Vocal Cord Care in the Winter

Winter vocal cord care for singers.

Vocal cord care is vital for all singers! After all, your voice is your instrument. So, similar to how you would respect and maintain a piano, trombone, or guitar – it is vital to provide your voice with care and attention. 

We at Seattle Songbird Academy have compiled our top vocal cord care tips! Find the Do’s and Don’ts below: 

DON’T

1. Smoke
   There are a myriad of reasons that you should avoid smoking (just ask the Surgeon General) but, take it from us, your voice is a big one! 
   We recommend also avoiding second hand smoke when at all possible. 

2. Shout
   Shouting puts unnecessary strain on your vocal cords and wears them down. Damaging from shouting requires extensive recovery time – it’s not worth it
3. Cough or clear your throat
   Similar to shouting, this puts strain on your vocal chords. We understand that sometimes these are unavoidable, but do your best to avoid them. 
4. Ignore the signs or push through the pain
   If your voice or your throat hurts, that is your body sending you a message! Don’t ignore it! Pushing through the pain will cause further damage. Rest your voice and take care of it, it can’t be replaced!  
5. Consume these food (before a performance)
   • Dairy (4-6 hours before performance) – Increases phlegm
   • Bananas (4-6 hours before performance) – Increases phlegm
   • Spicy foods 
   • Acidic foods 
   • Mint 
   • Chocolate 
   • Caffeine (4-6 hours before performance) 

DO

1. Hydrate
   We recommend a minimum of 64 oz of water a day! Hydrated vocal cords produce a much higher quality sound! 
2. Rest
   When you are  practicing, or performing, take short vocal rests after singing. We recommend a 30 minute break for every 2 hours of singing 
3. Increase your air quality
   You can do this by ensuring that your space is properly ventilated and by utilizing a quality humidifier (particularly at night).
4. Warm up
   Warming up before singing is the easiest way to care for your vocal cords! Talk to us about how to schedule an introductory lesson where we can talk you through some fun, and easy vocal warm ups! 
5. Consume these foods
   • Lemon
   • Pineapple (anti inflammatory)
   • Honey
   • Ginger
   • Herbal tea
   • Decaf lemon tea 
   • Decaf Black tea

IF YOU MUST SING WHEN SICK

Unfortunately, in these colder months it is inevitable that you will be exposed to some type of cold or virus (we wish that wasn’t true). When that does happen we recommend the following to maintain your vocal cords as you heal:

1. Take Breaks and rest your voice
   We know this isn’t always possible, but do it when you can! If you can avoid singing and performing during illness or vocal cord strain, do it! It’s not worth risking permanent damage to your voice. 
2. Before & After Care when performing
   Our favorite way to do this is with our soothing throat beverage. Tonya, our founder, does this before and after each performance (even when she isn’t sick)
   • Soothing Throat Beverage Recipe
     Combine ingredients & enjoy.
     1. 8 oz warm water/or decaf tea
     2. Juice from 1 whole lemon
     3. 1 tsp ginger grated 
     4. 1 tsp honey
3. Over the counter throat & voice treatments
   We recommend the following options:
   • Throatcoat Tea
   • Vocal Zone Lozenges
   • Thayners Lozenges
   • Non menthol & non eucalyptus lozenges