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 Vocal Health
Here are some helpful tips (reprinted with the permission of Dr. Michelle Yagoda) from her brochure, “The Professional Voice: Steps Toward Good Vocal Heath.” This information is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of Dr. Michelle Yagoda.
You may request your own copy of this valuable brochure, by sending your name and address to
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Click here for Questions & Answers from Dr. Yagoda, and a student special
Do:
- drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
- treat allergies and infections promptly.
- rest your voice in times of illness.
- keep background noise to a minimum - don't yell to be heard.
- stay relaxed -- release stress with yoga, aerobics and meditation.
- find a vocal coach -- non-trained singers have more vocal tension and are more likely to injure their voices.
Avoid:
- caffeinated, alcoholic and acidic beverages.
- smoke-filled environments.
- whispering, excessive yawning and phonating while yawning -- this may strain the muscles in your throat and voice.
- frequent aspirin use -- it may contribute to vocal cord hemorrhage.
- unnatural uses of the voice such as imitating noises, sirens and animals, etc.
- excessive loud talking. This, too, may lead to vocal strain.
Don't:
- clear your throat -- sip water or take a deep breath instead.
- cough if you don't have to -- it will become a bad habit.
- sing after drinking alcohol -- the alcohol may numb your vocal cords and you may be unable to feel their fatigue!
- accept roles out of your vocal range just to "gain experience" -- the price of injury can be quite high.
- clench your teeth -- this causes tension in the jaw muscles.
- raise your voice when you are angry -- instead, take deep breaths through your mouth and let the air out with a soft sigh. Yelling may injure your vocal cords.
- Dr. Michelle Yagoda, a New York ear/nose/throat physician, treats disorders of the professional voice, providing vocal care to entertainers in all facets of the industry.
She is available by appointment and is in the Private Health Care System (PHCS) insurance network.For more information, visit our website or please call 212-434-1210.
Click here for Q&A from Dr. Yagoda, and a student special
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