Help! My singing voice is dying!

Subject: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From:
Date: 31 Mar 98 - 09:44 PM

This is really a continuation of can anyone learn to sing, but it was getting long and this is a related topic but not quite the same.

Help! Singing is my passion. I love to sing! and have been known to sing in the halls at work, in the bathroom, on the street, in the shower (the best), in the car, etc.

I sang in high school many years ago, and recently have been singing every night to my kids. The kids got me interested in folk music again, and I started to learn guitar, and autoharp. In the last six months it has become a passion. I practice to and from work, at home at night, walking the dog... everywhere. I have also started going to a pub shantey sing-a-round once a month. Well, I've noticed that lately my voice is sounding courser and courser and I have started to croak on the high notes. Last week, after helping lead a song at a Cub Scout pack I couldn't raise my voice at all without it squeaking.

What have I done? Is this what happens when you "blow your voice out"? It it permanent?

I can't seem to stop singing a little each day even though I have cut back about 90%. Even with cutting back it doesn't seem to be getting better.

How can I get my voice back? I am desparate!

Jim Bunch Silver Spring Md.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 31 Mar 98 - 10:28 PM

Jim, there is a website called 'The Singing Voice', which has history of singing, other interesting topics about singing, and under the heading "Pedagogy" is a page called 'Vocal Health' that has tips on how to take care of your voice.
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Strasse/2200/

Knowing techniques for warming up, placement of the muscles, how to relax, etc. really helps, no matter what style of singing you do.
If it seems like you have really changed your voice, you may want to see an ENT who can examine your vocal chords.

alice, mt

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 01 Apr 98 - 02:14 AM

Jim, here are addresses for more information on the singing voice from the website "Center For Voice Disorders of Wake Forest University",

http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/warming_up.html

http://www.bgsm.edu/voice/singing_voice.html

alice

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 01 Apr 98 - 03:03 AM

Be careful, Jim, but don't get too worried. I've found myself in the same situation many times recently, and it can be scary. Most of us recover naturally with a little time and rest.
I've always been proud of the power of my voice, and I did a lot of singing and storytelling for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in years past. Lately, I've been doing church music and singing in song circles, so volume isn't quite as important; but it took me a while to learn that I didn't have to sing quite so loud. Now I sing soft and close to the microphone in church if I'm doing a solo. When I sing with groups, I listen to the other singers, and strive for an even blend of voices instead of trying to lead the others. I've also found that when I'm leading songs, the audience often sings louder if I sing softer.
The best thing I did for my voice was to quit smoking four years ago. 25 years of smoking didn't help me much. I assume you don't smoke. Next thing to do is to learn to sing more softly, and don't ever try to sing with a voice that has already been badly strained. Good luck.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Bill D
Date: 01 Apr 98 - 01:58 PM

Jim...not to put MORE strain on you, but are you an FSGW member? and do you know about the many singing events right in your area? There will be an 'open sing' in Takoma Park this Friday night...look here for details

(I have been meaning to get to those pub sings for awhile now..those shanteys WILL put the strain on your voice!!)

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: steve t
Date: 01 Apr 98 - 02:27 PM

For now:
Sing softly.
Sing songs with limited ranges -- Dylan tunes, for example.
Sing unaccompanied when possible -- you're more likely to choose easy keys for your voice.
Transpose instrumentals into keys you find easier to sing to.
Grit your teeth and keep quiet if singing along with a particular song is difficult.
As soon as possible:
Read the facts at the sites Alice mentioned. Check out the singing teachers in your area. Try one out. Keep trying out singing teachers until you find one who can help you -- keep in mind that not every singing teacher is any good or will be able to help you. If the problem continues to worsen, you may have a medical problem. A cousin of mine had serious problems with her vocal chords as a child. At about age five, she sounded like Marlene Dietrich. Now she is in demand as a church solist, (though she sings into a microphone). So if it *is* anything medical, don't panick.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 01 Apr 98 - 07:00 PM

To follow up on steve and Joe's good advice, when you interview teachers, ask how much they have studied the larynx and the way it is used in singing. Today happened to be my day for a voice lesson, so I related the problem you described. My teacher told me that one of her best voice teachers was not a singer at all... he was an accompianist who was a Medical Doctor! Specialist in the larynx and how it functions!! She told me that she learned from him things about singing that she had never heard from any other teacher or conductor. I think that's why I feel fortunate to have found her, and 'brag' about her so much when I discuss singing. Good luck, Jim.
alice

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: JimBunch
Date: 02 Apr 98 - 09:05 PM

Thanks everyone for responding to my plea!

