Music Makes the Moment
Tips for Vocal Health
Singers should follow these guidelines to insure a healthy voice in all climates.
HYDRATION
1. The vocal chords need to be lubricated with a thin layer of mucus in order to vibrate efficiently. The best lubrication can be achieved by drinking water. 'Drink until you pee pale'. Note - 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
2. Caffeine and alcohol pull water out of your system and deplete the vocal folds of needed lubrication. Always counterbalance drinking caffeine and alcohol with water!
3. Dry air can affect lubrication. This can be caused by heaters and air conditioners. Using a humidifier at night will compensate for the dryness. Always drink a glass of water before bed and upon rising. The air in airplanes is extremely dry. Drink only water while flying and take 'Emergen-C' after landing.
RESPECT YOUR VOCAL CHORDS
Try not to cough, as coughing or loudly clearing your throat are traumatic to your vocal chords. Swallow rather than clear. Never YELL. Reduce demands on your speaking voice - let someone else do the talking especially in noisy environments. Clap or whistle at sporting events or loud concerts. If your voice starts to feel tired, give it a rest! Pitch your speaking voice high enough to eliminate excess strain. Maintain the healthy breathing technique that you use while singing everytime you use your voice, even while speaking on the phone. Do not whisper.
DRUGS & VITAMINS
1. Post Nasal Drip or Stuffy Nose: Antihistamines are prescribed to treat allergies and post nasal drip. Be careful while taking these as they may 'dry' you out too much. I find Claritin (Loratadine 10 mg) to work the best for me for post nasal drip. Mucinex (Guaifenesin) works great for stuffy noses. Both of these drugs should be taken with even more water than you normally drink. Prescription steroid nasal sprays (Nasacort) will often work well to relieve post nasal drip without the drying effects of antihistamines or mucinex.
2. Prevention: If you feel yourself starting to catch a cold take Zicam Cold Remedy immediately. It comes in many different varieties. I prefer the chewable lozenges. I take 'Emergen-C' everyday to boost my immune system. It is a fizzy drink mix full of antioxidants, electrolytes and B vitamins. It comes in packets that you dissolve in a glass of water.
KEEP YOUR BODY HEALTHY
You are carrying your musical instrument within you and must be in control of all your body systems: physical, spiritual and mental. Maintain your best general health. Get lots of rest. Exercise regularly. Eat a balanced diet. Practice yoga. Take dance lessons!
Music Makes You Smarter
​READING/LANGUAGE SKILLS
Jennifer Warner, WebMD writer, reported that music education is more effective in enhancing children's communication skills than studying phonics. The study showed that the same set of skills are required in the brain for talking and reading and these skills were improved by musical training. First graders who study music score higher in reading and math and Music Majors in college have the highest reading scores of any major, including English!
MATH SKILLS
Dr. Gordon Shaw, professsor University of CA, Irvine, conducted several studies examining the relationship between piano lessons and math skills. He looked at 3 groups of second-graders, one of which received piano lessons and used a mathematics program. After 4 months, he tested the students on ratios and fractions. The group taking piano lessons scored 15% to 41% higher than the 2 control groups. In another study of second-graders, those taking piano lessons scored as well as 4th and 5th graders!
LISTENING
Research has also shown that simply listening to music can increase reading skills and comprehension. Music professor Glen Nierman reported on a study of first graders who were taught how to listen to classical music. When compared to their classmates, the students who participated in the listening study scored noticeably higher on reading and language arts. Another study showed that ninth grade students using background music in study halls improved their reading comprehension scores, as compared to those who studied without background music!
ALL AGES BENEFIT MUSIC STUDY
You probably already know that research shows that word or number games keep the brain active and slow down, if not prevent, the onset of dementia. Now, add music to that recipe! And playing the piano develops hand eye coordination in students of all ages, which sparks the left-brain/right-brain connection. And perhaps the best benefit is that playing and singing music increases levels of HGH (the feel good hormone) in our body which means less depression and more happy alertness!
