I know this is really long but please read, I really need some advice
I've been singing for about 3-4 years. When I started out, I went about it completely wrong and yelled to hit high notes, tried to do compression/distortion techniques, all the bad stuff you can imagine. After a while, it became comfortable for me to rasp and yell, and I carried on with it for almost a year and a half without any issues. My voice did get a little tired, but I would just limit my voice use and drink water and I'd be fine the next morning. I then took up smoking in astounding frequency, smoking around 3-4 times daily. Just before my smoking went through the roof (so when I was doing it occasionally) I noticed some swelling in what I believe to be my epiglottis. I had also just started an Adderall prescription, which really dried my throat. With these factors at work, my voice was really shot pretty much all the time, so I quit the adderall and it got a little better. That year I joined my school choir, and my teacher took me under her wing and I learned how to sing much more correctly, and how to warm up. After about 2 years with her as my teacher, I was pretty good. My voice still had a shotness to it, but I could sing through it. I did still stain alot when singing out at coffee houses and such. So now in in my freshman year, and I still smoke, but I'm learning how to use better technique, but my voice is just not cooperating at all. It's kinda airy and sore alot, and my stamina is non-existant. So after that storybook, my question is this: Do you think my voice is permanently damaged; and if not, where should I begin fixing it?
Mike_da_Meehan
Member Posts: 1
Comments
First, you should stop smoking. That's one thing you have control over that will make things less bad.
Next, you need to limit the amount of air you use when you sing. Airy, breathy singing will dry your vocal cords out and can cause damage. Try to cut back the air you use when you sing. Make sure you have good cord closure.
Rasping and yelling are not good for your voice.
You may want to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist and make sure you haven't done any permanent damage to your vocal cords.
Bob