Alice: You seem to be a wealth of information on singing. I too am starting over past 40. Linn (my wife) thinks its my mid-life crisis and I agree but what the heck its cheaper than buying a sports car!

Bill D: Yes I am a member of FSGW and have been wanting to go to one of the First Friday Sing A Longs for a long time. It is also cubscout night, however, and I am assistant den leader. There are always tradeoffs!. Someday I will make it.

Everyone else: Thanks again! I think I am on the road to recovery!

Jim Bunch Silver Spring Md.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: steve t
Date: 03 Apr 98 - 01:54 AM

I finally read Alice's suggested reading: it's very interesting. I'm curious as to how different people warm up. Is starting with easy songs good enough?

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Bert
Date: 03 Apr 98 - 08:54 AM

If your dying voice is accompanied by a recurring sore throat you might have a problem with reflux.

My quack says don't eat your evening meal later than six o'clock and don't eat spicy food.

It works pretty well in controlling the problem but many nights it's almost impossible.

Bert.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 03 Apr 98 - 09:52 AM

For those who are not squeamish, you can see photos of vocal chord nodules, cysts, etc. at the University of Pittsburgh Voice Center website. They also discuss reflux and other causes of hoarseness. Photo page is
http://www.upmc.edu/upmcvoice/Photos.htm

The U.of Pittsburgh Voice Center also has a page of Dos and Don'ts for Singers.
http://www.upmc.edu/upmcvoice/Dos.htm

If you explore all the links I gave earlier, I think there are descriptions of warm-up techniques. If you have never sung in front of a full length mirror or watched yourself sing on video, then it would be helpful to look in a mirror and check your posture. Since your whole body is your instrument, there are lots of muscles involved in producing and supporting and affecting the sound. Your posture should be balanced and relaxed, not rigid and tense or slumped over. Relax your face and neck muscles. Massage them if you have to. Drop your jaw and let it go slack, roll your head around to relax your neck. Loosen the tension in your lips. When you take in a breath, your shoulders should stay down and relaxed. If you are holding down the muscles of the floor of your abdomen, more air can expand down there, and you will see your belly expand out, and your ribs and chest expand as the air comes in. Training those muscles to support your air flow will help alot in keeping the vocal chords healthy. The air going through the vocal chords is what makes the sound, so if you can control the airflow, then you won't be straining and blasting air when trying for more volume or a longer note.
Start in the speaking range (the note you make when saying a hummm of surprise) and begin singing by humming or singing 'oooh' or 'aaaah' in short scales. Your face muscles, forehead, jaw, etc. should remain relaxed, not tense.
Start an easy song, not loud, and then build to songs with more range and volume. You can do this in the car on your way to your sing-along or choir practice.
Alot of information is on the links I provided above, but there is no substitute for a GOOD teacher.
alice

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Moira Cameron
Date: 03 Apr 98 - 05:09 PM

Someone once told me that extended use of Ventolin Inhalers for asthma can adversely affect one's voice. This is a concern for me since I have asthma and singing is my heart's delight.

I've also been told that dringing coffee or having milk products before singing isn't good for one's voice. I've never noticed these things affecting my voice, but I guess it's something to keep in mind.

My thoughts are with you!

Moira, Yellowknife, NT., Canada

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Barry Finn
Date: 03 Apr 98 - 06:59 PM

Moria, I've been on Ventolin inhalers, for asthma, probaly 15 yrs, never noticed an effect on my voice, only on my driving. Barry

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Musicman
Date: 03 Apr 98 - 07:33 PM

vocal strain usually stems from improper vocal technique. You need to look at the production of the sound you are creating, and the tension that you carry in your vocal chords while you sing. I sing 4-5 hours/day 5 days/week in my job and have so far avoided any vocal problems. You may find it beneficial to seek out a GOOD voice teacher who will help you understand the mechanics of singing. This involves tongue placement, air flow and a myrid of other things. BE SURE TO FIND A TEACHER WHO UNDERSTANDS THESE THINGS, AND DOES NOT JUST TEACH SCALES AND MUSIC. The wrong teacher can destroy your voice. (I know people who have had this problem, even from university teachers. I'd offer my wife's services, but we live in Vancouver, BC. Good luck, and take care of your voice, it's the only one you've got. You can't go and buy a new one when this one breaks.

