It's just a fact of life: everyone will experience some type of vocal ailment at some point in their lives. If you're lucky like me, you'll get mono in high school and your voice will swell so much that you'll be able to sing down to a low B-flat-2 as if it were nothing - well, I guess that wouldn't make anyone lucky, but if you're going to face vocal distress, that was an amazing thing that came of it, even if it was just for a day. You're more likely to experience vocal distress by way of some hoarse speaking after shouting all night at a concert or a sports game. Like any other part of our body, the voice has its limitations, but it can be conditioned to build stamina and resilience if you take the proper precautions.
To be honest, our voices have every right to be a little high-maintenance. After all, the intricate balance of muscles, tissues, and vibrations that allow us to speak and sing is as delicate as it is remarkable. Even the smallest strain or misuse can upset that balance, reminding us just how fragile and precious our voices truly are.
Wait, What Are Our Voices Actually Made of?
Have you ever considered what our vocal folds are made of? Are they muscles? Tendons? When I first touch upon this subject with my singers, I describe the vocal folds as "two tiny pieces of cartilage," angling my pointer fingers toward each other and holding them up near my adam's apple... but that's oversimplifying things a LOT. Vocal folds are primarily made up of a mucosal lining (outer layer), a middle layer called the lamina propria which contains elastic and collagen fibers, and an inner layer of muscle tissue, primarily the thyroarytenoid muscle (also known as the vocalis muscle) which allows for the vibration that produces sound when air passes through them; essentially, they are a combination of muscle and elastic tissue covered by a mucous membrane. (See why I oversimplify the anatomical conversation?)
They don't take up a lot of real estate compared to other parts of our anatomy, but the vocal folds are arguably the most distinctive parts of our identities, even more uniquely identifying than our fingerprints. And those of us who are extremely well acquainted with our voices can tell you that the voice is never the same any two days in a row and is constantly changing due to the air quality around us, the foods we eat, the liquids we drink, how often we use them and for how long, which emotions we happen to be experiencing, how we nourish our voices through dietary supplements, allergies, the amount of sleep we get, genetic factors, and so on. So how do we protect them from overuse and injury?
Other Musical Instruments Get Serious Protection!
Here's some food for thought: other types of musicians are known to protect their instruments with sturdy, wooden cases with precise cut-outs shaped to every contour of the instrument that are lined with soft velvet. On top of that, pianos, guitars, violins, violas, cellos, double-basses, and many percussion instruments often require musicians to monitor humidity levels in the surrounding area with a hygrometer as a measure to protect each instrument's wooden components from drying out and cracking. Each instrument has its own method of cleaning, polishing, and tuning, each has its assortment of reparation methods to restore them to their optimal conditions... There's a lot that goes into caring for a musical instrument!
So, yeah. Every time I'm performing on tour, I feel so bad for the orchestra members who have to lug their instruments and cases around with them everywhere we go. Us singers get to show up hands-free.
Sorry not sorry.
Why Vocal Health Matters
Your voice is more than just a tool—it’s an extension of who you are. Whether you’re singing, speaking, teaching, or presenting, vocal health is the foundation of your craft. Yet, too often, it’s the last thing people think about—until something goes wrong.
I’ve seen the toll vocal strain takes firsthand, both in my students and in my own career. It’s why I’m passionate about helping people care for their voices before problems arise. I’ll share some of my favorite tips today, but I’ve also been working on something exciting that will make caring for your voice easier and more effective than ever.
Stay tuned—more on that soon.
Common Vocal Health Mistakes
If your voice could talk (well, you know what I mean...), it would tell you to stop doing these things:
Overusing it without rest: Like any other muscle, your vocal cords need recovery time. I tell my singers to practice singing no more than 6 days a week, with a day of vocal rest on the 7th. Vocal rest can mean any number of things for different people, so you're ultimately in charge of what that means for you. In general, vocal rest in my studio means no singing, and only light usage of the voice in everyday life, when possible. Of course, in cases of vocal fatigue or illness, stronger measures must be taken to remain as silent as possible until your voice is fully recovered.
Ignoring hydration: Water is your voice’s best friend, but many forget to drink enough. That being said, many of my professional singers have their weird idiosyncrasies when it comes to their hydration routines, including one who hates water and only drinks grape-flavored Crystal Lite (somehow it works for her, but I don't recommend this unless you also have an EMMY® and a TONY®).
Skipping warmups: A cold voice is more prone to strain and injury. Plus, vocal warmups are a way to focus your mind before a performance.
Pushing through illness: Singing or speaking when you’re sick can cause lasting damage. I know it's tough, but just be patient and your voice will be back in no time.
These are just a few of the ways we unknowingly harm our voices. The good news? With the right tools and habits, you can protect your instrument and keep it performing at its best.
The Basics of Vocal Care - Vocal Health Tips for Singers
If you’re not already prioritizing your vocal health, here’s where to start:
Hydrate constantly: Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily.
Warm up and cool down: Okay, I've always been a bit iffy about the "cool down" part here, but if you're into them, you do yo' thang, chicken wang! Warm-ups, on the other hand, are never to be missed. They’re like stretching for your voice.
Mind your environment: Dry air and loud spaces are tough on your voice. Use a humidifier and avoid shouting.
Rest your voice: Vocal rest days are just as important as practice days.
These basics can make a world of difference, but sometimes you need a little extra help. That’s why I’ve been working on a way to give singers and speakers the support they need to keep their voices in peak condition.
The Struggle is Real: When Your Voice Feels Overworked
I can speak for myself and the hundreds of singers whom I've helped rehabilitate their voices after overuse or illness when I say:
We’ve all been there—that moment when your voice feels like it’s on the verge of giving out, and you wish you’d done more to protect it. Those experiences taught me the importance of having a proactive plan for vocal health.
The Future of Vocal Health: Something’s Coming
I’ve spent years helping singers and speakers protect their voices, and I know how hard it can be to balance a busy schedule with proper care. That’s why I’ve been developing a new solution designed to make vocal health more accessible, effective, and convenient.
I can’t share too much just yet, but I promise it’s something I wish I’d had earlier in my career.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your vocal journey, this is for you. Stay tuned for updates—it’s going to change the way you care for your voice.
Have a few quick questions or need a quick vocal tune-up? Check out our new 20-Minute Online Voice Lessons, the most efficient way to work with a Top NYC Vocal Coach.
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