Haven't sang in years...

Joe · 04-17-2006, 11:12 AM

I need some help.

It's been many years since I have sang with any regularity. When I went to rehersal a few weeks and jumped in, I found myself very hoarse after only three hours of singing.

On top of that, I am experiencing my normal spring time allergies and (not to be gross here) draining which leaves me clearing my throat all the time. I'm getting worried that I am going to blow out my voice in a very short period of time.... or be on stage when my voice dies due to needing to clear my throat. My asthma complicates matters even more!

What suggestions do you have.

**LizC** · 04-17-2006, 11:24 AM

I can get you a great deal on earplugs...

**thewillowtree** · 04-17-2006, 12:02 PM

Some things I always keep around are Throat Coat (or other brand of slippery elm tea.... just stay away from Yogi Tea brand... unless you like the taste of burnt licorice) and Mucinex/Guafenesin. Slippery Elm really soothes the throat without actually coating it (despite the name). Guafenesin is an expectorant and will help clear out the gunk (technical term there). I take it as a decongestant as well because pseudoephedrine knocks me out. Other tips - drink lots of water. I can't emphasize that enough. Don't push the volume right now. It will come as your voice regains its strength. And take care of yourself. Think of the care that musicians give their instruments. Your body *is* your instrument, and what you do to it will affect your sound. Get plenty of rest, and do some stretches/relaxation exercises before you start rehearsal so you can leave the day's stress outside. In general, though, when you're singing, if it hurts, you're doing something wrong.

BTW, after not singing regularly for several years, three hours is not something you call "only." That's a lot, even for regular singers, especially depending on how the music sits in your voice.

I know a few vocal exercises to strengthen the vocal chords, if you're interested. Remember, your chords are muscles, and just like any othe rmuscles, if you don't use them regularly, they lose their strength and it will take time and work to get it back.

**Eric_Bryant** · 04-17-2006, 12:31 PM

Have you ever used a Neti Pot? It's a little freaky the first couple of times you try it, but it's great for cleaning the sinuses while helping them retain their moisture. It won't take care of other seasonal allergy symptoms, but it will cut down on the drainage significantly. I've been using mine religiously since late fall, and I've noticed a marked decrease in drainage this year (normally I go through a box of tissues a day this time of year...now, hardly any!). My local doctor AND a Park Avenue ENT both recommend them - so there is support in Western medicine for them.

Here's a link that you may find helpful:
http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/neti-pot.htm

One word of caution...if you pursue this route, don't buy a plastic neti pot - there is inevitably a seam that can irritate the nasal passage. Buy ceramic. And I use Kosher Salt (you don't want to use regular table salt - too many impurities).

Good luck!

**DrewW** · 04-17-2006, 12:53 PM

Joe, my young friend, we need to talk. I've had a lot experience with this recently. As you know, I started singing a lot over the past 4 years after having taken a lengthy break. I had a lot of vocal trouble including some extensive medical tests.

I agree with those who have said the voice is like any other part of the body. It gets out of shape if not used. Regular, proper use will help. I also agree it would be common for a voice to tire after three hours.

I would be happy to share the ins and outs of my experiences. One of the things I have discovered (besides water and vocal excercises) is a spray called 'Entertainer's Secret'. It can help hydrate and soothe a dry, sore throat and hoarse voice. It is treating symptoms rather than a permanent fix, but it sure helps me get through some days.

I buy it at any CVS, but you have to ask the pharmacy for it because they don't sell enough of it to give it shelf space. (I guess that's why it's a secret.)

**Debby** · 04-17-2006, 01:11 PM

In the slippery elm department, I got some sample lozenges at the music industry trade show that was in town last summer. Thayer's is the brand and they come in cherry and orange as well as original flavor. It is SO freaky to feel the way it clears up your throat of all the mucus. It happens quite quickly. I like them because they don't taste like slippery elm if you get the flavors. Unfortunately, I've been using the samples, portioning them out like little nuggets of gold so I don't know where to get them locally.. It says on the back that you can get them at health food stores and I'd also assume music stores as singers were their target audience. Good luck and feel better soon!

**LizC** · 04-17-2006, 01:54 PM

Eric- is there any chance that you watched Six Feet Under? Season 4, I think? With a Neti Pot??

**thewillowtree** · 04-17-2006, 02:05 PM

http://thayers.com/cgi-bin/miva?/Mer...gory_Code=TSEL

link for Thayer's Lozenges

**Eric_Bryant** · 04-17-2006, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by LizC

Eric- is there any chance that you watched Six Feet Under? Season 4, I think? With a Neti Pot??

No! I watched the first 2 seasons religiously, but it quickly lost interest for me after that. What happened?

**LizC** · 04-17-2006, 02:17 PM

It was given as a gift to someone. Nothing bad but very funny and awkward since it is such a strange item. If you have Insight and HBO, the epsiode is in the On Demand queue right now.