Victoria Oruwari

The voice, just like money, is a priceless commodity that once made, could be easily lost if not well managed. Singers need to be terribly aware of how often we make use of our Larynx.

Next to our eyes, the voice is the most utilized means of communicating with other living creatures. It can convey our mood even when we try to conceal it from others. It tells us whether someone is reluctant or delighted to speak to us when we call them on the telephone. Voices are utilized when we cry, laugh, or convey any extreme emotions. Do you know that the Police force can use voice patterns in a lie detector test during investigations? When a suspect is being interviewed, specially designed machines can detect the change in the stress level of the suspect, because of the effect it has on their vocal output when they are telling a lie. You can teach yourself to tell a lie whilst looking some one straight in the eye, but you can’t teach your voice how to disguise the truth. This makes the voice the most powerful means of communication.  

How can we ensure that our voices work for us when we need it to? 

Now we know how vital our voices are in our every day life, we need to understand the link between our speaking voice, and our singing voice.

Vocal health

Singers should ensure that they constantly utilize their inhaled breath when they speak. This is what most teachers would refer to as support. An unsupported voice usually produces a croaky and dry sound, due to lack of oxygen. Oxygen is essential to keep the rib-cage buoyant, creating room for the voice to resound. If a singer does not learn support at an early stage, the voice could get warn out. The lack of oxygen could cause friction between the vocal folds resulting in real vocal problems if the same voice is put through the extra pressure of working as an instrument.

It is also important for singers to realize that the act of singing, is not supposed to hurt at all. If a singer is experiencing pain of any sort in the throat cavity when singing, they should inform their tutor, or see a voice doctor as the pain could be a result of strain, which could lead to other vocal problems.

Physical health

Singers should endeavour to live their life in moderation. The voice box is an organ in the body, and if you don’t take care of your body, your voice will inevitably suffer. So, always have a small bottle of water handy so you are never too thirsty before you can get to a drink. Water is essential for lubricating the vocal folds to prevent tension or the tightening of the vocal chords.

Do not take alcohol before any performances. A little alcohol though useful in relaxing the nerves, could prevent your vocal chords from vibrating readily when you need it to. If that happens, you will be relying on your throat for support when singing, and this will inevitably have detrimental effects on the longevity of your voice.

Always keep a healthy diet and lifestyle, which should include regular exposure to fresh air and exercise.

Stress management

You must learn to manage your stress levels effectively because your voice will not work well if you’re stressed:

Ways of managing stress

• Ensure that before any performance, you clear your mind of all aspects of your life that do not relate to the performance. This could be done through meditation, various physical and vocal warm ups, listening to soothing music, and doing anything with in reason, that makes you feel relaxed.
• Never take on more than you can handle. I.E. do not agree to too many engagements close together unless you’re properly guided and you’re sure your voice can handle the work load.
• It is also important when planning a recital program, to pace your self by putting very challenging arias or songs far apart from each other in your program. This way, you give your voice a break, and a better chance to deliver a totally commited performance.
• If you are a beginner, do not perform pieces that are of a very high standard as the voice needs time and space to develop. It is far better to sing a simple aria properly, than to damage your voice in your quest to impress an audience. The adulation you get from the audience is not derived from the song you sing, but how you sing it.

Last but not the least, remember, that it is a wonderful thing to be able to sing so enjoy your voice, and don’t exploit it. 
 
 

Glossary:

Larynx - The larynx is an organ situated in the neck. It houses the vocal chords/vocal folds.

Vocal Folds - The vocal folds which are popularly referred to as vocal chords are twines of mucus    membranes stretched horizontally across the larynx. When they vibrate, the sound produced, is what we call our voice.

Aria- An Aria is a song written for a character in an opera. 

Please note that this is a brief analysis on the workings and maintenance of the voice. For a more detailed explanation, please visit the websites below.

• www.vocaltutor.co.uk
• www.speechlevelsinging.com/ -
• www.singingfreedom.com/singing-lesson/vocal-chords.php