broadwaybelle22
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Voice secretsHello all!
I have an audition coming up soon and, I must admit, my voice is not at its best. I was wondering if there were any tricks you guys use to keep your voices in shape, and things to do to help your voice right before an audition. Any magic potions, or warmups you sware by?
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jazzygirlsings
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What is the exact problem with your voice? Do you just have a sore throat or do you have excessive phlegm that's getting in the way of phonating(that's fancy talk for making sound! LOL!)?
That could give me a start as to how to help you...as I have different remedies for different things...
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broadwaybelle22
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I don't know how to describe it, but I'll try. When I've been singing recently it's like I choke on the words and have to keep swallowing ect. I really don't want that to happen at auditions.
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jazzygirlsings
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Sounds like a lot of phlegm to me...
The most important thing to do is to drink TONS of water. This helps to liquify the mucus and tends to break it up. Steam also works wonders! If you take a hot shower for 15 minutes or if you have a Kaz Therasteam (which I HIGHLY recommend), it is WONDERFUL!
Also, be aware of what you eat. I have acid reflux, so I have to stay away from things like chocolate, tomatoes, alcohol, etc. before I sing. Acid reflux can cause your vocal chords to swell and also creates a lot of mucus. (If you KNOW you have an acid reflux problem, get an over the counter medicine like Prilosec, which works pretty well for me!)
Take some Tussin about 15 minutes before you sing. You can find it at any drugstore...and NOT ROBItussin...Just Tussin. It liquifies the mucus on your chords so you can sing better.
Mucinex also helps, though I must warn you to drink PLENTY of water or this could have an adverse effect and dry you out.
Ginger tea also works best for this, as it tends to break it all up and soothes the throat as well.
If this problem persists for more than 2 weeks, I would see an ENT and get a stroboscopy, just to be safe. If nothing else, they can confirm that you have acid reflux, etc. and prescribe you some medicines to stay better.
I would try one thing at a time and not EVERYTHING that I suggested at once, just so you can get a sense of what works for you.
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milkywhite24601
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This may sound weird-but it REALLY does work-eat a lemon. Seriously-if you eat a lemon it reduces phlegm and helps your voice a lot. Many people I know (including myself sometimes) do this and it makes the sound a lot better. And yes I know-lemons really take some getting used to-but it really does help.
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jazzygirlsings
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Actually, eating lemons straight is NOT good for your throat. It causes certain muscles to tense up AND (if you have acid reflux) actually makes it worse and irritates your chords so you get MORE phlegm in the end.
If you use lemon, water it down and pair it up with honey to taste.
Sorry to poo poo you on that one as far as eating it straight up...I've just had voice therapists/pros tell me that it's not a great idea...
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Bianca.
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what about just waking up sore?
I had that happen to me this morning.. and I had a show three hours later.
All the more reason I hate matinees....
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pinkstiletto510
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give yourself plenty of time- here's what my timeline for an audition would look like.... say your audition time is at 10:20am and it takes you 20mins to drive there
I'd wake up at 7:30am, eat a light breakfast, take a shower, do a 2 warmups after my shower (steam is good for your vocal folds)
8:10am- get dressed for the audition, do hair and make up. Do a full warmup, run your song (s) twice each and monologue once (if you have one)
8:50am- make a hearty pre-audition snack....mine tends to be carbs. Buttered english muffin (2 or 3) or a bowl of pasta (buttered, little sea salt- no cheese or garlic) chill out while you eat your snack (watch TV, sometime unrelated to your audition)
9:25am- run song(s) once and monologue once
9:40am- leave
10am- arrive (20 mins. early- this allows for time to park, register, get settled in- sometimes they're running early as well)
thats about what my timeline looks like give or take a few mins for each thing. Never over sing before an audition- it can happen really easy (you keep running your song because it's not exactly perfect so you keep crankin it out and pretty soon your voice is tired and you get tired) I like even numbers so I run my songs 3 times at home and then perform at the audition (total of 4) do what works for you but i wouldnt run 2 songs more than 3 times each before an audition
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vanillabean
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Drink tons of water, warm up and then drink tons more.
