survival tips for choral singers

7/23/2019 Survival Tips for Choral Singers

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Survival Tips For Choral Singers

Teresa A. Radomski, M.M.

Aside from singing in the shower, choral groups offer abundant performanceopportunities for the amateur vocalist. Whether one participates in a church choir,

more competitive community chorus, or in the company of a local musical theaterproduction, the following guidelines should help to get the most out of the experience.

WARM UP, ENERGIZE! Most choral singers arrive at evening rehearsals exhaustedafter a long day's work, so it's important to begin with an overall physical warm up.Stretching, "loosening" exercises and calisthenics "wake up" the body, while "yawning"

and relaxed humming gradually get the voice going before more extensive vocalizing.Warming up should begin in the car, en route to the rehearsal.

THINK POSTURE! A "collapsed" posture limits breathing capacity and puts stress onlaryngeal muscles. Most choral singers rehearse sitting down, with music in hand -- aposition that often becomes inefficient, through "slumping" back in the chair, crossing

the legs, etc. "Sitting up" may seem to require effort, but in fact, an erect, well-balanced sitting posture is less tiring in the long run. A good concept is to imagine thehead "floating" directly above the pelvis, and the rib cage expanded. The music shouldbe raised to eye level, however the shoulders must remain relaxed. Both feet should

be "flat on the floor". When standing during a performance, be careful not to "lock" thelegs. Always wear comfortable shoes -- no high heels! A rigid stance, combined withnervous tension and inadequate ventilation can cause choir members to feel faint, andoccasionally lose consciousness!

BREATHE! This may seem obvious, but many choral singers simply do not allow

themselves an adequate breath, and instead, "gasp" for air in order to stay with theconductor's beat. Admittedly, breath management can be challenging in group singing.

Good choral directors are aware of this, and endeavor to indicate breathing with theirconduction gestures. Ultimately, however, it is the singer's own responsibility tomaintain efficient breath support.

SING THE RIGHT PART! Singers may be incorrectly classified in order toaccommodate the needs of the choral group. Tenors are often scarce, so baritonesmay be induced to sing the tenor part, which can strain the voice. It is possible to use

certain vocal techniques, such as singing falsetto in the upper register, to render the

voice more versatile. If you are uncomfortable singing in the required range, andsuspect that you are "mis-placed", request a change of part or help with vocaltechnique. It is hoped that choral conductors will guide singers in the best possible use

of their voice.

DON'T OVER-SING! Singing loudly in order to hear oneself over other singers usuallystresses the voice. "Showing off" one's voice is inappropriate in group singing -- itdoesn't contribute well to a choral "blend," and it is usually resented by fellow singers!

If you need to check the accuracy of your pitch, simply put a finger in one ear. Even

when fortissimo singing is required, it is wise not to push the voice -- always sing onthe "interest," not the "principal"!


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ARTICULATE WISELY! Discomfort in singing is often caused by tension in the

articulation of consonants and vowels. Choral singers are generally encouraged toenunciate clearly, but care should be taken that the jaw, tongue, and lips remain asrelaxed as possible. Furthermore, it is necessary to modify pronunciation for efficiency

and ease of vocal production; for example, sopranos need to "open" vowels on highnotes.

PREPARE YOUR MUSIC! Whenever possible, try to learn your part before coming tothe rehearsal. If you are insecure about pitch, it is unlikely that you will sing well.Hesitation impedes good vocal technique!

AVOID TALKING! Not only is chatting disruptive to others (especially the conductor!),but it tires the voice.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Being a choir member is the same as being a member of

an athletic team, and you have a responsibility to safeguard your health. Avoid smokeand alcohol -- partying should be postponed until after the final performance! Getplenty of sleep and aerobic exercise. "Hydrate" -- drink plenty of fluids in order to

reduce irritating phlegm. Use common sense when you're sick -- if possible, miss arehearsal rather then sing over a cold or flu, and avoid exposing other choir membersto your germs!

TAKE VOICE LESSONS! If you really want to maximize your enjoyment of choralsinging, a few voice lessons can provide valuable insight. Ideally, your teacher shouldunderstand and appreciate both choral and solo singing techniques.