Paul Evenden

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Paul Stamler
Date: 05 Apr 98 - 02:28 PM

Several years ago, Jane Grosby (now Jane Vidrine) gave me a list of what drinkables are good and bad for the throat. As my memory serves me (forgive me if I'm mis-remembering), all beverages with caffeine (coffee, Coke, regular tea) close the throat (bad); citrus beverages (lemonade, Lemon Zinger tea) open the throat (good). Don't know what happens from Mountain Dew (citrus vs. caffeine -- would they have a war?). Regular tea is doubly bad because of its tannins. Beer is neutral; Scotch closes the throat, bourbon opens it. White wine opens, red wine closes (tannins). I use Lemon Zinger tea myself, with lots of honey or sugar, and sing more quietly than I useta. I've also found that plain hot water is very soothing.

One other thing that makes a difference: remember all those pictures you saw of Pete Seeger with his head thrown back, singing his heart out? Very inspiring. Very bad. Sing a note softly and tilt your head back; feel the tightening in your vocal cords? You have to push a lot harder to get the sound through. I suspect this is one of the reasons Pete's voice is now almost gone. Sing with your head at a level. And don't let your voicebox get cold on the way to the gig -- wrap it in a scarf if the weather is even mildly chilly.

Peace. Paul

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: mm
Date: 05 Apr 98 - 05:20 PM

Don't drink spirits - they wreck the vocal cords - do the exercises listed above, and don't worry about Ventolin, it won't hurt the voice. Cortisone inhalers make your voice husky, but what harm?

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 22 Aug 98 - 12:06 AM

refreshing this information...

alice in montana

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Ian HP
Date: 22 Aug 98 - 07:38 AM

The health of your voice has a lot to do with where you sing FROM. A lot of people have problems after extended singing because they produce their sound from the shallow part of their breathing apparatus. Always produce sound from the depths of your diaphram. This will give you a more powerful voice AND it will last much longer. Also, over-tiredness is a killer. No matter how many gigs, how much travelling you do, make sure you get enough sleep - if you can!

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Tinwhistler
Date: 22 Aug 98 - 11:33 AM

I am following this thread with interest. Is it possible that Jim just overdid it? He mentions being "obsessed;" I get an impression of him suddenly belting out songs where ever he goes, without the warmups and techniques you mentioned.

If I put away my guitar for a few days and then play it for hours, my hands and arms let me know in no uncertain terms that they are unhappy. Can't a similar thing happen to the voice?

Sometimes when I sing I love my voice. I can hit the notes, have great range, mellow tone, expression etc. And then other times I sound awful--can't hit a note, waver etc. What gives?

A voice teacher I know recommends gargling with warm water and a teaspoon of baking soda if your voice is irritated or if you have that "clogged" feeling. Anyone else ever hear of that?

Thanks for all the info. I will have to cut back on caffeine now that I have a good excuse!

Sue

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Tinwhistler
Date: 22 Aug 98 - 11:37 AM

Sorry Jim, the word was "passion" not "obsession"!

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 22 Aug 98 - 05:06 PM

Hi, Sue, This particular thread started back in March, and Jim did say he recovered. There is another thread starting on the subject of singing technique, which is why I brought this one back to the top, rather than re-type all the advice and links provided last spring.

Because a singer's vocal chords, sinus passages, breathing, etc. are affected by so many different factors, the voice is very changeable, as you describe. The more techniques you use in protecting your voice and your health in general, and in training it in the correct way on a regular basis (just like doing other physical exercises on a regular basis) the more reliable your voice will be.

alice in montana

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 12:00 PM

yikes, I just saw how many times I typed vocal "chords" instead of vocal "cords". Anyway, just refreshing this to point out that Kat has a voice instruction book on the Mudcat auction page. Check out the auction going on right now (Nov, 2000)!

Alice

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: kendall
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 12:44 PM

actually, neither is correct..they are vocal folds.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 02:12 PM

Trick question, Kendall. Are they ugly? Too ugly????
I had bronchitis and the flu over a month ago and can't sing without coughing. My doctor says this flu hangs on forever so deal with it. Bourbon sounds like a likely cure. Will Jack Daniels work as well?
Mary

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 02:28 PM

You are right, Kendall, they are now referred to as vocal folds, but they USED to be called vocal cords.

