Music Simply Music - Warm Fuzzies

Welcome to Vocalist's Insightful Practices(VIP) Newsletter!

April 10, 2000

Table of Contents:
1. Welcome Notes
2. Vocal "Trivia"
3. VIP Q & A
4. Vocal Tip
5. Notable Quotables
6. Trivia Answers

1. Welcome Notes

Welcome to Vocalist's Insightful Practices (VIP)! I hope for you that the start of 2000 has been healthy and successful. Thanks for all the positive feedback!

Welcome to our new subscribers and thank you to our friends who forward VIP to their friends. That's how we grow and have a greater impact on the vocal community!

VIP is a free monthly newsletter that's goal is to promote proper vocal health by providing valuable, yet simple tips to singers, vocal coaches, speakers and anyone else who uses their voice! I hope that this electronic publication assists you in creating a voice which is more healthy, powerful and enjoyable. Please let me know how I can be of service to you in reaching your vocal goals. Take care of your voice, if it breaks you can't get a new one!

Note to subscribers:
Do you have all VIP issues since it's premier in June 1999? E-mail me today to receive back issues! If you have a question that you would like to see addressed in an upcoming issue, e-mail me with the info!

Another note to subscribers:
Thanks for your response in reference to receiving back issues. We are still having some challenges making them accessible directly through the vocal page of the Music Simply Music web site. We are presently working on it. In the meantime, thanks for your patience!

You may contact me at Mail to: DAmbrosino@musicsimplymusic.com

Mail to: DAmbrosino@musicsimplymusic.com ___________________________________________________

2. Test Your Vocal Knowledge

1. True or False: Excessive phlegm is reduced by reducing the comsumption of dairy products.

2. A lack of proper breath support can cause your pitch to go sharp or flat.

3. A composition for voice without text is called a ______________.

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3. VIP

Q & A

Q: I seem to be experiencing chronic hoarseness. What should I do?

A: Your hoarseness can be a result of many things of which only you and/or an otolaryngolist can determine. Are you a smoker? Are you often in a smoky environment? Are your ineffectively yelling at your child's soccer game? Are you sleeping poorly? Do you "over-talk?" Are you constantly coughing? Are you not drinking enough water? Any of the above may be the culprit of your hoarseness. The remedy for many of these symptoms can be applied with just a bit of common sense. Remove yourself from a smoky environment. Bundle up in cold weather. Stop yelling! Sleep, drink (non-alcoholic beverages, of course!!)and eat well! Stop smoking (easier said than done!). Take care of your body - it IS your instrument. If you are hoarse after singing or speaking just a short time, you might be ineffectively using your voice.

Here are some simple tips:

-Speak and sing with a slight yawn in the back of your throat - ALWAYS!

-Keep your throat moist with warm, non-dairy liquids.

-Be conscious of diaphragmatic breathing, especially when you are tired.

-Gargle with warm water and salt when you are experiencing a scratchy throat.

-Rest when you are tired or ill.

-Take extra vitamin C and drink lots of water when you feel a cold coming on.

-Sleep with a humidifier and apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly in your nostrils to keep nose and throat moist.

-Clear your throat with a "huh" sound instead of a harsh, rasping sound to avoid irritation of your throat.

-Treat your voice with respect - it's the only one you've got!

Should you experience continued hoarseness, I suggest you make an appointment with an otolaryngolist (ears, nose and throat physician), as you may have already damaged your vocal cords. Upon his or her diagnosis, it may be suggested that you work with a speech therapist and greatly curtail or even stop singing and speaking. This can be a very trying time (especially if speaking or singing in your livelihood); but you have to re-condition all your speech patterns and singing techniques. If you continue to utilize poor technique, you are headed towards disaster...a voice with irreversible damage. Stay positive, for once you learn the correct way to use your voice, you are well on your way to a more healthy and enjoyable voice that will thrive the rest of your life. And remember what I preach every newsletter...Take care of your voice- if it breaks, you can't get a new one!

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4. Vocal Tip

If you find yourself in a smoky and/or loud environment, try the following:

-Drink extra amounts of water (room temperature is best).

-Wet a paper towel, squeeze out the excess water, put against your nose and sniff to moisten your nostrils.

-Drastically limit your speaking and don't try to speak over the high volume.

-Remove yourself from the environment as often as possible. If you are performing in this environment, leave during every break to a cleaner, quieter environment AND don't book yourself there anymore!

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5. Notable Quotables

"One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and if it were possible, to spread a few reasonable words." -Goethe

"I believe that if I let my diaphragm be lazy for five or six days, it will not be ready when it's time." -Luciano Pavarotti

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6. Trivia Answers

1. true

2. flat

3. vocalise

All rights reserved. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute VIP so long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached. The author of this article is Diane Ambrosino and she may be contacted at: mailto:DAmbrosino@musicsimplymusic.com

"We enjoy what we do, and so will you!"
phone: 516-471-4358
fax: 516-471-8311

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