You Only Have One Instrument So Look After It!

Unlike a guitarist or drummer etc, our instrument can`t be replaced when it starts to wear out. Singing night after night places a great demand on the voice and body. As a result, voice problems are likely to affect every singer at some point in their career. This is why good technique is absolutely crucial to keep the voice strong and healthy to sustain the demanding giging schedule most singers have to endure. Getting regular lessons to work on technique and correct breathing is vital for the untrained voice. There are many horror stories of singers who, having been signed to a record company after going through the audition process of a very well know TV singing competition, come out the other side unable to cope with the tour schedule put upon them because their voice gives out. This is wheresinging lessons and vocal health advice comes in to it`s own. Here are some of the key things I have found helpful over the years and have become a normal part of my working life as a singer. Warming up every day for at least 15 mins Drinking plenty of water Getting a good nights sleep before a performance Avoiding alcohol (it dries out the vocal cords) Steaming over a bowl of boiling water (this keeops the cords moist). There are many other things but these are the crucial basics.