Alice

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 02:44 PM

I got a terrible cold and cough just before Llanstock and my voice hasn't recovered since, it dies away to a whisper and sounds like a slight echo. Saw the quack who said that the strain had put my sets of vocal folds out of synch with each other. told me to rest it. Not much chance in a special school!! But as I am off school from tonight for a carpel tunnel syndrome op I hope to do so. Take care and rest your voice. Imagine me- can't sing and can't play guitar. (though there are those who would say I can't do either anyway!!!!!!

Take care.

Eric

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 03:27 PM

Eric,
I have this hilarious picture in my mind of Leif Ericson with carpal tunnel syndrome and laryngitis. Suck it up man! Think of your heritage. Me? I come from a line of consumptive horse thieves. Laryngitis is a status symbol.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 03:56 PM

WoW! It's strange to see a thread I started over 2 1/2 years ago suddenly appear again. I have morphed into JAB, started playing banjo, and yes SINGING IS STILL MY OBSESSION. I can attest to the fact that Alice's suggestions do work. I no longer lose my voice as much (except after my kid's soccer games).

I have finally bit the bullet and decided to get more serious about my music. I have just completed 6 weeks of voice lessons through our local community college with Alison Ledbetter-Hines a local jazz singer. You know the first three weeks we just learned about our instruments, practiced breathing excersizes and did not sing a note! But boy did it start making a difference! Also, at the FSGW Getaway I attended a fantastic workshop put on by Lisa Null. I hope to take lessons with her later in the year.

My point is that I have noticed a major difference in volume, tone, and most important of all stamina. And this is just from a few excersizes and practice sessions. I have to learn to sit up!

So follow all of the above links and do what they say. It does make a difference.

JAB

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Jeri
Date: 07 Nov 00 - 05:09 PM

I have had colds, flus, chicken pox, mumps, measles, strep throats, etc and never lost my voice. My parents commented when I had my tonsils out that at least I'd be quiet for a while. Not a chance - I woke up talking. Oh well - I only mention it because I'm coming down with a cold (maybe - I could just be allergic to cold weather) and NOMAD is this coming weekend, and I AM planning on singing.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,Brandy
Date: 18 May 02 - 11:49 PM

To the person that wanted to know about the teaspoon of baking soda and warm water. If you have followed the life of Celine Dion, she almost lost her voice for good, but thru proper doctors and voice teachers she has regained control over her voice. One of the things that she does is gargles with baking soda; salt and warm water before she sings among vocal exercises.

I can sympathize with all of you. I was a powerful singer and I mean powerful. I lost my diaphragm and am trying to regain it. I have back injuries in the same vertebrae that control the diaphragm, I believe C-3 and C-4. Started snoring at night. And last year was repeatedly exposed to Toxic Fumes and now have RADS/Asthma. I use Foradil; Pulmicort; MaxAir; Atrovent; and Accolade. The depression I feel from my problem is sometimes more than I can bear.

Singing is my passion as well and believe me my prayers go out to each and every one of you for your total return of your voice and if you are blessed enough to have Him touch you, may you never forget to be thankful and testify to your healing when you can.

One more thing, I just was in a wonderful site that had info I have never read before:

http://www.billford.supanet.com

It is more than well worth the reading.

Link repaired by Joe Clone

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST
Date: 19 May 02 - 02:28 AM

Drink Whiskey

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,Brandy-Answers!
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 12:16 AM

I have posted to this site before and I thought I would keep all updated on some of my finds that affect the vocal chords.

As we all know RADS, asthma and allergies are very closely related so I decided to take notice of any and all changes to my throat, paying attention to any pain in my ear, lowering of my throat, etc.

Here are some finds that might interest some of you that have affected my vocals:

1) Kitty Litter (keep far away and away from cold air registers)

2) Furnace Filters (DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT buy the fancy, schmancy ones. I paid $20 for one thinking I would clear the air and within 3 days was talking like a frog. My husband changed back to just a plain old cheap one and my throat was back in a few days. The expensive ones are FILLED and I mean FILLED with chemicals!

3) Colognes (keep away from any colognes, they saturate the vocal cords. Do not use any, stay away from anyone who wears it. Some colognes do not bother me, but there is a site that explains of the lethal substances that are in colognes.)

4) Stay away from cleaning chemicals, carpet cleaners, tar, asphalt, fertilizers, talcum powder, baby powder, hair spray, watch the mouthwashes, plants harbor mold and mildew, etc.

If anyone would care to hear more of my discoveries, I would be more than happy to keep everyone updated.