That is my audition schedule. For warmups I usually can't get my semitones right so on the way to my audition i buzz along to the sound of the song on the radio. (Buzzing your lips like you are blowing a raspberry and humming. it is a great way to warm up without worrying if the sound is brilliant right off the bat.)
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MaryMag
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MaryMag's voice secret:
A FANTASTIC AND WAY TOO EXPENSIVE VOICE TEACHER!
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jazzygirlsings
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^
SO TRUE!
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MaryMag
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Maybe I'm a jerk but that's the only real thing that's gonna help your voice. Well, maybe refraining from smoking 5 packs of cigarettes a day or from screaming for 10 hours may help your voice, but (pardon me) I think a lot of singers' secrets are unfounded.
Good technique is the only way to sound good and stay healthy. I lost my voice in every show until I began formal lessons.
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jazzygirlsings
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MaryMag, I have to disagree with you there...I've had voice therapy. There IS a method to the madness!
It's more than just "Singing through it" in a lot of cases. There are actual steps that should be taken if you are battling something because otherwise, you can do more harm than good to your vocal cords...
Good technique does help you get through that stuff, to an extent, but it's a good idea to help it along by drinking plenty of water and steaming and also doing a few of the things I listed on the first page...
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itsaboutonemoment
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | Sounds like a lot of phlegm to me...
The most important thing to do is to drink TONS of water. This helps to liquify the mucus and tends to break it up. Steam also works wonders! If you take a hot shower for 15 minutes or if you have a Kaz Therasteam (which I HIGHLY recommend), it is WONDERFUL!
Also, be aware of what you eat. I have acid reflux, so I have to stay away from things like chocolate, tomatoes, alcohol, etc. before I sing. Acid reflux can cause your vocal chords to swell and also creates a lot of mucus. (If you KNOW you have an acid reflux problem, get an over the counter medicine like Prilosec, which works pretty well for me!)
Take some Tussin about 15 minutes before you sing. You can find it at any drugstore...and NOT ROBItussin...Just Tussin. It liquifies the mucus on your chords so you can sing better.
Mucinex also helps, though I must warn you to drink PLENTY of water or this could have an adverse effect and dry you out.
Ginger tea also works best for this, as it tends to break it all up and soothes the throat as well.
If this problem persists for more than 2 weeks, I would see an ENT and get a stroboscopy, just to be safe. If nothing else, they can confirm that you have acid reflux, etc. and prescribe you some medicines to stay better.
I would try one thing at a time and not EVERYTHING that I suggested at once, just so you can get a sense of what works for you. |
Jazzy, I think you're my long-lost twin, even though I'm a brunette and a little taller. No matter, let's find a production of Sideshow to do since we're long lost twins. 
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jazzygirlsings
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^LOL!
Sounds like a plan to me!
Which would you like to be? Daisy or Violet? 
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pinkstiletto510
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| MaryMag wrote: | MaryMag's voice secret:
A FANTASTIC AND WAY TOO EXPENSIVE VOICE TEACHER! |
very true
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bwayluvor31
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Since people are sharing voice secrets, I'd thought I'd ask: Are there any magic ways to help your voice and/or get more energy if you're depleted and/or tired?
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itsaboutonemoment
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | ^LOL!
Sounds like a plan to me!
Which would you like to be? Daisy or Violet? |
I love them both!! We can switch back and forth! I've always admired Daisy a little more, one of those dream roles I have but not sure if I'll ever really have a chance. But now I'm getting off topic on the forum.
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Jenem
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| Quote: | | Since people are sharing voice secrets, I'd thought I'd ask: Are there any magic ways to help your voice and/or get more energy if you're depleted and/or tired? |
Well, as a singer, you're body is really the instrument, so if you are physically tired, your voice will be tired. Basically, the best advice for that is pretty simple: take care of yourself! Understand that there will be repercussions if you stay out all night at a concert screaming your lungs out, and take special care when you're doing a show.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep, eat your vegatables , refrain from straining your voice and keep hydrated. Make sure you warm up before you sing (but don't overdo it) and rest your voice whenever you can.
And if you haven't already done so, do find a good voice teacher, becuase learning technique will involve proper breathing and posture which will also help to alleviate your chances of getting tuckered out when you're singing.
