folds increases if the cold is accompanied by coughing . Whenever we cough , our vocal folds collide forcefully together . Productive ( wet ) coughing is helpful for clearing infected mucus . On the other hand , dry coughing causes increased irritation and can sometimes even damage the vocal folds if it is severe or long-lasting enough .
If you are sick and wondering if you should still sing , here are a few questions you can ask yourself :
• Does it hurt to speak or sing at any part of your range ? If there is pain associated with any kind of vocal production , it is an immediate sign to limit voice use and see a doctor as soon as you can .
• How long have you had symptoms , and how has your voice been progressing ? If you have been sick for a few days and your voice has been getting better , you may be just fine . But if you ’ ve been coughing for more than 2-3 days , and your voice has not improved even after vocal rest , steam inhalation , or rehabilitative vocal exercises , it might be wise for you to take a break from singing and seek medical attention .
• Is there anyone else who can sing in your place ? If so , it might be a good idea to lean on the other members of your worship team so that you can take the extra time to recover .
If in doubt , it ’ s always a good idea to speak to a doctor before making any important choices . This is especially true if your voice has not shown any signs of improvement in 3 days or more .
What if I HAVE to sing while I ’ m sick ?
If you do decide to push through in spite of a cold or cough , here are a few steps you can take that might help .
• If possible , do a nasal rinse and gargle with warm salt water in the morning , before bed , and as needed throughout the day to help thin and clear excess mucus .
• Do steam inhalation in the morning , before bed , and 10-15 minutes before singing to help soothe and revive irritated vocal folds .
• Avoid using lozenges that contain menthol because they can be drying for the vocal folds . Opt for lozenges that contain pectin instead .
• Do a gentle warm-up in the morning and before you have to sing your set in order to help your voice ease into its work . My favorites include gargling on pitch glides , tongue trills , lip trills , straw in water exercises , and lip buzzes .
• Modify your set to protect your voice . Change keys , switch songs , rearrange your repertoire to create relative voice breaks within the set , break up rehearsals into shorter blocks , and if possible , shorten your set list .
• Recruit back-up . Find someone who can fill in or augment your set . Share the vocal load .
• Take care of your body . Sleep , hydrate , eat wholesome food , and take medicine as recommended by your doctor .
Remember that none of these tips are guaranteed to protect you from vocal injury . The best way to protect yourself from vocal injury when sick is to rest , take medication as prescribed by your doctor , and see an ENT to definitively rule out any vocal fold damage .
Care for your voice , care for your ministry
Unlike pianists , guitarists , drummers , and other instrumentalists , singers are working with a living instrument that is vulnerable to sickness and fatigue . And unlike other instruments , your voice cannot be replaced . Prioritize your vocal health , do your best to share the load whenever possible , and remember that your voice is a gift . Care for it with love so that you can serve the Lord with your whole heart and your whole voice .
Got a question for Renee ? Send an email to hello @ reneemaranan . com and write “ Ask the Voice Coach ” in the subject line .
Renee Maranan Vocal Instructor | Life Coach Ambassador for the Institute for Vocal Advancement www . ReneeMaranan . com Instagram @ reneemaranan
30 September 2023 Subscribe for Free ...