Let's face it, we live with ourselves 24 hours a day, and we as vocalists must pay attention to why things happen to our throats. Aretha Franklin will not even sing in an air conditioned building because it dries her throat. So pay attention to yourself!

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,nobby
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 08:50 AM

breathing gives you cancer.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 10:40 AM

Thanks Brandy-answers. Its all very useful info to file away.
More discoveries would be most welcome as you come across them....

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Celtic Soul
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 11:41 AM

Here's a question for you one and all...

I am about to begin a 9 week run of performing 5 times a day every weekend in one of the most acoustically unfriendly environments known to man. That, however, is not really the problem. I can support my voice well enough, and rarely really have any issues.

Unless...

There has been a drought, and there is *so* much dust that you can get your RDA of minerals in one breath.

*This* irritates like no ones business, and I have had many moments where I came very close to losing my voice, as well as moments when I became ill (upper respiratory issues).

Any advice? (Beyond "wear a mask", that is)

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 01:19 PM

Many vocal problems are cause by dehydration. Dehydration can be treated with the world's best beverage: water.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: kendall
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 05:22 PM

Interesting thread. Just today my ENT says there is still some irritation caused by the radiation, but, if I cut back on using the voice, I should be ok by the Getaway.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 05:37 PM

Alice, it might be a good idea to get checked out by the doctor just in case it's a physical cause, and one that you should be worried about. No doubt you've thought of this - and even the worry might be tightening your throat and making your voice tighter and coarser.

It's not a good idea to drink spirits; drink beer or wine, but spirits are hell on the vocals.

And for all ye asthmatics, if you want to use the ventolin less, try some buteyko breathing; it helps to lessen the need for inhalers. If you also use a becotide inhaler you'll get a sexy croak to your voice.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 08:46 PM

I'm not the one who started the thread. The first name is blank (before Guest). I responded to the problem with advice. Check out the "threads on the singing voice" links that I compiled.
Can a Joeclone add "Guest" to the first message on this thread?

Alice

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: kendall
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 09:36 PM

Acid reflux is painful and it damages the esophagus. However, there are ways to fight it; put a thick book under the legs of the bed at the head. There is also Pepsid ac or Previcid. They both work.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 20 Aug 02 - 11:15 PM

Wow! It's been a long time!

I am the one who started this thread! It was one of my first posts back in 1998. Since then I really took to heart some of the advice that Alice posted (Thanks Alice!), took voice lessons from Alison Ledbetter-Hines through the Montgomery County Red Department, started breathing correctly, doing warm up excersizes, keeping my tounge down and the other thing on top up, and singing! I dont' lose my voice anymore !hurrah!, However, now the local folks have to listen to me every month at the FSGW sing-a-long. ;-)

JAB (aka Gutbucketeer)

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Alice
Date: 21 Aug 02 - 12:35 AM

JAB, that's great! Thanks for posting the rest of the story. It was a flash back for me, too, to see this thread come back after four years. Glad to hear you took action and found a good teacher. It's great to know how to make singing even better, isn't it?

Alice

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GutBucketeer
Date: 21 Aug 02 - 09:38 PM

Well some may think that I sound best AFTER I have lost my voice. But, since I don't lose it anymore... YES...

It also feels better when you sing with a fully supported voice. You can feel your throat open up, the air, and the sound flow out. It use to feel all choked up and tight, especially on the high notes.

JAB

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,Brandy & Answers!
Date: 22 Aug 02 - 12:15 AM

Thanks for the kind reply. But I see so many things in this thread that I have experienced and after 8 years of doctors I have taken things into my own hands.

To the individual with acid reflux....PLEASE be sure that is what you have. I went to a specialist and that was her deduction. I went back to my regular doctor and asked if there was any way to prove it and she said yes. I had an endoscopy and some type of 24 hours tube inserted thru my nose with a meter.

Guess what? The specialist was WRONG!! I knew there was something wrong when the meds didn't work including the fact medication is TOO freely given for everything!

So please, everyone, question...question...question and requestion your doctors. It has been proven so many times they have been wrong like cutting off the wrong leg, operating for the wrong thing, etc., etc.

YOU ARE WORTH IT! You are paying them and YOU are in control not them. If they will not work with you just get some references on other doctors.

Have a blessed day!

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,Brandy-Question?
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 12:48 AM

Has anyone out there tried using a drug called Intal and Lomundal? According to some research I have been doing, this inhaler is for people that exercise, etc.

Would appreciate any feedback, I have an MD appointment on Monday and need to know if it is as effective as Atrovent.

