To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Subject: RE: RES: What is bad for the voice?
Date sent: Wed, 5 Jan 2000 02:05:14 -0000
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Hi...

Here's something to think about...

1) do not cough -- that's hardly voluntary, but maybe
it's meant to avoid excessive coughing

When you cough your vocal chords come together at such speed that even one
single cough damages them a bit. It's like clapping your hands really
enthusiastically and imagining those are your vocal chords...

2) do not sing outdoors -- I'm assuming this is mainly
a concern about singing in the cold and/or for allergy
sufferers

When you sing, you don't notice that you breathe in through the mouth. This
is quite damaging in cold weather.

3) do not go to loud pubs and bars -- what does that
have to do with the voice? It's risky for your
hearing though

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, BUT YOUR VOCAL CHORDS VIBRATE WHEN YOU *LISTEN* TO
SINGING.
Listening to very loud music/singing indeed can damage your vocal chords,
especially if the singing is not entirely in tune with the music (which is
so too often the case with rock music).
(btw this does not apply to headphone music, but headphones damage your ears
more than you can imagine, and believe me - you wanna hold on to that
hearing!!)

4) do not talk on a bus or airplane

Hmm...I don't know about this...shouldn't do much harm, just make sure you
aren't shouting all the time.

5) do not try to be heard in noisy places (e.g., bar,
airplane, family gatherings) -- even if the voice is
properly supported?

lol... as above

6) do not cry -- I fail to see a connection to the
voice unless the concern is an overall tightness in
the throat

Crying is actually good for the voice (in my opinion) - I find it
strengthening...not that I cry often, heheheh. But don't sing right after
you cry, you could rip some vocal chords apart...really.

Hope that helps.

By the way, whoever suggested having honey with water instead of honey with
milk - thank you so much - never thought of that, heheh. lol

Yours musically,
Roni.