Teresa Radomski, MM, is an accomplished soprano soloist and Associate Professor ofVoice and Theatrical Singing at Wake Forest University. In addition, Ms. Radomski is a

consultant for the Center for Voice Disorders, and a contributing editor of the VoiceCenter newsletter. Her column, "A Singer's Notes" is a regular feature of THE VISIBLE

VOICE. Ed.

What can you do to look after your voice?

Wellwarm-upyour voice before you start to sing is very important. So many

singers, just get out there and start belting. You wouldnt see an athlete tearing

around the track without warming up their body first, so offer your voice the same

consideration. It doesnt take much effort. Start with a few deep, controlled

breaths, followed by some humming.

Hum your favourite song, if scales are not your thing.

Use your voice to make a squeaky door being opened sound (use the ee sound

to slide up and down your vocal range).


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Move onto singing some of your gentler songs, before you start tackling the

belters.

Also know your limits. Dont try to sing too high, or too low until you are

warmed up enough. Start at a comfortable range and extend from there.

Vocal Hydration

Vocal hydration is extremely important. Our cords are delicate membranes, which

dry out very easily (especially in dry, smoky atmospheres). So drink plenty of water.

Most people dont realise that when we drink, that liquid doesnt actuallywash over

our vocal cords. When we swallow, a flap comes over the windpipe to prevent food

and liquid from going down into our lungs. So you need to be drinking plenty of

water many hours before you start to sing, so that it is absorbed by the body and

distributed to where it is needed.

There are a number of sprays on the market, which if sprayed when breathing in,

can help lubricate your cords. Also steam inhalation is good at getting moisture

onto your cords.

Drinking (alcohol). Weve all needed Dutch Courage at some point, but alcoholcan lead to damage of your cords. Huh? I hear you say. Alcohol numbs our nervous

system, and helps lose our inhibitions.

For example, you might have accepted a gig and feel a little nervous so you have a

stiff drink before you go on stage. Normally, when youve not had a drink, you

know when your voice is tired or when you have pushed your voice too far because

you will feel discomfort in your throat. But, since youve had your drink your throat

is numb. Your buzz of the gig is pushing your voice past its usual boundaries (this

may take the form of singing too loud, too high, too low, or simply for too long a

time period) and you cant feel those warning signs. You wake up in the morning,

with a sore head and no voice for several days (or in some cases several weeks!)

Smoking.


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There are no health benefits to smoking, so either cut down or stop completely.

Smoking affects your lung capacity, so you will struggle to hold onto those long

notes. Also smoking irritates the membranes in the windpipe, resulting excessive

mucus and a cough, which can inflame the vocal cords, as well as all the other

health problems associated with smoking.

That leads me onto recreational drugs if drinking and smoking are bad drugs

are even worse. Dont go there!

Avoid abusing your voice throughout the day. Dont talk for long periods of time

you will find your voice will get hoarse. Avoid whisper- ing. This is stressful to your

voice and will cause vocal fatigue. Do not shout over loud noises, such as

machinery or concerts. Ive know a few who have yelled at rock concerts, etc, and

havent been able to sing for months afterwards. Its just not worth it!

Ive had lots of questions about what to do if youve lost your voice due to colds,

hoarseness and voice loss. Im not a doctor, and I always recommend you seek

professional advice, but I can provide a few tips:

1. REST!!

2. Drink plenty of Water.

3. Avoid Tea, Coffee, Cream & Alcohol

4. Take Vitamin C tablets or eat fruits/ vegetables rich in Vitamin C to aid your

bodys natural defences. Hot Lemon & Honey or Blackcurrant both contain vitamin

C and anti-viral properties and fresh ginger has natural anti-inflammatory

properties grate a little ginger and add it to hot water, sweeten with honey if

required.

5. Severe, violent coughing can injure the vocal cords. Cough Syrup, Throat

Sprays and Lozenges can help. These are good for temporary relief of symptoms,

but they are not going to treat the cause.


