I used to be able to sing beautifully. I had a really nice voice and I could hold high notes for long periods of time. I never had an professional training but I'd sign solos at choir and stuff.
Two years ago, I got the flu and lost my voice. No big deal. I figured it would come back like it usually does and it did but only my speaking voice. Ever since, when I've tried to sing, my voice breaks when I go higher and even besides that, it doesn't sound so great. I decided to give it time...
Two years later, here I am. My cousin and I were watching a video of myself singing My All at a wedding and she wants me to sing at her wedding, but I can't.
Has anyone heard about this happening before? Is my voice ever going to come back? I'm kind of choked.
2007-05-17 23:22:59 · 6 answers · asked by SM 3 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Singing
Low volume, barely audible, humming is a great way to start. Let your larynx choose the pitches. It’s better to stay with one single note (whichever is most comfortable) than to push or force the range. Allow plenty of time for your voice to loosen. Rushing the warm-ups will greatly reduce the longevity of your voice and may make your condition worse.
You'd also have to hydrate/lubricate your throat. Take fresh fruit juice and/or supplements, and obviously - water. This is because your vocal chords have mucous membranes, which excrete mucous to protect your vocal chords. And contrary to common belief, nothing you swallow reaches your vocal chords. It is when you swallow that the mucus glands are given time to rehydrate your vocal chords, provided that you have sufficient water in your body in the first place. Dry foods also absorb a lot of water, dehydrating your body.
Next, you'll need to loosen up your throat - by warming up. I'd recommend a simple way to do it, such as the one found on this website: http://www.voicelesson.com/html/lessons/kiss.htm
Finally, try singing using a limited range. Gradually increase the range and watch out for any inconsistencies or straining, correcting these problems. It's worth it - no matter how minor - especially the straining problems. Singing is supposed to be free and enjoyable, and your vocal box should also be relaxed as you do so, and not give you pain.
Of course, in the end, asking a vocal instructor or conductor is the best option to rectify this problem.
2007-05-18 02:28:16 · answer #1 · answered by Ketsu Nfwu 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Aside from the good suggestions as used before, have you ever seen a doctor to see if you have any nodes or swelling on your vocal chords? It is a real problem many singers encounter and it can be treated. I would see an ENT doctor and let them look at your vocal chords to see if there is any damage. You don't want to have that problem untreated. Especially if you have had any sinus problems or drainage in the past.
Another thing it could be is you have to keep your voice active. I sing professionally, and even if I don't have a performance coming up, always warm up and sing in performance mode to keep my chords active. It is a muscle like other muscles in the body. If it is inactive, the quality of the voice can go with it. Keep doing scales, even if it sounds like crud and crap (which happens to all of us at times). Keep doing them, until you notice the crud goes away and the high notes come back. Breathe from the diaphram (the bottom of the belly) and let your voice soar. It may sound like crap at first, I promise you the more you do it on a consistant basis, the better the sound will be, and your range will come back. But you MUST be consistant with practicing and doing your scales. It will not work if you don't. Good luck and see your doctor if you can. :)
2007-05-18 10:06:34 · answer #2 · answered by Ms. Chick 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okat baby get a grip,its probably psychological.The trick might be to find the right song. I sing too and you got pick songs tha are right for you,nothing to high in your case perhaps. Just for general tips,sing into the mike,sing from the stomach,always sing standing up,exercise and stretch before you sing. Exercise your voice every day.Also when you do find the right song rehearse it over and over. Good luck baby i will be rooting for you,i know you can do it. In a nutshell you will be alright.
2007-05-18 06:35:10 · answer #3 · answered by thfcsydney 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This happened to my dad. Granted, he isn't a singer. But he is a preacher so equally frusterating. His doctor said he paralyzed his vocal chords. If that is what happened to you...there is nothing they can really do. Eventually (up to 10 years! yikes!!) it will either come back or you learn to compensate. It has happened to a lot of famous singers as well (Julie Andrews for one).
2007-05-18 16:17:46 · answer #4 · answered by MusicLvr 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you might see a specialist...your voice can develop certain problems, such as the vocal cords becoming callused. this could happen by misusing your voice...maybe excessive coughing for a long period of time...you should just go see a doctor...or a vocal teacher and see what they think...
2007-05-18 17:31:29 · answer #5 · answered by shakespeareismyboy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that happened to me too
its because your windpipe has widened, you need to train your voice back up, sing high until it sounds good.
but you HAVE to warm up your voice before hand, otherwise you can loose your voice all together.
2007-05-18 06:28:52 · answer #6 · answered by Answerer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