Anyone know of any helpful hints for a singer who is losing her voice?

Question

I have a solo and ensemble competition on Saturday, and as it is flu season, my vioce seems to be withering away...

I just bought some throat lozzenges (sp?) called Slippery Elms... and i'm assuming that the bad taste means that it's working?

I also got a throat spray called, "Vocal Rescue," and i'm wondering if that was a good idea, i haven't used it yet.

Do you guys have any other suggestions? THankyou!

Answer 1

Dear Quirky,
I am an opera singer in West Germany, and also a teacher, so I need to know a couple of things to answer your question properly.
Are you training more than usual for your competition? If so, take the time to evaluate where your tension level is.
The more stress you generate for yourself, the more you literally stress your voice. Instead of yet another run- through for the sake of memorization, rhythm, etc. why not try a mute version, visualizing the text in front of you, clapping out that line where the rhythm throws you off, etc.
If it's not over training that has you worried, please go to see your Ear/Nose/Throat doctor ( that's Otorhinolaryngologist to those who like tongue twisters) to make sure you are organically healthy.
the slippery elm tablets are very good, and harmless, unless you make yourself sick to your stomach by eating them all at once. Sprays and lozenges to reduce throat pain should be used as a very last resort, because they only ease symptoms and not causes, usually of a medical nature ( go to the doctor)
for the creature comforts ( and they are important before a big event): plenty of rest; lots of liquids ( not alcohol, not coffee, not coke, not too much fruit juice, not milk- uh what's left- water, herbal tea, hot lemonade), as little stress as can be accomodated in your daily schedule; chewable vitamin c plus zinc against the viruses; healthy food.
Good luck to you.

Answer 2

If you are losing your voice DO NOT SING. If you absolutely must sing then wait to warm up until two hours before the competition and absolutely do not sing or talk to anyone between now and then. If the throat spray is prescription and contains steroids, use it about 15 minutes before you have to sing -- if it's over the counter, don't bother with it. Drink so much water that you pee clear. Seriously. Don't drink tea or coffee or anything with dairy or caffeine as these things will further dry out your vocal chords.

If you are looking to become a professional singer in the future, NEVER sing while you are sick; you can cause serious irreversible damage to your vocal chords in the form of nodules or tearing / scarring.

Answer 3

The vocal chords are muscles like so many others in the body and they need to be trained and strenghthened. It sounds like you are straining our voice probably due to not breathing properly (learn to breath from your diaphram - pant like a dog to get the feeling) and not building up gradually. Sing for a half hour a day for a week or so, then build up to 45 minutes, then an hour etc. If you did any exercise for most of a day without training that muscle would be sore the next day - same thing with your voice. Give it a rest for a couple of days and then gradually build it back up.

Answer 4

This isnt gonna sound very appetizing probably, but if you eat a few tablespoons of honey every day then it will help with your throat. Trust me, every time I get a sore throat from being sick or maybe from just talking too much, honey works every time. Its even mentioned in the Quran as a good cure (you're probably not Muslim, but its a cool fact)

Answer 5

Try:
6oz of hot water with 1 table spoon maple syrup and 1/10th tsp of cayenne pepper. Squeeze one half lemon into the mixture and drink. It really clears up your throat. Good luck.

Answer 6

Lots of liquids (especially hot tea), and other than gentle vocal excercises - No Talking!!! None at all!!

Different muscles are used for talking and they will keep your voice tense and wear it out.

Carry a pad and pen. Total talking boycott.

It will really help.

.

Answer 7

Warm ginger tea with honey, and refrain from straining your vocal chords.

Answer 8

If you were Barbra Streisand, I'd suggest retirement, but for you I think the tea-with-honey-and-lemon is best.

Answer 9

don't talk as much as possible. Gives the cords a break.

Answer 10

You need to rest and rest your voice for a while.