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6. Hot Water Steam Inhalation, with or without a few drops of Eucalyptus,

Peppermint or other Essential Oil helps to clear the sinuses, and get moisture onto

the vocal cords

7. Do NOT attempt to Sing and avoid Talking until you feel better to allow theinflammation an opportunity to reduce. This may be even take several weeks

8. On recovery start with some gentle humming for 5-10 minutes at a time and

slowly build up to a few vocal exercises in your mid- range gradually expanding the

range over several days. The rate of recovery will depend on the severity of illness

and how experienced a singer you are. Any recurrence of hoarseness stop and rest

the voice for another couple of days.

Eating and Drinking before singing

Drink lots of water before your performance, so that your vocal cords are well

lubricated. Also keep water close by when you do perform but just remember,

if you are performing and you got a full bladder, you have to wait until youve

finished. Dont get caught short and make sure you visit the loo before you go on

stage!

Eat lightly before a performance. Abdominal breathing is uncomfortable on a

full stomach.

Cold things may constrict your vocal cords. Hot things may loosen then too much,

so try to eat and drink things at a room temperature

Milky drinks and dairy products may cause your body to produce too much mucous

and will clog up your vocal cords. If youre prone to this, avoid dairy products

before you sing

Lozenges or Gum are good at helping to produce saliva, which helps lubricate your

throat.


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If symptoms continue, seek advice from your own Doctor.

Practice Makes Perfect

I must have said to everyone I have taught Practice. The truth is that the more you

practice the better you get.

If you have a problem with a particular phrase in a song, just concentrate on that

phrase until it flows naturally, then move on to another problem and work on that.

Depending on how serious you are about singing, you should keep about 12 hour

practice on most days. This helps your breathing and strengthens your vocal cords,

without overworking them.

Think of your vocal workout like building yourself up in the gym. The more you do

the stronger you get. The same goes for your voice.

Dont sing to the point of hoarseness. You will run the risk of damaging your vocal

cords. Constantly overworking your voice can cause nodules on your vocal cords,

which can affect your voice.

Whatever you are worst at, practice the most. It is pointless practicing songs you

already sing well. Practice the songs or parts that you struggle with the most, until

these become easy for you. Just run over the ones you sing well once a week or

so, so that you dont slip into any bad habits.

Use a tape recorder or some means to record yourself when your practice. You will

hear what you sound like and find out how you are doing, where you are going

wrong, give you ideas on how to change something, etc. You will find this a very

useful learning tool

And Most ImportantlyTake time out. We all need to have a break. You

need a complete rest from singing at least once a week and I mean a complete

rest. No practice, no singing along to your favourite records, no singing in the


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bath etc. Also if you done a hard or long gig, then give your voice a rest the

following day.

I know that vocal health is easier said than done, especially when an important gig

is due. However, please weigh up the importance of the booking against thepotential damage to your voice, especially if your voice is below par.

For singers, this means careful attention to the followingrecommendations for good laryngealhealth and the prevention of serious vocal problems:

General rules of good health for the entire body Voice training and exercise Proper speaking techniques Good vocal habits (avoidance of yelling, throat clearing, etc.) Attention to allergies and hormone balance Prompt and professional care for respiratory infection and

laryngitis

1 Joseph C. Stemple, Clinical Voice Pathology, (Columbus, Ohio,1984), p. 158.2 Friedrich S. Brodnitz, Keep Your Voice Healthy, (New York,1953), p. 88.3 Stemple, p. 158.4 Richard Luchsinger, M.D. and Godfrey E. Arnold, M.D., Voice-Speech-Language, (Belmont, California, 1965), p. 157.5 Brodnitz, p. 94.6 Dalia Sataloff and Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., "Obesity and theProfessional Singers," The NATS Bulletin, Vol. 44, No. 5

(May/June 1988), pp. 26-27.7 Ibid.8 Meribeth Bunch, Dynamics of the Singing Voice, (New York,1982), pp. 110-111.9 Ibid, p. 111.10 Van L. Lawrence, M.D., "U.R.I.'s," The NATS Bulletin, Vol. 37,No. 4 (March/April 1981), p. 41.


