For all performers, it is very important to remember that you are your instrument. Other instruments can be replaced, but you only get one set of vocal cords!

You are a vocal athlete, and that means you need to be extra careful in how you use and take care of your voice.

• Follow recommendations for hydration, managing allergies and reflux, and avoiding vocal misuse or overuse.

• Take care of your body by getting plenty of rest, exercising, and eating well.
• Avoid getting sick by washing your hands before eating and before touching your face, mouth, nose, or eyes.
• Don’t smoke! Tobacco smoke is very irritating to the vocal cords, can cause changes in the tissue of the vocal cords, and causes cancer.
• Women should be especially careful to limit vocal demands just prior to and during the menstrual cycle. The lowering of estrogen levels can result in vocal fold swelling for some women.
• If you think you have a voice problem, get help quickly from health care professionals with specialized training in caring for voices.

Special Tips for Singers

• Warm up your voice before singing, and cool down your voice after singing.
• Consider taking voice lessons to learn how to sing without hurting your voice.
• Learn to use your speaking voice in a healthy way by consulting a voice trainer or speech pathologist.
• Know your vocal limits and stay within them (pitch, loudness, and endurance).
• Rest your voice before and after a big singing day.
• Pace yourself during rehearsals.
• Stop singing before you get tired. If you feel tired, you may have already done too much.
• Try not to “spend” your voice on learning the music. Learn the music by listening rather than by singing.
• If you sing with a band, use monitors. Have small speakers facing you on stage so that you can hear yourself adequately and modify your volume accordingly.
• Plan your singing schedule carefully and avoid overbooking.
• Avoid ice-cold drinks while singing. Room temperature is better.
• Consider getting a “baseline” evaluation of your voice when you are healthy. This will be helpful for comparison if you ever have a voice injury.

Special Tips for Music Directors

• Warm up your voice before rehearsal.
• Use amplification for your voice during rehearsal.
• Use printed signs or hand signals to communicate messages that you say over and over.
• Minimize using your voice to teach the music. Have the pianist or other instrumentalist demonstrate the part or have section leaders demonstrate the part.
• Provide recordings for your choir members to learn the music.
• Consider getting a “baseline” evaluation of your voice when you are healthy. This will be helpful for comparison if you ever have a voice injury.

Special Tips for Actors

• Warm up your voice before performances and rehearsals.
• Consider taking acting or stage voice classes to learn how to project your voice without injury.
• Know your vocal limits and stay within them (pitch, loudness, and stamina).
• Rest your voice before and after vocally demanding days (extended rehearsals, performances, voice-over work, etc.).
• Pace yourself during rehearsals and performances.
• Stop speaking before you get tired. If you feel tired, you may have already done too much.
• Plan your performance schedule carefully and avoid overbooking.
• Avoid ice-cold drinks while you’re using your voice. Room temperature is better.
• Consider getting a “baseline” evaluation of your voice when you are healthy. This will be helpful for comparison if you ever have a voice injury.