The reason for vocal problems of singers:
Dried out mucous membranes, too much mucous and bad monitoring systems can give the singer the impression that the voice is not working as it should. When the voice does not respond normally, the singer often compensates with greater tensions, which make the voice sound unusual and which again can lead to constrictions. The constrictions further prevent the voice from working, causing the singer to create still more constrictions. It is important not to go astray and start this vicious circle where techniques are replaced by constrictions.
The importance of physical strength:
Often problems occur because a singer runs out of strength. If a singer starts getting tired on tour or during extended recording sessions, she or he will lack the necessary strength and energy to support the notes and thereby keep an open throat.
Many singers experience this at the end of a concert. With no more physical strength left, the voice fatigues. The accompanying constrictions put further strain on the vocal cords and you have to use even more strength to sing, which is yet more tiring. Typically, the high notes are the first to fail and the volume decrease.
Sleep:
It is essential to get enough sleep, especially on demanding tours. Without enough sleep the vocal cords do not get time to regenerate or heal the irritation that might have developed. Sleep is also necessary for rebuilding the physical strength vital to support.
How much sleep a singer requires varies. The singer must know and respect her or his individual needs if she or he wants to survive a demanding period without harm.
Stick to correct techniques:
The best singer can do, what ever irregularities she or he is subjected to, and even if the voice does not sound normal, is to keep using techniques that are even if the familiar and have worked previously. If the singer is becoming hoarse and the notes require double the normal amount of strength, then she or he should give them double the support and maintain an unconstricted way of singing.
The voiceless period:
If a singer has been diagnosed with nodules on the vocal cords. We recommend a voiceless period of a week or two depending on how developed the nodules are. By a voiceless period we mean: ‘Do Not Make A Single Sound’. The singer should not whisper because this tries the voice even more than ordinary speech. And even clearing the throat should be avoided. Let the singer give the vocal cords a rest and write little notes instead. This method is very efficient and has no side-effects. Many discover that it is actually a valuable mental experience not to speak for two weeks.
If it is absolutely necessary to speak, the singer should do so clearly, with plenty of support. It is not a good idea to whisper or be ‘cautious’. Often singers put more constriction on the voice by being cautious. They forget all about supporting the voice when they speak quietly. It requires a lot of technique to speak quietly in a correct manner. It is better to add a bit more sound and to support well.
There are still some exercises the singer can do during the voiceless period, and after the period has concluded, the singer is recommended to follow certain directions, among them getting a new diagnosis from an ENT doctor.
Dried out mucous membranes, too much mucous and bad monitoring systems can give the singer the impression that the voice is not working as it should. When the voice does not respond normally, the singer often compensates with greater tensions, which make the voice sound unusual and which again can lead to constrictions. The constrictions further prevent the voice from working, causing the singer to create still more constrictions. It is important not to go astray and start this vicious circle where techniques are replaced by constrictions.
The importance of physical strength:
Often problems occur because a singer runs out of strength. If a singer starts getting tired on tour or during extended recording sessions, she or he will lack the necessary strength and energy to support the notes and thereby keep an open throat.
Many singers experience this at the end of a concert. With no more physical strength left, the voice fatigues. The accompanying constrictions put further strain on the vocal cords and you have to use even more strength to sing, which is yet more tiring. Typically, the high notes are the first to fail and the volume decrease.
Sleep:
It is essential to get enough sleep, especially on demanding tours. Without enough sleep the vocal cords do not get time to regenerate or heal the irritation that might have developed. Sleep is also necessary for rebuilding the physical strength vital to support.
How much sleep a singer requires varies. The singer must know and respect her or his individual needs if she or he wants to survive a demanding period without harm.
Stick to correct techniques:
The best singer can do, what ever irregularities she or he is subjected to, and even if the voice does not sound normal, is to keep using techniques that are even if the familiar and have worked previously. If the singer is becoming hoarse and the notes require double the normal amount of strength, then she or he should give them double the support and maintain an unconstricted way of singing.
The voiceless period:
If a singer has been diagnosed with nodules on the vocal cords. We recommend a voiceless period of a week or two depending on how developed the nodules are. By a voiceless period we mean: ‘Do Not Make A Single Sound’. The singer should not whisper because this tries the voice even more than ordinary speech. And even clearing the throat should be avoided. Let the singer give the vocal cords a rest and write little notes instead. This method is very efficient and has no side-effects. Many discover that it is actually a valuable mental experience not to speak for two weeks.
If it is absolutely necessary to speak, the singer should do so clearly, with plenty of support. It is not a good idea to whisper or be ‘cautious’. Often singers put more constriction on the voice by being cautious. They forget all about supporting the voice when they speak quietly. It requires a lot of technique to speak quietly in a correct manner. It is better to add a bit more sound and to support well.
There are still some exercises the singer can do during the voiceless period, and after the period has concluded, the singer is recommended to follow certain directions, among them getting a new diagnosis from an ENT doctor.