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Kaleea
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 02:01 AM

Celtic Soul, it sounds as though you are allergic to dustmites. This can be difficult to live with, especially if you live in an area where there is lots of dust like, for example, a desert region such as Phoenix, or out in a rural area with unpaved roads & the wind whips the dust everywhere. You might try to keep the dust around the house to a minimum by the usual means, keeping dust off the household furnishings--floors, draperies, upholstery, bed linens, keep doors & windows closed(in the car, too) & use air conditioner, etc. If you live in a large metropolitan area, the dust combined with pollution is some killer stuff for those with allergies &/or asthma & other respiratory difficulties. Water can help to keep your throat & vocal folds moist to an extent, but the body normally does this, and should not need more than the average amount of water. Guest,Jtt is right on about no alcohol--it is actually damaging to the vocal folds! **Some research has found that allergy sufferers may be taking too much over the counter/prescription decongestant & thus causing the mouth, throat, vocal folds to be not as moist as normal. Finding the right balance of allergy meds is important, too. **One suggestion I might give to those who feel as though their mouth, throat, (& vocal folds) are too dry is to keep peppermints & allow one to completely dissolve in one's mouth--before singing. This helps to aid the body's natural process of salivation to keep the mouth & throat area moist, & also helps to open up the sinus cavities. One must have some moisture in one's mouth & throat to sing! For many years, I have kept peppermints in my purse, and in a small dish in the choir room for my church choirs--this can help folks who feel they have just a "tickle" in their throats, and sometimes a little bit of a cough, to sing well. Then there's also getting plenty of rest, and all the usual healthy habits! I agree that you should go to a competent Dr., and the "specialists" are not always the answer. When I was in college, there was a small clinic which we cold visit for being a student there. Those of us who were voice majors would would get up EARLY in the AM (a serious sacrifice!) to be at the clinic at 7:30-8 AM when the old, retired country Dr. was there, and blow off seeing the high priced Ear, Nose, Throat/allergy specialist. Why? The old retired country Dr. had seen many more cases in his career, and knew the basics, and did not get kickbacks from pharmeceutical companies to push all the new allergy/respiratory medicines. He would correctly diagnose the problem, and give us what would REALLY help! ***He also told me to use salt water for gargling, and for snorting. Yes, that's right! Snorting! He told me to mix salt with warm (NOT HOT) water (perhaps a 1-2 teaspoons in an 8-oz glass)& pour it into a shallow bowl or saucer. Then snort it into your nasal passages (nose). This does the same thing to the nasal passages as gargling warm salt water does to a sore throat, & we all know that the warm salt water will help with the throat pain. I found this extremely difficult, and painful! Most think it dusgusting, at the least. Nevertheless, it DOES WORK! There are many performers who swear by this & do it every morning in the shower! I can't do it, myself, unless everything has sorely failed & there is nothing else to try, & I have an important singing performance coming right up. Good Luck!

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: SussexCarole
Date: 24 Aug 02 - 05:40 AM

A while ago I was having problems with a constant dry throat which got worse as I sang. This cleared up when I cut out all artificial sweeteners from my diet. Beware they are put in so many of our 'healthy eating' style of food. I have yet to find a can of cider these days which does not have sweetners added. Hope this could help Carole

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,Linda Goodman
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 05:50 PM

A fantastic set of warm-up tapes, one for each voice part, was made by Roland Wyatt, vocal coach to the Manhattan Transfer (Vocal Jazz quartet) If you practice 20 minutes a week with this tape it will reinforce everything a good vocal coach or voice therapist will show you, and makes good, healthy singing and speaking automatic. I used to lose my singing/speaking voice often, and for extended periods, and now I never do. I get the tapes(they wear out, eventually) from my former choir director at [e-mail]. I'll bring some info on them to the next FSGW Open Sing. Also, if you are older, your thyroid may need a little help - your doctor can test you for this. It does affect your singing, and is easily and inexpensively treated. Your medical insurance may pay for some sessions with a voice therapist, especially if you lose your voice often, and it affects your work.

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: GUEST,Nicole
Date: 25 Oct 03 - 02:02 PM

Howdo doctors remove vocal chord nodules? And is there ever full recovery?

Subject: RE: Help! My singing voice is dying!
From: Ebbie
Date: 25 Oct 03 - 02:35 PM

Guest/Nicole, my brother some years back had vocal fold nodules removed. He had to go three weeks post op without speaking but his singing voice returned in due time.