Page 119 - Classical Singer magazine 2019 Fall University Issue

it’s faster than running upstairs to get them, I remind myself of the daily ways I subconsciously tax my voice. We practice when we’re tired, socialize in loud places, teach for long hours at a time, pitch our voices too low, travel a lot, sleep little, and stress too much.
I was so good for years after my surgery, and then
life just crept back in and I felt invincible again. But we can’t just be good when we’re scared—it must become a reinforced lifestyle choice. Here are a few ways to start.
Hydration
An easy way to improve both your singing and your health, hydration is a long-term process. It is more e ective to hydrate your system daily rather than tanking up before singing. Prolonged dehydration can cause irreversible damage to your vocal cords.
Speaking Voice
Many singers are diligent about vocal health while singing but have poor speaking habits, often speaking too much or at inappropriate volumes, which can damage the voice. Do not push your voice over loud noises or in crowded areas and be sure that you are always speaking with a healthy, supported production.
Vocal Rest
Know when your voice needs a break. If you’ve been singing for a great length of time or have been working on new or heavy repertoire, be cognizant of how much you use your voice after you stop singing. Make it a habit to warm down after practice sessions and then silently give your body a chance to repair.
Singing Appropriate Repertoire
One common way to misuse your vocal folds is to sing in the wrong Fach. Singing inappropriately heavy, light, high, or low repertoire can tax the muscles and create bad habits in order to achieve a desired sound. Be honest and discerning when choosing repertoire and resist the temptation to accept roles that are bigger than you can sing healthily.
Singing Sick
When possible, it is best to wait until you are
healthy to resume singing. When you sing sick, your
body is constantly modifying your technique in order
to compensate, which can retrain your muscle memory. Pushing through a sickness also carries the risk of causing a vocal pathology.
B.A. in
Vocal Performance
WAGNER COLLEGE • NEW YORK CITY
• Individualized vocal training
• Well-rounded college curriculum
• Beautiful campus
• Diverse performance opportunities
wagner.edu/music
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