But yeah, its pretty simple, just remember that your body is your instrument, so if you're serious about singing, you should adopt a lifestyle to compliment this.
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itsaboutonemoment
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| Jenem wrote: | | Quote: | | Since people are sharing voice secrets, I'd thought I'd ask: Are there any magic ways to help your voice and/or get more energy if you're depleted and/or tired? |
Well, as a singer, you're body is really the instrument, so if you are physically tired, your voice will be tired. Basically, the best advice for that is pretty simple: take care of yourself! Understand that there will be repercussions if you stay out all night at a concert screaming your lungs out, and take special care when you're doing a show.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep, eat your vegatables , refrain from straining your voice and keep hydrated. Make sure you warm up before you sing (but don't overdo it) and rest your voice whenever you can.
And if you haven't already done so, do find a good voice teacher, becuase learning technique will involve proper breathing and posture which will also help to alleviate your chances of getting tuckered out when you're singing.
But yeah, its pretty simple, just remember that your body is your instrument, so if you're serious about singing, you should adopt a lifestyle to compliment this. |
How true, how true, how true, HOW TRUE!!!!!! I am amazed at how many actors/singers do not take care of themselves. Do you see the way instrumentalists baby their instruments? Well, our bodies are our instruments!! Please, take care of yourself! Know your body and what you need to do to be at your best. For me, I know that means a healthy diet and staying away from fatty stuff (i hate acid reflux!), at least 7 hours (if not more!) sleep, pilates and yoga, drinking lots of water... the list goes on and on for me personally. I have learned over the years what I need to do for myself. Everyone is different, and you have to learn your body, but some of the common things run across the board.
And please everyone, when it comes to exercise and stuff, there is a difference between being skinny and being fit, toned, and in shape. I am not a size 2, I never will be a size 2, and I don't want to be a size 2. (No offense to any of you size 2's out there, it just doesn't agree with my body!) However, I do exercise and stay in shape and I'm fit for my body type. I'm a healthy size 12, and while one (very rude effin person) has called me "fat", I know that I'm not. I take care of my body and work out and eat healthy. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and remember to just be the best you that you are.
Again, I go off-topic, but it had to be said. I'm sick and tired of hearing people complain about how "fat" they are (especially when they're not fat at all!). If you think that you're too big for your type or you could be healthier, then do something about it. Don't just sit around and eat pizza and not exercise, and then whine about being "fat." Be good to your body, it's the only one you've got.
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jazzygirlsings
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Jenem and my neighbor...YOU GUYS ROCK! 
These are my thoughts exactly! Listen to these women! They're smart!
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Jenem
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No...you rock, Jazzy! 
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jazzygirlsings
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| itsaboutonemoment wrote: | | jazzygirlsings wrote: | ^LOL!
Sounds like a plan to me!
Which would you like to be? Daisy or Violet? |
I love them both!! We can switch back and forth! I've always admired Daisy a little more, one of those dream roles I have but not sure if I'll ever really have a chance. But now I'm getting off topic on the forum. |
I totally didn't see this...I actually prefer Violet, so this could work out swimmingly! LOL!
And Jenem, YOU rock!
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itsaboutonemoment
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Oh, come, come, you BOTH rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jenem
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No, YOU Rock!!!
Okay fine, we can all rock on.
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Luvz2sing247
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Guys, I need Help!
I have a Chorus audition tomorrow, and my voice is REALY hoarse from the cold I had for the past week/ 2 weeks. I've lost my voice a few times during the past weeks, and when I try to sing now, my voice is having this weird tendency of squeaking. Does anyone know what I can do to help?
Thanks!
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Gwen
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I'd try drinking some tea and relaxing your throat. Get rest and do a few warm ups.
Hope this helps.
Good luck on the audition!
OH! One more thing! If you tired in the morning, eat an apple! Apples give you more energy than caffeine. (Pretty cool huh? )
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jazzygirlsings
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It could be a number of things...When my voice is squeaky, I do a lot of low "ooo" exercises because it usually means that my head voice isn't balancing correctly.
Usually, during a cold, your chest voice is pretty dominant-so balancing your natural tendency with a lot of head voice exercises helps a lot.
