TOTAL CARE VOICE PACKAGE

I got this valuable resources from attending NOISE Conference (29.04.2006).
Just want to share it with you, all passionate singers out there...!

*** By: libby huirua (of parachute band) & julia grace -

your voice is an instrument (just like any musical instrument). you need to know how to use the instrument. it does season with age. so TAKE CARE of what you have now.

an athlete will not go running without doing a warm up, because it can DAMAGE his mucles. same way before we sing it's important to warm up. when you sing, you're using your whole body, not just your vocal chord muscles.

remember, when doing warm up & sound check, don't stress your voice. because you want to save the best for when performing.

doing scales will help when warming up. humming is a good pre-warm up.

when singing, you need to know how a note feels, not just how it sounds. know how you get from one note to the other. intervals.

cold weather can affect your singing (throat), therefore keep your body (especially your neck) warm. also NEVER drink cold water.

avoid COFFEE and SOFT DRINKS!!!
avoid OILY food!!!

to avoid dry mouth when singing: hydrate your body (put water into your body system).

if you drink alot of water just before singing, the water will only end up in your stomach (not long after you sing you will need to go to toilet). but if you drink water regularly (2 litres a day), the water will circulate in your whole body.

before performing (when you rehearse at home):
1. perform at same intensity as on stage (if you plan to sing and jump at the same time on stage, then rehearse at home singing and jumping at the same time), so your body is prepared
2. sing in a higher key, so you pass the benchmark, and you'll be able/comfortable to sing at the appropriate note

what happens internally (in your mind/heart) also affect your singing/voice. eg: your emotion, when you are stressed/sick

it's your responsibility to be as FIT as you can. eg. aerobic fitness - develop lung capacity (try sing + excercise at the same time). when you excercise, it builds strength and oxygenise your body.

SLEEP is super important. it will affect your voice when you don't have enough sleep. relax your vocal chords. responsibility. DON'T sleep late when you know you're singing the next day.

if you have sore throat, DON'T SING. better, don't speak at all. it can damage your voice. try natural remedy, eg. honey.