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Singer’s Reflux (LPR) vs GERD: How I Protect My Voice
Read Time: 3mins Reflux can damage a singer’s voice if left unmanaged. I know this because I’ve battled it through much of my career. Hoarseness, morning raspiness, and reduced vocal range left me anxious and unable to trust my instrument. Fortunately, reflux can be controlled, and with care, our voices can remain strong. The Two…
View PostVocal Nodules Explained: Tips Every Singer Needs
Read Time: 3mins Understanding Vocal Nodules In my three decades as a singing voice specialist, I’ve observed few words unsettle singers as quickly as “nodules.” Popular culture references like Pitch Perfect and stories of famous singers, including Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, and Luciano Pavarotti, have amplified this fear. Yet, many singers still misunderstand what nodules actually…
View PostOpioids and Singing Voice: Essential Tips for Vocal Health
Read Time: 4mins Why This Matters to You as a Singer As a singer, maintaining optimal vocal health is crucial. However, we often overlook how medications, particularly opioids used for pain relief, can significantly influence our vocal abilities. You might assume opioids only affect people with severe health conditions. Yet many singers encounter these medications…
View PostWhy Vocal Load and Vocal Dose Matter
Read Time: 3mins Have you ever left a rehearsal or gig with a hoarse voice? Or struggled to get through a long teaching day? You’re not alone—and the cause could be related to vocal load and vocal dose. These two concepts are essential for anyone who uses their voice regularly. That includes singers, teachers, speakers,…
View PostHydration for Vocal Health: Unlock Your Best Voice
Read Time: 3mins Hydration and Your Voice: Why It Matters When I talk about voice, I’m referring to your entire body—your instrument. Dehydration affects the efficiency of your voice. Reduced efficiency leads to fatigue, which can result in wear and tear. Let’s explore why hydration is essential and how it impacts your voice. The Role…
View PostBeat Vocal Fatigue: Proven Strategies for Every Singer
Read Time: 3mins Understanding Vocal Fatigue: A Guide for Singers Today, I want to talk about a common challenge for vocalists: vocal fatigue. Whether you’ve pushed hard during a performance or simply talked all night at a lively party, knowing how to handle vocal fatigue is crucial for your vocal longevity. What Exactly is Vocal…
View PostUnlocking the Health Benefits of Singing
Read Time: 3mins Embarking on a Harmonious Path Hello, friends! I’m Dr Dan, your companion in discovering how singing can elevate both our spirits and overall health. For nearly thirty years, I’ve seen transformations that transcend vocal skills, enriching lives with well-being. Together, let’s explore the profound health symphony orchestrated by singing. The Joy of…
View PostA Comprehensive Guide to Vocal Recovery After COVID-19
Read Time: 3mins Hello, I’m Dr Dan, a Contemporary Singing Voice Specialist with extensive experience in voice training. Today, I’m excited to share insights on vocal recovery post-COVID-19. While I hold a Doctor of Musical Arts, I am not a medical doctor, so please consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice. This guide aims to…
View PostSinging Through Sickness: A Guide to Vocal Resilience
Read Time: 3mins We all understand that falling ill can severely disrupt your singing practice and performance plans. However, there’s a silver lining: there are still constructive activities to help you continue your vocal development, even when you’re not feeling your best. In this revamped guide, I’ve aimed to provide a more engaging and comprehensive…
View PostThe Effects of Tobacco, Vaping, and Cannabis on Your Voice
Photo by elsaolofsson on Pixabay Read Time: 4mins In today’s society, the prevalence of smoking, vaping, and cannabis use has raised considerable concern, particularly for those who rely on their vocal health, such as singers, speakers, and performers. It’s crucial to understand how these habits can detrimentally affect vocal health. Understanding Our Voice Our voice…
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