Smoking and Singing?

Question

Alright guys. So here's the deal. I started smoking for around a month now. I'm also a vocalist. I limit myself to 2 sticks a day.

So recently, when I did some research on how smoking affects the voice. I found out that the body produces more phlegm than usual when you smoke. I figured that the phlegm has been preventing me from holding my high notes. I can still hit them, but I can't keep them strong because the phlegm chokes up my throat.

So heres my question: How can I maintain my voice at it's standard like before I started? Or is quitting the only way?

PS: I don't need any advice about quitting or crap. I already know it's harmful.

also, please don't tell me that QUITTING IS THE ONLY WAY just cause you want me to quit. I appreciate the thought. but really. No thanks.

Answer 1

I used to be a fabulous singer (possible American Idol material, if it were around in my day)... now I cannot sing a note. I started to lose my voice intermittently in my thirtiesw and now it is gone to the point that I can barely hold a tune. I h ave no range (used to have 4.5 octaves).... quit, do not smoke.

Answer 2

I too am a vocalist and was an avid smoker for almost two years before I finally gave it up all together. Why did I give it up? Well because that really is the only way to stop you from killing your voice. Not now but months from now if you continue to smoke you'll find it harder not only to hold your high notes but you'll find it hard to sing a phrase at all just because you'll have to take a breath every two or four beats. It really sucks because my breathing still isn't what it was and I can't sing as well as I use to. Its not just the phlegm its breathing and the smoke will also damage the vocal chords themselves in the future and you risk losing the ability to sing at all. I hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 3

OK, listen and read the rest of my answer please. If singing is what you want to do, then quit smoking now. I'm just not saying it to you to make you quit, but help you be a singer. I've smoked for maybe 20 years now, only in early 40's, and yes the phlegm is plentiful each morning for about half an hour then fine for rest of day. I am still a 25 a day smoker. About three years ago a cold took about 3 months to get rid off, I lost my voice for 2 weeks, then developed a "smokers cough". I finally got my voice back to speak but since then I can not sing a note of any sorts. It is really funny trying to sing any song and absolutely nothing comes out. The kids think it is really hilarious. It doesnt bother me at all - never wanted to sing. But if you really want to be a singer then give the smokes away now. My daughter wants to be a singer and she knows what my voice is like and what hers will be like in 20 years if she becomes a smoker. What do you call a "stick"? I',m referring to normal cigarettes or "rollies", no funny stuff. I now suffer from COPD but feel 110% healthy (minus the half hour cough each morning) and am still a smoker. 20 years down the track I wish I had of never started smoking but nobody would have convinced me of that when I was younger (just like you!) but I can guarantee you that if you can continue to smoke you will crush your vocal chords of a singer career if that is what you want. Give them up now and follow the dream of being a singer - let me see you famous on stage/tv and let me know when you've made it to the big time! Good luck!

Answer 4

Well unfortunately, despite what you dont want to hear it is the truth. Quit smoking or deal with the phlegm, I'm in the same position except I dont smoke cigs I smoke the ganja. Still I can hit and hold the high notes fine. Just practise it alot and in dry hot rooms, it will help loosen your phlegm, make sure to do it before a show so youll have less phlegm to deal with.
But yea sad to say it's either quit or deal with it. Mucinex may help a little, but you'll need to take it as long as youre smoking.

Answer 5

I'm convinced smoking isn't good for your singing, I can't say anything about the results of smoking on the quality of your voice, but it's proved that it's bad for your lungs and breathing in general, your fitness and so on, and you need all these things while singing. If you're short in breath, as smokers usually are, you're singing won't be great! No idea about the tummy ache, though I do know you use lots of muscles in that area to sing and 'support' your voice, but that should logically be after singing, not before. Good luck with your lessons!

Answer 6

Quitting really is the only way. Your voice will just continue to deteriorate the longer you smoke. Think of older people you know who have smoked for a long time...their voices are raspy and lower than a non-smoker's. If you're looking for a trick or home remedy to stop that from happening, there just isn't one. Lemon juice can help with pflegm a little bit, but smoking does permanent damage to your vocal chords beyond just pflegm production, so you're putting your career in jeopardy in addition to your health. I know someone who had to have their voice box REMOVED due to long-term smoking. Especially if you've only been smoking for a month, quit now because it will only become more difficult the longer you've been doing it.

Answer 7

well - if you have only been smoking for a month and only have 2 a day ... is it really worth sacraficing your voice for?

You need a good lung capacity to sing as you probobly already know to hold notes and sing phrases etc..smoking will affect this greatly!

I know this because I smoked for about a year and also play a wind instrument (the flute)..and after a while drastically noticed a difference! - so gave up smoking as it wasnt worth sacrificing all the hard work I had put in on my flute..

I know many singers who smoke... My friend has just started university and studies music (voice is her main instrument) and was told to give up smoking immediately by the vocal coach.

Its up to you - depends how serious you are about your singing.. if you are serious however, then if you wouldnt mind sacraficing your cigarettes then it might be a good idea..

hope this has helped a bit :)

Answer 8

This is going to sound silly but try exercising. I played volleyball and was in choir during high school. Now that I am done with school and haven't been working out, I have noticed that I can't hold the notes as long. I think that it has to do with the smoke constricting your lungs.

Answer 9

My brother-in-law plays and sings back up for lots of the 50-70's singers. He often complains about smoke in night clubs and how performers now try to get booked into "theaters" where smoking isn't allowed because of the effects of smoke on their voice.

Answer 10

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