I have to sing on Friday and my voice is basically lost or really raspy?

Question

I'm not that strong of a singer anyhow and while raspy voices can be in, this is an audition and I have a specific song to sing and its not the hoarse, husky kind. any ideas on how to recover my voice in five days?

thanks

thanks so much, awesome answers...yamsters...u choose

Answer 1

The best thing for you to do is to rest your voice. If you try to sing right now, you could permanently damage your vocal cords. Have tea with lemon and honey in it. Wear a scarf. Keep looking at your part, and practise it in your head. Whisper the lyrics. Use a humidifier. I'm a violist, not a vocalist, but I have singing friends and that's what they do. Find ways to practice your part without singing for right now. It's better not to make this audition than to make it and miss all the other auditions of your life because you've damaged your voice. Just rest and be careful. Good luck!

Answer 2

Don't talk! and I mean don't talk at all. Write notes to everyone for at least a couple of days before you even try to speak again. Sleep lots! Depending on what you have, there might be some medicines that will help you get through the audition. You may want to go to the doctor a day or two before if you are still not better. The Monday before my (Saturday) graduate recital I completely lost my voice. Absolutely nothing!! I went on complete vocal rest. And, since I really needed to do this recital (It was for a grade and to complete my degree) I went to the doctor. He told me to try some Mucinex and also gave me some steroids that I could take only if I absolutely needed them. Now, the Mucinex, vocal rest, and lots of fluids were the only things I did. I did not even try to sing until the day of my recital and that was a few hours before. Even then, I only sang about 15 minutes. On the steroids, don't take them unless there is just no other option. They aren't good for you, and often after they wear off you will get even sicker. They are hard on your voice, too.

The Mucinex dried me out so I had to drink extra water, but it was worth it because in the end I was able to perform that ***** recital!!! :) It is scary, I know, but a lot can happen in five days. Best of luck on your audition!!

PS: Even if your voice isn't in top condition on Friday, act like crazy while you are performing your song. A lot is gained from "selling" a song, versus just being a pretty voice!! Good luck!

By the way, don't even whisper. Whispering is harder on your voice than regular speaking. You can find that in any vocal health book.

Answer 3

i know oh to well how this feels. My voice is naturally low and kinda raspy so i pick songs that have lower notes. Just remember to never panic because that will lead to messing up on stage. The internet is a wonderful thing and i found that when i love a song so much and i know i can't sing it. Sometimes you can find lower note versions on the internet. Just try not to strain it right now. drink lots of warm luquids, that will help open your throat more. There is always a way to these problems. you'll do great and goood luck!!!

Answer 4

Honey is good for keeping your throat moist...sometimes I chug it right out of the bottle. To dispute what someone else said, don't whisper. Whispering causes your vocal chords to rub against each other in an unhealthy way. It is ok to sing. In fact, you should warm up a little bit each day, because it'll help keep your voice from tightening up. Try not to talk or yell too much, but do some low humming or lip buzzing. Trust me, I'm a voice major, and that usually works for me! Cough Syrup helps, too! Good luck!

Answer 5

Avoid cold water. I know that sounds crazy, but cold things will tighten your vocal cords and if you talk or sing soon afterwards it can cause further agitation. COUGH DROPS ARE NOT YOU FRIEND! Menthol is tourture on the voice! Mentholated cough drops are a big no no. You are better off with hard candy. Other than that take it easy.
I was a voice performance major (opera) for 2 years. I lived by these rules myself.
Hope your feeling better :)

Answer 6

Rest it. Take a cough drop or two. I hear honey works well.

Tips to Prevent Voice Problems

* Limit your intake of drinks that include alcohol or caffeine. These act as diuretics (substances that increase urination) and cause the body to lose water. This loss of fluids dries out the voice. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.

* Drink plenty of water. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended.

* Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Cancer of the vocal folds is seen most often in individuals who smoke.

* Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking. It is important to support your voice with deep breaths from the diaphragm, the wall that separates your chest and abdomen. Singers and speakers are often taught exercises that improve this breath control. Talking from the throat, without supporting breath, puts a great strain on the voice.

* Avoid eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to move into the throat or esophagus (reflux).

* Use a humidifier in your home. This is especially important in winter or in dry climates. Thirty percent humidity is recommended.

* Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.

* Wash your hands often to prevent colds and flu.

* Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain vitamins A, E, and C. They also help keep the mucus membranes that line the throat healthy.

* Do not cradle the phone when talking. Cradling the phone between the head and shoulder for extended periods of time can cause muscle tension in the neck.

* Exercise regularly. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.

* Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on voice.

* Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.

* Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals. If you still wish to use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, limit your use to oral rinsing. If gargling is necessary, use a salt water solution.

* Avoid using mouthwash to treat persistent bad breath. Halitosis (bad breath) may be the result of a problem that mouthwash can't cure, such as low grade infections in the nose, sinuses, tonsils, gums, or lungs, as well as from gastric reflux from the stomach.

* Consider using a microphone. In relatively static environments such as exhibit areas, classrooms, or exercise rooms, a lightweight microphone and an amplifier-speaker system can be of great help.

* Consider voice therapy. A speech-language pathologist who is experienced in treating voice problems can provide education on healthy use of the voice and instruction in proper voice techniques.

Answer 7

gargle a warm water with salt,,, not so hot and not so cold... don't drink cold water... drink warm "salabat" (ginger tea) or put ginger in ur mouth until the taste is gone,,, do dis as often as u can,,, its effective,,, or if there's a candy called "pei pakwa" in your country, buy it, its a chinesse candy,,, although im not a chinesse, im a filipino,,,we eat that candy everytime we have a concert... im a choir here... we drink "pei pakwa syrup" and eat "pei pakwa candy" during concert... thnx

Answer 8

Don't talk, drink tons of water, and turn on the humidifier! Good luck!

Answer 9

I have heard from friends that honey and lemon works -with a warm light tea. - good luck.