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Question: How do you take care of your voice!?
I've recently started doing freelance vocal projects, narration, stuff like that; and I want to find out ways to keeps my voice healthy and consistent!.
I make sure to drink lots of fluids, especially water!. When I know I'm recording, I try and stay away from milk and other dairy products!. I run a vaporizer in the room where I record at home and in my bedroom so it doesn't get too dry and my throat doesn't get too dry!.
I've tried finding a good beverage to drink while recording, besides water; hot lemonade seems to help the best!. The warmth loosens my throat, while the sourness makes my mouth water!.
Despite all these measures though, I keep getting some kind of mucus build up in the back of my throat and at time it makes it hard to say certain words properly!. It's almost like certain syllables, quite literally get stuck in my throat or don't want to come out right as a result!. The hot lemonade seems to help loosen that up, but it doesn't last very long, so I end up drinking quite a bit after a while!.
Another problem is the way certain syllables record, particularly k and s sounds!. That kah sound in words that end with letters like c or k, doesn't always sound right on the recording (I know sometimes whatever is building up in the back of my throat will distort this sound at times) but even when I get it right, it doesn't always sound right!. Same with words that start or end on an s sounding sylable!.
F and TH can be really hard too get sound right too!.
Does anyone have any advice towards any of this!?Www@QuestionHome@Com
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
So far so good!. Make sure that the moist environment doesn't cause any problems with mold as if you're allergic to mold that will cause you a lot of problems!.
Herbal teas are good; I've used licorice root in dire situations!. For mucus buildup there are several things that can be done; you could try a facial steamer or its old-fashioned equivalent, the pot of steaming water on the stove with a towel over it!. If you need a quick mucus thinner, Guaifenesin is OTC and may help but consult with your doctor first!.
With the C, K, etc!. try making the sounds farther forward!. For S, F, TH try bringing the tongue forward!. I used to whistle on S sounds and bringing my tongue forward improved my diction enormously (be aware that there's an adjustment period where it thounth like you're lithphing as you get accustomed to the new tongue position and plan accordingly)!.
You might also consult with a ENT!. I had a deviated septum and after they fixed it with surgery I was literally a new woman--no more sleepless nights trying to breathe!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
You obviously don't want to take any anti-mucus medicine or anything like that unless it's an emergency (as in you have to perform tomorrow)!. What I can recommend (I'm not a vocalist though) are "throat coat" teas!. They are natural teas you can get at natural stores and larger supermarkets and they contain licorice root and slippery elm!. You can drink them as often as you wish and they taste great!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
There is an herbal tea called Breathe Easy, that works great for me!. I am a professional entertainer, play 10 instruments and sing!. I do three or 4 shows a week, 4 hours, no breaks!.
You should probably see a doctor and have him check you for allergies if you are getting chronic upper respiratory congestion!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
Maybe voice excercises would help!? Try to get some resources for singing!.Www@QuestionHome@Com
hmmmm
water lemon and saltWww@QuestionHome@Com