31 Vocal Health Tips You Need To Know

Good vocal health habits are vital to maintaining a healthy singing voice. This post covers vocal health as well as what to do if you are sick or if you feel yourself becoming sick.

→ Click here to download these tips [Free PDF Guide].

If you’re more of a visual learner, check out the video below!

The Don’ts of Vocal Health

Don’t clear your throat; instead:
- Silent Clearing (Don’t know what that is? Check out this free training).
- Deep humming
Don’t drink iced or steaming beverages; instead:
- Try to wait for steam to disappear when drinking hot beverages
- Try to learn to drink water at room temperature and without ice
Don’t whisper unless you have to
Don’t smoke or be around smokers frequently
Don’t use numbing or anesthetizing drops, sprays, or medicines
Don’t yell or speak in a loud voice without engaging the support system
Don’t use glottal attacks if at all possible
Don’t consume a lot of dairy or other throat-coating or phlegm-producing foods during times of high vocal use

The Do’s of Vocal Health

Do drink plenty of water
- Take your weight and divide it in half. Whatever the number is, drink that many ounces of water each day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water each day.
Do hum in the shower each day to loosen phlegm
Do get plenty of rest to keep from fatiguing the voice
Do wear a scarf or something around the neck to keep it warm during cool weather or during times of high vocal use
Do add lemon to your room temperature water
Do speak at a higher pitch than seems natural, especially when you are tired
Do go on vocal rest if you feel vocally fatigued
Do stand in a bathroom with a running hot steaming shower to soak up the steam when you feel vocally fatigued

Vocal Health Tips For When You’re Sick

Don’t use medicines that will dry out your sinuses unless you absolutely have to. If you have to, make sure to drink extra water to balance it out.
Do avoid cough drops and medicines that numb the sensation in sore areas
Do minimize coughing
Do triple your normal water intake
Do take vitamins and eat lots of fruits and vegetables
Don’t consume dairy or any phlegm-producing foods
Don’t consume a lot of caffeine or sugar
Don’t whisper—it is just as hard on your voice as screaming. It is best to “pitch up” when necessary or go on vocal rest
Honey and lemon added to warm (not steaming) water is very soothing and healing
If contagious, reschedule in-person lessons!! (students & teachers!)