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11 Ibid, p. 42.12 Ibid.13 Van L. Lawence, M.D., "Sermon on Hydration (The Evils ofDry)," The NATS Journal, Vol. 42, No. 4 (March/April 1986), p.23.14 Rosalie Loeding, Loeding's Ten Commandments For VocalHealth, "Vocal Stress," workshop presented at Delta Omicron1987 Triennial Conference, Jefferson City, Tennessee, August 1,1987.15 Lawrence, p. 23.16 Joseph C. Stemple, Clinical Voice Pathology, (Columbus, Ohio,1984), p. 159.17 Van L. Lawrence, M.D., "Post-Nasal Drip,' The NATS Bulletin,Vol. 39, No. 1 (September/October 1982), p. 27.

18 Meribeth Bunch, Dynamics of the Singing Voice, (New York,1982), p. 112.19 Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., "A 'First Aid Kit' For Singers," TheNATS Journal, Vol. 43, No. 1 (September/October 1986), p. 22.20 Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., "Ten More Good Ways to Abuse YourVoice: A Singer's Guide to a Short Career (Part II)," The NATSJournal, Vol. 43, No. 1 (September/October 1986), p. 22.21 Van L. Lawrence, M.D., "Cigareets and Whiskey and Wild,Wild Women," The NATS Bulletin, Vol. 38, No. 3

(January/February 1982), p. 27.22 Sataloff, p. 23.23 Van L. Lawrence, M.D., "Marihuana and Cocaine," The NATSJournal, Vol. 43, No. 2 (November/December 1986), p. 27.24 Frank B. Wilson, Ph.D., Speech course presented whenvisiting professor, North Texas State University, Denton, Texas,Spring, 1985.25 Sataloff, p. 23.26 Bunch, p. 117.27 Sataloff, p. 23.28 Lawrence, p. 27.29 Ibid.30 Van L. Lawrence, M.D., "Handy Household Hints: To Sing orNot to Sing," The NATS Bulletin, Vol. 37, No. 3(January/February 1981), p. 25.31 Ibid.


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32 Johan Sundberg, The Science of the Singing Voice, (DeKalb,Illinois, 1987), p. 185.33 Manuel Garcia, Hints on Singing, (New York, 1894, 1982), p.18.34 Berton Coffin, Coffin's Sounds of Singing, 2nd ed., (Metuchen,New Jersey, 1987), p. 220.35 Richard Luchsinger, M.D. and Godfrey E. Arnold, M.D., Voice-Speech-Language, (Belmont, California, 1965), p. 157.36 Robert T. Sataloff, M.D., "Ten Good Ways to Abuse YourVoice: A Singer's Guide to a Short Career (Part I)," The NATSJournal, Vol. 42, No. 1 (September/October 1985), p. 24.37 Robert T. Sataloff, M.D. and Barbara-Ruth Roberts, "Stress inSingers," The NATS Journal, Vol. 42, No. 3 (January/February1986), p. 26.

38 Harvey M. Tucker, M.D., The Larynx, (New York, 1987), p.156.39 Daniel R. Boone, The Voice and Voice Therapy, (EnglewoodCliffs, New Jersey, 1983), p. 206.40 Morton Cooper, Ph.D., "Be Good to Your Voice," Prevention,(May, 1979), pp. 142-144.41 Rosalie Loeding's, Loeding's Ten Commandments For VocalHealth, "Vocal Stress", workshop presented at Delta Omicron1987 Triennial Conference, Jefferson City, Tennessee, August 1,

1987.42 Alan R. Reich, Ph.D., "Evaluating and Preventing Dysphonia inthe Vocal Artist/Athlete," Short Course presented at AnnualConvention of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association,Toronto, November, 1982, pp. 9-10.43 George Antolik III, "The Prevention of Vocal Hyperfunction inSingers," Doctoral Dissertation, Louisiana State University,School of Music, August, 1978, p. 88.44 Manuel Garcia, Hints on Singing, (New York, 1894, 1982), pp.17-19 and editor's note, p. 18.45 Meribeth Bunch, Dynamics of the Singing Voice, (New York,1982), p. 116.46 Ibid, pp. 113-116.47 Johan Sundberg, The Science of the Singing Voice, (Dekalb,Illinois, 1987), p. 193.48 Ibid, p. 194.