Also, STEAM...If you have a Kaz Therasteam, this totally does the trick. It relaxes your throat where it may be pretty tense from coughing, etc.
Also, KEEP HYDRATED! This is super important and a good rule, no matter what your vocal problem is...
Also, SLEEP! That's a great thing! And a bit of vocal rest helps, too...
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lostquiche
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so what exactly do voice teachers do? becuase my singing voice is ok, but I know its not very strong, yet my parents REFUSE to pay for one. Is there anything I could do on my own? I've pretty much taught myself, cuz I'm shy in that area 
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Jenem
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| Quote: | | so what exactly do voice teachers do? becuase my singing voice is ok, but I know its not very strong, yet my parents REFUSE to pay for one. Is there anything I could do on my own? I've pretty much taught myself, cuz I'm shy in that area |
To be perfectly honest, a voice teacher is an invaluable tool, and therefore, totally worth the cost.
It's hard enough finding a credible one, let alone teaching yourself, so I would advise against this! If it's a matter of money, I would suggest saving up/getting a part-time job if you're really serious about performing.
And if it's a matter of shyness/insecurity, no worries! A good voice teacher is there to support you, to act as a mentor/therapist/friend and they've heard it ALL, good and bad— believe me!!.
Singing is like a sport, there is so much technique involved, and learning is a continuous effort, so you most definitely need a trainer by your side!
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sunrae
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^ Amen to that!
There is really a lot of technical and physiological (?) stuff that has to do with singing that the average person has no clue about. But GOOD vocal teachers have this knowledge and it is so important for vocal health and all that jazz. All the tea and steam in the world won't do you any good without any proper training
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bwayluvor31
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| itsaboutonemoment wrote: | | Jenem wrote: | | Quote: | | Since people are sharing voice secrets, I'd thought I'd ask: Are there any magic ways to help your voice and/or get more energy if you're depleted and/or tired? |
Well, as a singer, you're body is really the instrument, so if you are physically tired, your voice will be tired. Basically, the best advice for that is pretty simple: take care of yourself! Understand that there will be repercussions if you stay out all night at a concert screaming your lungs out, and take special care when you're doing a show.
Get at least 8 hours of sleep, eat your vegatables , refrain from straining your voice and keep hydrated. Make sure you warm up before you sing (but don't overdo it) and rest your voice whenever you can.
And if you haven't already done so, do find a good voice teacher, becuase learning technique will involve proper breathing and posture which will also help to alleviate your chances of getting tuckered out when you're singing.
But yeah, its pretty simple, just remember that your body is your instrument, so if you're serious about singing, you should adopt a lifestyle to compliment this. |
How true, how true, how true, HOW TRUE!!!!!! I am amazed at how many actors/singers do not take care of themselves. Do you see the way instrumentalists baby their instruments? Well, our bodies are our instruments!! Please, take care of yourself! Know your body and what you need to do to be at your best. For me, I know that means a healthy diet and staying away from fatty stuff (i hate acid reflux!), at least 7 hours (if not more!) sleep, pilates and yoga, drinking lots of water... the list goes on and on for me personally. I have learned over the years what I need to do for myself. Everyone is different, and you have to learn your body, but some of the common things run across the board.
And please everyone, when it comes to exercise and stuff, there is a difference between being skinny and being fit, toned, and in shape. I am not a size 2, I never will be a size 2, and I don't want to be a size 2. (No offense to any of you size 2's out there, it just doesn't agree with my body!) However, I do exercise and stay in shape and I'm fit for my body type. I'm a healthy size 12, and while one (very rude effin person) has called me "fat", I know that I'm not. I take care of my body and work out and eat healthy. We all come in different shapes and sizes, and remember to just be the best you that you are.
Again, I go off-topic, but it had to be said. I'm sick and tired of hearing people complain about how "fat" they are (especially when they're not fat at all!). If you think that you're too big for your type or you could be healthier, then do something about it. Don't just sit around and eat pizza and not exercise, and then whine about being "fat." Be good to your body, it's the only one you've got. |
All of this is very true, however, I am very, very careful about many of these things and I still end up depleted. I eat three healthy meals a day, walk home every day, run three miles about three days a week, I don't scream (unless angry), and I am not the type of person who would ever stay out late doing anything reckless. Does anyone else have a similar problem?
