Is my singing career over?

Subject: BS: Is my singing career over?
From: GUEST,Concerned
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 05:21 PM

If i sing in a low register- no problem, in higher registers there is a huskiness to the sound, sort of Rod Stewartish but not on all notes! Have i wrecked my vocal chords? is this condition reversible?
Are there any non *medical* remedies?
Thanx,
At least i can sing worried man blues with conviction.


:0(

Subject: RE: BS: Is my singing career over?
From: CET
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 06:29 PM

I'm very far from an expert on singing, but I can attest to the value of having an expert singing teacher. You sound like an experienced singer, but it's possible that you have picked up some singing habits that haven't helped your voice. A good singing teacher could help you with that. I would recommend someone with a serious classical background, even if that isn't the kind of music you want to sing. You need someone who has really mastered the technical aspects of voice production.

It would probably be a good idea to see your doctor as well to see if there is anything organic that is affecting your voice. He or she may be able to refer you to a vocal therapist.

You might also want to consider Alexander technique classes. A lot of musicians swear by them. I have done a bit of reading on the subject, but haven't had the time to start yet. I intend to start in the new Year, however.

Good luck.

Edmund

Subject: RE: BS: Is my singing career over?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 04 Nov 02 - 06:48 PM

I dont think I can add anything to the above except hope it gets sorted soonest.Good luck

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: black walnut
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 11:38 AM

I totally agree. A really good vocal coach is needed, not just a voice teacher. I was fortunate last winter find a vocal coach who comes into Toronto once a week from Stratford (festival town), where she teaches actors and singers. I have had chronic laryngitis problems for years. She is helping me to understand MY voice, and within a few lessons my range has increased HUGELY and comfortably. She's not trying to turn me into an opera singer, just into a folk singer with a stronger somewhat more interesting voice.

Nobody can judge this 'huskiness' over the internet. It might be serious, it may just be vocal fatigue. In either case, there is probably much hope for recovery.

All the best, 'Concerned',
~b.w.

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: EBarnacle1
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 11:45 AM

Find out who the best ENT doctor is in your neighborhood and see that person...immediately. Once you have eliminated the possibility of pathology, then you can deal with working on your voice directly.

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: black walnut
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 11:48 AM

Good point, EB.

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: AggieD
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 12:06 PM

I agree wholeheartedly - check the voice with ENT specialist, then if given the all-clear find a good voice trainer.

I have a problem with a crappy throat & after a particularly bad year of infections last year sore (sorry!) a specialist. My problem was that I had started to use the wrong muscles & eventauly after so long had to learn to use the right ones.

Still get the bad throats, but at least the therapist taught me how not to use bad technique.

Good luck, maybe just sing more blues.

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: Alice
Date: 05 Nov 02 - 12:09 PM

Concerned, I agree that you must see an ENT as soon as possible. Then find a good voice teacher to learn how to protect those vocal folds from damage.

Alice

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: black walnut
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 07:37 AM

Well, I for one wish that we would hear back from our Concerned Guest. I think it's sad when a non-member asks a question, gets thoughtful responses, but then just disappears....

~b.w.

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: pattyClink
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 10:16 AM

I hope Guest checks in again, too.
Guests don't know how to trace threads, (and some oldtimers forget to set up a trace). They come back 1 or 2 days later and the thread has vanished off the list, sadly often because some *(#&$ has started 50 dumb BS threads.
(I'm guilty of this same forget-to-trace problem. I've had 2 threads disappear on me, and when I searched the Forum for the keywords in the title, nada. whaddyagonnado.)

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: Jeri
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 10:33 AM

pattyClink, threads drop off the list because they've gone over 24 hours without anyone posting to them. Other threads don't knock them off.

You can do a user search for yourself, GUEST or not. I sometimes add thread addresses to my bookmarks. You can always delete them later on. You can ask other folks where the heck your thread went because someobody out there probably remembers it.

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: Willa
Date: 15 Nov 02 - 04:23 PM

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: GUEST,concerned
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 11:54 AM

Hi, and thanks for all of the support and suggestions,
I'm booked in to see my G.P next week,
I will let you know what is happening.

pax.

Subject: RE: Is my singing career over?
From: black walnut
Date: 16 Nov 02 - 12:56 PM

Hooray! You returned!
All the best....

~b.w.