Warming Up!

DORCHYK

Hey everyone,

Just wondering if there are any ideas, suggestions or opinions on warming up before warming up? What I mean is, should I drink a warm tea/lemon honey drink before working the vocals? I'm a beginner Weekend Warrior and I suffer with a neuromuscular condition called Ataxia-Telangiectasia. Whenever I strain my voice or try holding notes while singing, my vocal chords want to choke up. Any helpful ideas or suggestions would be welcome and greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

crymeariver

Make sure you're drinking lots of water throughout the day, and if you find a buildup of phlegm in your throat, honey and lemon is great beforehand to help clear this. Don't overdo it though, as the lemon can be a little drying.

I also find steam to be super helpful before warming up - take a hot shower, or pour some boiling water into a bowl, and lean over it with a towel over your head to keep the steam in (being careful not to burn yourself on any hot steam). You can also buy personal steamers for this. I usually do this once or even twice a day, which is a little excessive, but it doesn't hurt!

But, the main thing is that you should not be straining. If you find yourself doing this regularly, STOP, and have a look over your technique and what it could be that's causing this. Of course, being a beginner it is normal to experience some discomfort while training, especially with your condition, so it is important to schedule days of vocal rest.

If you continue to experience problems, I would try to book a vocal lesson to remedy this.

DORCHYK

Thank you so much! I will definitely give those a try! I totally understand having a vocal rest with my condition, I have to do that for the rest of my body!