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Jenem
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^ Just out of curiosity, do you currently have a voice teacher that you're working with?
And what types of problems are you experiencing, specifically? Shortness or breath, poor support, etc.?
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Jenem
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| Quote: | | There is really a lot of technical and physiological (?) stuff that has to do with singing that the average person has no clue about. But GOOD vocal teachers have this knowledge and it is so important for vocal health and all that jazz. All the tea and steam in the world won't do you any good without any proper training |
Totally agree Sunrae!!! And yes, physiological is the word!
I think for the more experienced singers (like Jazzy - no offence, you know I love you!) that things like tea and steam probably make a huge difference, but if you don't have the proper foundation, and your soreness is due to abusing the throat then there is no cure but learning proper technique!
It actually scares me to hear that people have lost their voice, or have soreness. I think this is a huge indication that something is wrong...
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sunrae
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bwayluvor, you should try drinking more water. There was actually a study done that said that people who don't drink enough water usually do start to feel tired and unenergetic midday. So maybe you aren't hydrated enough?
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jazzygirlsings
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| Jenem wrote: | | Quote: | | There is really a lot of technical and physiological (?) stuff that has to do with singing that the average person has no clue about. But GOOD vocal teachers have this knowledge and it is so important for vocal health and all that jazz. All the tea and steam in the world won't do you any good without any proper training |
Totally agree Sunrae!!! And yes, physiological is the word!
I think for the more experienced singers (like Jazzy - no offence, you know I love you!) that things like tea and steam probably make a huge difference, but if you don't have the proper foundation, and your soreness is due to abusing the throat then there is no cure but learning proper technique!
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I would never take offense to being called an "experienced singer"! LOL! I love you, too!
It does come down to the proper foundation, I totally agree...
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lostquiche
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thanks for the advice, Jenem, Jazzygirl and Sunrae! I'll consider trying to get my parents to hook me up with one or saving my money (since I'm trying to save up enough to buy a car, so I don't think that plan is going to work too well!).
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bwayluvor31
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Thanks for the advice, I'll try drinking more water. Out of curiousity, what is a good amount of water to drink per day (in # of standard size water bottles)?
| Quote: | ^ Just out of curiosity, do you currently have a voice teacher that you're working with?
And what types of problems are you experiencing, specifically? Shortness or breath, poor support, etc.? |
Yes, I do have a voice teacher that I've been seeing once a week for a year now.
I'm feeling completely depleted which gives me no support at all because I can't find the energy to make my body give me the support. I don't feel this way everyday, and I'm not sure what causes it, but it kills my high notes, and makes it very hard to resonate even lower down on the scale.
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itsaboutonemoment
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I try to drink 2 liters of water a day. That's basically 4 standard sized water bottles you buy at the store. Sometimes a little more. And I really don't drink anything else. When you go to a restaurant, order water! It's free, and it's better than soda! Have some tea at night before you go to bed! There are so many ways you can get water into your day.
Be careful not to overhydrate. It sounds weird, but it is possible to drink too much water. I was trying to drink a gallon of water a day for awhile, and I felt like I was forcing it down and I felt sick. I realized that my body couldn't take that much water. I cut back a little, and now I feel much better and I don't feel like I'm forcing myself to drink a certain amount. But I know some people who swear by a gallon a day.
Health websites have many different opinions as well. I've usually heard them say 6-8 8 ounce glasses a day, and 8 8 ounce glasses is two liters!! Hooray!!!
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bwayluvor31
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Ooh Thanks! Now I just have to remember to refill my water bottle at school. Right now I only drink about 1 1/2 bottles of water per day, but maybe now with drinking four, my depletion will go away a little!
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happyguava
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Bump
My throat has the weirdest feeling right now. I just finished my warm-up and I have this feeling, I can't even tell if it's actually sore inside my throat or just the skin. I know I'm not making sense. And my throat sort of feels like that garbage unit in Star Wars, where the walls close in, like it's really tight. I've stopped siniging for today. Argh, it's so weird, and I can't say I'm not a little worried. I've never, ever felt pain or tension as a result of singing, and this is just after 10 mins of warming up. Help!