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49 Richard Luchsinger, M.D. and Godfrey E. Arnold, M.D., Voice-Speech-Language, (Belmont, California, 1965), p. 156.

(c) 2003 by Barbara Mathis

SOME BASIC TIPS

for VOCAL HEALTH

PROBABLY THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF TEACHING MUSIC FOR THENON-MUSIC SPECIALIST IS VOCAL HEALTH. THE FOLLOWING TIPS WILLHELP INSURE THAT YOUR STUDENTS ARE NOT INJURING THEIRVOICES IN YOUR MUSIC LESSONS.

These exercises are also excellent for all teachers. We teachers use ourvoices far more rigourously than most. Learning these simple guidelineswill help you protect your voice as well!

The single most important thing you can do for you students vocal healthis to start off any singing activity with vocal wearm-ups. Putting yourmusic lesson at the beginning of the day can really be a big plus for your

students' health! However these are beneficial exercises whenever youchoose to use them.

These Warm-ups have 3 basic principles behind them:1. Good Posture2. Proper Breathing3. Be gentle with your voice and Warm-up before intensive use.

Try the following vocal exercises with your class:

WARM-UPSGood posture is very important if you want to get the best out of yourand your students' voices. When you are going to sing, watch that thestudents are in a position of minimum tension and maximum flexibilitywith ears directly over shoulders, shoulders over your hips. Ask them to


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check that they can still see their shoulders out of their peripheral vision.

1. GOOD POSTURE -An exercise for practising is to have studentspretend they are all puppets dangling on a single string attached to thetop of their heads.

Be conscious of how you and your students breathe. Deep breathing isessential for safe, healthy, effective voice production. When you breathein, aim to feel as if you take in air as low down in your body as possiblewithout your shoulders having to rise. Allow tummy muscles to relaxoutwards as you breathe in.

2. PROPER BREATHING - Begin your singing with exercices that focuson proper breathing. Panting like a dog or holding hands on the diaphram

to feel it expanding outward while breathing in deeply are two suchexercises.

After that it's time for a gentle vocal warm-up.

3.VOCAL WARM-UP - First, ask students to massage their faces, lips,and throat to relax tension. Have the class hum an "m" sound gently upand down their voice range to to start the vocal warm-up.

Then, sing a series of round open vowels such as "Mmmeee-Mmmay-Mmmah-Mmmoe-Mmmoo" on one note and then repeating moving upand down the scale.

Check breathing - relax your tummy muscles outwards as you take abreath in.

These exercises will insure properly warmed-up voices. you will beamazed how these simple exercises will make voices (including yourown!) sound alive and free.

Other vocal health hints for both you and your students:

- Be sure you keep your vocal folds moist and well lubricated. You can dothis by drinking plenty of liquids throughout the day. Be sure your


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students do this as well.

- Keep tea and coffee consumption to a minimum though, as the caffeinein these drinks dries out the vocal folds and can make the voice soundraspy and scratchy. Alcohol is also bad for the voice, as it dehydrates thebody and therefore the vocal folds.

- Take time to take a relaxed, deep breath when you need to before youstart to sing or speak. It will make you and your students feel calmer andmore confident.

- Don't do all the talking in class - getting others to participate bychallenging your listeners, asking them questions and stimulatingdiscussion not only is good teaching practise, it is also important for your

health to give your voice a restnow and again!

- After speaking for a long time, warm-down by drinking some tepidwater. Yawn and then breathe deeply. A yawn is a good exercise for yourkids singing as well.

- To nurse your voice through a cold or a throat infection, steam it - putsome hot water in a basin, lean over it gently with a towel over your headand inhale the steam. Be careful not to scald yourself! For the best

results, do this several times a day for approximately 10 minutes at atime.

- Look after your voice. Don't strain it. Eliminate background noise beforeyou try to speak loudly over it. If you have to project your voice, alwaysuse breath support.

- Watch that you and your students DO NOT push your voices from thethroat. When you speak, your navel should move towards your backbone.If this doesn't happen, you won't get the best from your voice and youmay even damage your voice without realising it. Look for this in thebreathing exercises above.

This page partly adapted fromCONRAD VOICE CONSULTANCYsite inEngland
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