Vocal Care

Vocal Care

Materials needed: None
Grade: 6-12
Goal: To keep all voices healthy.

This resource is not so much an ACTivity as it is a recommendation from The Gould Voice Research Center for proper vocal care.

Be sure to warm-up the voice and the body before rehearsing.
Lack of proper vocal warm-up can lead to a forced voice and vocal stress.
Drink plenty of water throughout rehearsal and prior to performance.
Teas and sodas with caffeine are dehydrating.
Try not to clear your throat - sip on water instead. Frequent clearing of the throat and coughing can cause vocal chord damage.
Limit talking, if you start to feel hoarse.
Make sure you breathe enough to get through a line of text. It is better for your voice to take little breaths than squeeze out the air until the end of a line.
Be sure you are inhaling before speaking and exhaling throughout.
Sucking on a lozenge or cough drop may ease irritation in the throat.

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