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jazzygirlsings
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You have pain in your throat when you sing?
If that's the case, then put yourself on vocal rest for a day or so until the swelling goes down. And I'm talking COMPLETE VOCAL REST! Write on a magna-doodle or a notebook...And, as always, KEEP HYDRATED! (read above)
Then...try to sing again after you've rested for a bit. If the pain continues or you have trouble phonating from the very beginning of the note and it continues for more than 2 weeks, go into your local ENT (Otolaryngologist) and get a stroboscopy. I actually am a huge advocate of doing this once a year, just for peace of mind and to get a better idea of how your vocal cords work.
I've had a polyp on my vocal cord and have gone on to do many successful ventures...so if something IS wrong, just know that it can be remedied and it's not the end of the world...
Hope that helped!
Jazzy
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Cake_in_Song
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Fifteen minutes of straight excercises before I do any songs. People think I'm neurotic, but I really do feel strain if I do alot of singing, especially above the staff, without a sufficient warmup. And I practice, every day, for between 1/2 hour and an hour, depending on how busy/lazy I am. And when my voice is actually strained, I rely on glass after glass of water, gentle warm-ups, hot showers, and salt-water gargling.
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happyguava
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| jazzygirlsings wrote: | You have pain in your throat when you sing?
If that's the case, then put yourself on vocal rest for a day or so until the swelling goes down. And I'm talking COMPLETE VOCAL REST! Write on a magna-doodle or a notebook...And, as always, KEEP HYDRATED! (read above)
Then...try to sing again after you've rested for a bit. If the pain continues or you have trouble phonating from the very beginning of the note and it continues for more than 2 weeks, go into your local ENT (Otolaryngologist) and get a stroboscopy. I actually am a huge advocate of doing this once a year, just for peace of mind and to get a better idea of how your vocal cords work.
I've had a polyp on my vocal cord and have gone on to do many successful ventures...so if something IS wrong, just know that it can be remedied and it's not the end of the world...
Hope that helped!
Jazzy |
Cheers, Jazzy.I haven't sung since yesterday, and I'm trying to take it easy on the talking (I know I put my magnadoodle somewhere, hehe). Thanks a lot!
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jazzygirlsings
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No problem, dearie!
Hope you're feeling better soon!
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itsaboutonemoment
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heeheehee.... a magna doodle..... i'm sooooo buying one of those and carrying it with me everywhere i go now....
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jazzygirlsings
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^LOL!
I swear, that was the only tool I used to communicate after my vocal cord polyp surgery! LOL!
The last thing you want is people to find the notebook you've been writing in...with magna doodles, you can just erase it! LOL!
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happyguava
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What did they have to do for your polyp surgery? I thought if they found something like that you just had to rest for like 6 months.
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LHSTrombone
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This isnt specifically related to having your throat full of flegm or soar but if used correctly it can help when singing, sick or not.
When singing, you want to try and think not just in terms of syllables when but also in vowels versus consonants. A major issue in certain songs is that they contain consonants which often "bleed" (as I like to call it) into vowels such as "r" "l" and "w." Get out the consonant and immediately get to pure vowel, because by definition a consonant is formed by the narrowing of the vocal tract and if you dont pay attention to this on certain songs (Being Alive from Company is a perfect example) you are screwed because your throat will tighten up before you know it. You may even try singing the song you are practicing first on a very nazily "wah" sound at the front of your pallet followed by singing through with just the vowel sounds, no consonants, then go for the real thing. It is a major aid in certain songs.
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jazzygirlsings
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| happyguava wrote: | | What did they have to do for your polyp surgery? I thought if they found something like that you just had to rest for like 6 months. |
Good question...(Don't read on if you are faint of heart...that's your warning!) LOL!
When you have NODULES, vocal rest and extensive voice therapy is the best remedy. Surgery is often not used in this case because nodules are actually CALLOUSES that form on the vocal folds...If you have surgery, they have to actually cut the callouses out of the vocal folds (Because the callouses grow into your cords), which will obviously change your voice.
