University of Pittsburgh Voice Center
Preventing Vocal Problems
Clark A. Rosen, M.D.
Thomas Murry, Ph.D.
Guidelines for Singers: The Do's and Don'ts
Do Not . . .
- smoke tobacco
- smoke marijuana
- use drugs
- drink alcohol the day before or the day of
- drink coffee before a performance
- become a cheerleader
- shout & scream at sporting events
- go to loud clubs or bars
- talk on a bus or airplane
- try to be heard in noisy places like bars, sport arenas, Italian
family gatherings, airplanes, buses
- vocalize a sneeze
Note: This does not mean you should stifle a sneeze -- never
do that! Go ahead and sneeze, just don't phonate while doing
so.
- phonate while yawning
- stay up late the night before a performance
- sing outdoors
- cough
- clear your throat continually
- sing if it hurts to swallow
- try to talk over a cold or laryngitis
- sing higher or lower than is comfortable
- "over sing" (if you are hoarse after singing,
something is very wrong)
- whisper loudly, or for very long
- raise the chest or shoulders when inhaling
- be a vocalist in an acid rock or heavy metal band
- use the belt voice
- lift weights
- scream
- cry
- talk on a lower or higher pitch than is comfortable for you
The "huumm" pitch (expressing mild surprise) is the pitch at
which you should be speaking!
- try to change your natural speaking voice ("vocal image" e.g.,
sexy, macho)
- talk a lot on the day of performance
- argue with a New Yorker
Guidelines for Singers, Continued...
Do . . .
- If undergoing surgery, insist that the intubation be performed
by someone well acquainted with the risk to the vocal folds
- speak at your own pitch (like Julia Childs and opera divas)
- support your speaking voice just as when singing
- get plenty of rest
- be happy
- laugh a lot, but with good support
- avoid stress
- avoid places with foul air
everything you breathe passes through your instrument
- inhale at the belly (like inner tube around your waist) relax belly
to inhale (i.e., let your belly hang out, "feel fat")
- eat well (as do Pavarotti & ladies of the opera
- avoid dairy products prior to a performance
- treat your body like a valuable instrument
- humidify your bedroom during winter months
- drink lots of water -- 8 glasses a day
- "Pee Pale, Sing Clear" -- your urine should be clear -- yellowness
means you are dehydrated (the more yellow it is, the worse)