Voice Care

As both an instrumentalist and vocalist, the care in the instrument is very much different. An instrument, such as the cello, is separate from your body and being. Stringed instruments you have to be aware of during the changes in season, cracks, bending of the bridge, the hair on the bow, etc. But when taking care of the voice, it teaches you what your limit is and how to be patient. Of course as an instrumentalist, no matter what your instrument is, you learn your limits and patience, although I have learned that as a vocalist, there is a different sense of limits and patience for yourself. ​

The past few weeks have been a difficult time period for my throat and voice. I noticed that my voice/throat would start to get very tired and sore after singing, talking, and even warming up. I really appreciate this skill of truly focusing on the smallest details and how things feel in my body according to playing my instrument, an advantage as a performer. Obviously, this was really important to note and to discuss with my professors and directors. They understood, deemed me to be careful, be aware, and reflect on habits that may be causing this tiredness. I realized that as a growing and learning vocalist and with such a busy schedule of back-to-back rehearsals, auditions, and practicing, it has tired my voice out. This sucked, a lot, to apprehend. It made sense but with my major being Lyric Theater, there never is a time where I can get a break from using my voice. It sucked that I couldn’t practice as much as I usually do, it was difficult to get through rehearsal, and prepare for auditions. I had to be patient with myself and constantly tell myself that if I don’t stop, as much as I didn’t want to, there wouldn’t a point to be in this major if I wouldn’t be able to use my voice in the long run. It was hard to stop the habit of wanting to socialize and practice, but it is possible. On top of that, I took Grether’s Pastilles and used a humidifier every single day, drank more water, and made lime water. I also reached out to friends and family that I was taking a break from using my voice. 

I hope that as a student and as a musician you take care of your instrument, yourself, know your limits, and have patience. 

Audrey Adji