When you have POLYPS, surgery (if they are severe enough, which mine were) is usually recommended. This is because polyps are BLISTERS that form on the vocal folds. Minor polyps can be remedied through voice therapy, but the person has to be aware that they will most likely not go away completely and they will always have to be aware of this. My polyp had to be lazered off. The good news is that this did not change my voice at all because polyps are an outgrowth from the vocal cord and are literally not made of hardened tissue, but kinda flop around in there...disgusting, huh?
ANYWAYS...You cannot speak for two weeks after this procedure is done, or you will literally rupture your vocal cords at the site of the surgery...and never sing again...so that feeling you get when you want to scream when coming to in the recovery room is quickly quelled by a nurse and many others! LOL!
And you have voice therapy every week until you are cleared by the therapist. This requires learning how to properly phonate, breathe, etc. It's a tough, extensive process that can get quite frustrating when you've gotten used to having to squeeze the sound out because you've been compromised for months with an abnormality on your cords...
BUT there is a light at the end of the tunnel! I started getting amazing roles as soon as I returned to auditioning! So it's NOT the end of the world! (It sucks when you have no insurance, like I did, but it's certainly NOT the end of the world! LOL!)
If you want to know what they do during the actual surgery with your vocal cords, I'll tell you, but it's pretty gross...
Hope that answered your question! LOL!
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happyguava
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Arghhh the more you talk about your symptoms the more it sounds like how I'm feeling. Anyway, this is my third day of not talking at all, so hopefully nothing major is wrong and it'll start to feel alright again!
About the surgery, I read something about huge, long scissors... eek!
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jazzygirlsings
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Scissors! YIKES! I don't know WHAT you were reading, but that sounds archaic!
Those who are faint of heart, look to the next post or don't read further...
They literally stick a large tube down your throat and flip your vocal cords upside-down...Then they take a camera (usually down your nose) and lazer and do it that way. It's SUPER accurate and the surgery itself really doesn't take long at all! So no worries!
My only complaint was that I had a sore throat from the tube stretching it out for the surgery, etc...And...I didn't take kindly to the anisthetic...I was actually unable to communicate for 3 1/2 days because the anisthetic left me paralized...It was like someone had beat me up all over my body and I couldn't even move my fingers or toes because it hurt that much! AND I couldn't speak...to write on the magna doodle was hell!
Anyways...if these symptoms go on for more than two weeks, go see your ENT for peace of mind. It's a good thing to do at least once a year anyway...
Just don't freak out right now. 'Tis the season for colds and laryngitis! I am just on the tail end of suffering from the latter right now. I am going to have SO MUCH TROUBLE singing carols tomorrow! LOL!
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happyguava
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Well, good news - my tonsils are swollen. The pain still doesn't feel tonsilitis-ish but the fact that they are swollen must mean that it is not a problem with my vocal folds!
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Jenem
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^ We'll cross our fingers for you that it's nothing major, and that you get better soon!
Sorry to hear jazzy, that you went through all that. Do you know how nodes/polyps can be avoided? I've always wondered this. I don't know if I'd be able to handle it like you did...
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jazzygirlsings
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I don't necessarily know if there's a sure-fire way they can be avoided altogether...Nodules can be avoided through proper use of the voice over time...Going to a good voice teacher is usually the best prevention for this, as well as keeping hydrated and doing what you know is good for your voice...
Polyps are a bit trickier...They can be caused by smoking (easily preventable), acid reflux (dietary changes could be made, but it's hard to treat fully in some cases), chronic voice misuse (which I explained prevention for earlier) OR (Like in my case) it can be caused by one instance where you yelled too loud and the cords came together at such an impact that they created a blister...Yeah...it sucks!
My best advice is to keep hydrated and do all the things your voice teacher (PROFESSIONAL VOICE TEACHERS WITH TONS OF TRAINING) tells you to do!
And be aware of how you are using your voice...ESPECIALLY when you get tired! If something hurts, DON'T SING ON IT! Take vocal rest when you need it!
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Jenem
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^Thanks; that's excellent advice Jazzy. It's just so scary to think about having to go through any type of problem, and you hear about singers who's voice changes (usually for the worse) after surgery...yikes! I've always been a bit of a wimp when it comes to pushing myself vocally, becuase it scares me more than anything.
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