Dear Jennifer,
I know it's a girl thing this subject, and lots of
good advice coming in from all the ladies on the list
(sounds like a Sondheim number!) I remember my very
first singing teacher, who was a very elderly lady by
then, telling me (I was of course, just a lad!) that
she could always tell when her female students were in
the midst of their period. I, understandably, was
amazed, and thought she must be a very intuitative
guru!
Nothing as exciting I'm afraid; she just said that
owing to the natural changes that take place in a
girl's body then the voice is obviously affected. It
may become 'muddy' or 'splatty' etc, but her advice
and take it as you like: Laura was a very plain
speaker. She used to say to the girls, "Hard luck,
just get on with it and stop complaining".
Now I know that may sound brusque, but I think there
is an element of truth in that. After all, your body
is doing what it has to do, and there is nothing to do
about that. Please I implore the ladies and Jennifer
particularly) don't go on the pill or take remedies
and potions. At best your'll be wasting your money, at
worst, who knows? Some people actually prefer the
sound a woman makes at 'that time of the month' you
know. I'm inclined to agree with Cynthia here:- What
you're experiencing is the reason that many
The hormonally caused changes in the reproductive
organs are mirrored in the mucosa of the vocal folds.
So, if you *can* sing, do. If you can't - don't.
This will be (I expect) of no help at all, but just
the tuppence ha'penny worth! If it's any consolation,
and if you believe it, the chaps are supposed to have
a monthly cycle too! I don't believe it anyway!
It could be a case of grin and bear it!
Best wishes,
Ian Belsey. Voice technician. Bromley, Kent, England
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