Overview of vocal health
Proper technique is essential for the vocal health of conductors, teachers, and singers. Professional singers as well as teachers are required to use their instruments for long periods of time and thus must be particularly attentive to proper technique. Knowledge of vocal technique also enables conductors to help amateur adults experience good occasional use as well as long-term vocal facility. Young singers will find that applied vocal technique facilitates healthy vocal development and assists in avoiding bad habits. It goes without saying that keeping our instruments in good health requires keeping our bodies in good health through a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, avoidance of harmful substances, and good sleep habits. There are numerous additional factors that contribute to vocal health. These include:
Vocal Technique addresses each of these in detail. We cover a few of these topics on the other Vocal Health pages on this web site.
Please note that material on vocal health is intended to provide general information about health issues of particular relevance to singers. It is not meant to provide diagnosis or treatment information for specific individuals. Singers should consult their health care providers for such advice.
- Vocal fold hydration and factors affecting hydration
- Vocal stamina and fatigue
- Stress, anxiety, and vocal health
- Safe amount of daily singing
- Meal consumption prior to singing
- Mucus and the role of dairy products
- Gastric reflux
- Singing and the common cold; coughing
- Medications with the potential to cause vocal fold bleeding
- Effects of other medications on the voice
- Hormonal factors affecting the voice
- If surgery is contemplated
- Vocal health concerns of professional singers
- Vocal health of amateur singers
- Choral conductor’s role in maintaining vocal health
Vocal Technique addresses each of these in detail. We cover a few of these topics on the other Vocal Health pages on this web site.
Please note that material on vocal health is intended to provide general information about health issues of particular relevance to singers. It is not meant to provide diagnosis or treatment information for specific individuals. Singers should consult their health care providers for such advice.